FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to packaging containing a consumable.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It is know for consumers to purchase dehydrated (i.e. dried), or partially dehydrated,
foodstuffs (e.g. porridge oats, dried soup mixes, pasta, noodles etc.).
[0003] Typically, such foodstuffs are provided in containers in which they may be hydrated,
e.g. rehydrated, and heated prior to consumption by the consumer. This hydration and
heating may be achieved, for example, by adding a hot liquid to the container containing
the dehydrated or partially dehydrated foodstuff.
[0004] The containers in which the dehydrated, or partially dehydrated, foodstuffs are provided
are large enough to contain the foodstuff after it has been hydrated for consumption.
However, whilst the foodstuff is in its dehydrated or partially dehydrated state,
the volume of the container tends to be much larger than that occupied by the foodstuff.
Thus, space is wasted.
[0005] GB 2 080 756 discloses an example of a packaging containing an amount of a consumable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a packaging according to claim 1, a method according
to claim 12 and a container according to claim 14.
[0007] The elastic side wall may comprise a bellows-like structure.
[0008] The container may further comprise a non-expandable top portion disposed between
the open end and the elastic side wall, the top portion being contiguous with the
opening.
[0009] The non-expandable top portion may comprise a flange or shoulder.
[0010] The non-expandable top portion may comprise an externally screw-threaded portion
for receiving an internally screw-threaded lid.
[0011] The container may further comprise a non-expandable bottom portion disposed between
the closed end and the elastic side wall, the bottom portion being contiguous with
the closed end.
[0012] The container may be made of a heat resistant material.
[0013] The compound may comprise 93% low density polyethylene. The compound may comprise
7% high density polyethylene.
[0014] Prior to being expanded, the height of the container may be between 40mm and 50mm.
[0015] The container may be expandable such that the height of the container is between
70mm and 90mm.
[0016] The consumable may be a consumable selected from a group consisting of a foodstuff,
a medicine, paint and powdered paint.
[0017] The consumable may be an at least partially dehydrated foodstuff.
[0018] The closure may be perforated.
[0019] The closure may be an airtight seal. The container may be expandable such that, on
removing or breaking the airtight seal, the container may be expanded to have a second
volume. Such expansion of the container to have the second volume may be unaided expansion
caused by the elasticity of the container.
[0020] The consumable may be to be combined with an amount of liquid, and the second volume
may be greater than or equal to a volume occupied by the combination of the amount
of the consumable and the amount of the liquid.
[0021] The step of closing may be by means of an airtight seal.
[0022] The elastic side wall may be compressible along its length such that the height of
the container when the elastic side wall is in its uncompressed state is larger than
the height of the container when the elastic side wall is in its compressed state.
[0023] The elastic side wall may comprise a bellows-like structure.
[0024] The container may further comprise a non-expandable top portion disposed between
the open end and the elastic side wall, the top portion being contiguous with the
opening.
[0025] The non-expandable top portion may comprise a flange or shoulder and the step of
compressing the container is performed by applying a force to the flange or shoulder.
[0026] The non-expandable top portion may comprise an externally screw-threaded portion,
and the step of closing comprises screwing an internally screw-threaded lid onto the
externally screw-threaded portion.
[0027] The container may further comprise a non-expandable bottom portion disposed between
the closed end and the elastic side wall.
[0028] The container may be made of a heat resistant material.
[0029] Prior to being expanded, the height of the container may be between 40mm and 50mm.
[0030] The container may be expandable such that the height of the container is between
80mm and 90mm.
[0031] The consumable may be a consumable selected from a group consisting of a foodstuff,
a medicine, paint and powdered paint.
[0032] The consumable may be an at least partially dehydrated foodstuff.
[0033] The non-expandable top portion may comprise a flange or shoulder.
[0034] The container may be made of a heat resistant material.
[0035] When the elastic side wall is in its original position, the height of the container
may be 80mm.
[0036] When the elastic side wall is in its compressed position, the height of the container
may be between 40mm and 50mm.
[0037] When the elastic side wall is in its compressed position, the height of the container
may be 45mm.
[0038] The step of closing may be performed by means of an airtight seal applied over the
open end of the container.
[0039] The step of closing may comprise screwing an internally screw-threaded lid onto the
externally screw-threaded portion.
[0040] The step of compressing the container may comprise applying a force to the flange
or shoulder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041]
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of an expandable
container;
Figure 2 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of the container
in its fully expanded state;
Figure 3 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of the container
in its fully compressed state;
Figure 4 is a process flow chart showing certain steps of an embodiment of a process
of packaging a foodstuff using the container;
Figure 5 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view the container coupled
to a filling apparatus;
Figure 6 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a top view the container coupled
to the filling apparatus;
Figure 7 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a cross section of the container
2 coupled to the filling apparatus;
Figure 8 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view the container coupled
to the filling apparatus;
Figure 9 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a cross section of the container
coupled to the filling apparatus;
Figure 10 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an exploded view the packaging
containing the foodstuff;
Figure 11 is a process flow chart showing certain steps of an example process by which
a consumer may use the packaging and foodstuff provided therein;
Figure 12 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of a further container
in its fully expanded state;
Figure 13 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of the further
container in its fully compressed state; and
Figure 14 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of a second further
container in its fully expanded state; and
Figure 15 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of the second
further container in its fully compressed state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like elements.
[0043] The following description is based on embodiments of the invention and should not
be taken as limiting the invention with regard to alternative embodiments that are
not explicitly described herein. The container described hereafter, which is made
of low density (LDPE), is not covered by the invention defined in the appended claims.
[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of an expandable
container 2.
[0045] The container 2 comprises a top portion 4, a bottom portion 6, and an intermediate
portion 8. The intermediate portion 8 is disposed between the top portion 4 and the
bottom portion 6. The intermediate portion 8 has a bellow-like structure and may be
expanded or compressed in folds like a bellows or a concertina. In other words, the
intermediate portion 8 is expandable (i.e. may be elongated) and compressed.
[0046] The container 2 is generally cylindrical in shape. The container 2 is made of low
density polyethylene (LDPE). The container 2 may be made using any appropriate process,
e.g. blow-moulding. The container may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.
[0047] The container 2 is shown in Figure 1 in its fully expanded state.
[0048] The container 2 may be changed from its fully expanded state to a fully compressed
state by applying a compressive force (sufficient to overcome the resistive force
of the intermediate portion 8, i.e. to overcome the resilience of the intermediate
portion 8) to move the top portion 4 and the bottom portion 6 together.
[0049] During the process of compression of the container 2, i.e. during the process of
changing the container 2 from its fully expanded state to its fully compressed state,
the volume of the container 2 reduces, i.e. the cavity of the container 2 is made
smaller. Thus, air is forced out of the container 2 through the opening 10.
[0050] When the container 2 has been compressed into its compressed state, and the compressive
force that compressed the container 2 into its compressed state has been removed,
the elasticity of the intermediate portion 8 is such that the container 2 expands
back to its fully expanded state of its own accord. In other words, the intermediate
portion 8 has sufficient elasticity to return to its original state (i.e. the expanded
state) unaided. Thus, the intermediate portion 8 is an elastic side wall of the container
2.
[0051] During the process of expansion of the container 2, i.e. during the process by which
the container 2 reverts to its fully expanded state (due to the elasticity of the
intermediate portion 8), the volume of the container 2 increases, i.e. the cavity
of the container 2 gets larger. Thus, air is drawn into the container 2 through the
opening 10.
[0052] The top portion 4 forms the top of the container 2. The top portion 4 comprises an
opening 10 through which foodstuffs may be placed into, or removed from, the container
2.
[0053] The top portion 4 further comprises a screw threaded portion 12 and a flange 14.
[0054] The screw threaded portion 12 is disposed between the opening 10 and the flange 14.
The screw thread of the screw threaded portion 12 is disposed on the external surface
of the top portion 4, i.e. the screw thread is an external screw thread.
[0055] The screw threaded portion 12 is contiguous with the opening 10. The flange 14 projects
radially outwards from the upright surface of the top portion 4. The flange 14 is
continuous around the circumference of the top portion 4.
[0056] The bottom portion 6 forms the bottom (i.e. closed end) of the container 2. The bottom
portion 6 is non-expandable and non-compressible (relative to the intermediate portion
8).
[0057] The intermediate portion 8 comprises a plurality of tapered rings 16. Each tapered
ring 16 has the shape of the frustum of a cone. Each tapered ring 16 has a relative
larger diameter at one end, and a relatively smaller diameter at an opposite end.
[0058] In the intermediate portion 8, the tapered rings 16 are disposed as follows. At the
top of the intermediate portion 8, a tapered ring 16 is attached, at the end of that
tapered ring 16 having the relatively larger diameter, to the top portion 4. Also,
at the bottom of the intermediate portion 8, a tapered ring 16 is attached, at the
end of that tapered ring 16 having the relatively larger diameter, to the bottom portion
4. A plurality of tapered rings 16 are contiguously disposed between the tapered ring
16 at the top of the intermediate portion 8 and the tapered ring 16 at the bottom
of the intermediate portion 8. This is such that the end of a tapered ring 16 having
the relatively larger diameter is attached to the end having the relatively larger
diameter of an adjacent tapered ring 16. Also, this is such that the end of a tapered
ring 16 having the relatively smaller diameter is attached to the end having the relatively
smaller diameter of an adjacent tapered ring 16.
[0059] In other words, the intermediate portion 8 comprises a bellows-like structure formed
from a contiguous series of tapered rings 16.
[0060] Under a compressive force that moves the top portion 4 and the bottom portion 6 together,
the ends of the tapered rings 16 that have the relatively larger diameters move closer
together. Also, the ends of the tapered rings 16 that have the relatively smaller
diameters move closer together. When this compressive force is removed, the elasticity
of the intermediate portion 8 is such that the ends of the tapered rings 16 that have
the relatively larger diameters move apart. Also, the ends of the tapered rings 16
that have the relatively smaller diameters move apart (i.e. the intermediate portion
reverts to its original expanded state).
[0061] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of the container
2 in its fully expanded state.
[0062] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of the container
2 in its fully compressed state.
[0063] Figures 2 and 3 indicate the dimensions of the container 2 in this embodiment.
[0064] Preferably, the height of the container 2 in its fully expanded state is in the range
70mm to 90mm. More preferably, the height of the container 2 in its fully expanded
state is 80mm. Preferably, the volume of the container 2 in its fully expanded state
is approximately 355ml.
[0065] Preferably, the height of the container 2 in its fully compressed state is in the
range 40mm to 50mm. More preferably, the height of the container 2 in its fully compressed
state is 45mm. Preferably, the height of the container 2 in its fully compressed state
from its closed end (i.e. the bottom of the bottom portion 6) to the underside of
the flange 14 is 29.65mm.
[0066] In other embodiments, the ratio between the height of the container 2 in its fully
expanded state and the height of the container 2 in its fully compressed state may
be a different value. For example, in other embodiments, the height of the container
2 in its fully compressed state may be less than or equal to three quarters of the
container 2 in its fully expanded state. In other embodiments, the height of the container
2 in its fully compressed state may be less than or equal to two thirds of the container
2 in its fully expanded state. In other embodiments, the height of the container 2
in its fully compressed state may be less than or equal to half of the container 2
in its fully expanded state. In other embodiments, the height of the container 2 in
its fully compressed state may be less than or equal to one third of the container
2 in its fully expanded state. In other embodiments, the height of the container 2
in its fully compressed state may be less than or equal to one quarter of the container
2 in its fully expanded state.
[0067] Preferably, the vertical height of the top portion 4 from the opening 10 to the upper
surface of the flange 14 is 12mm. Preferably, the external diameter of the flange
14 of the top portion 4 is 87mm.
[0068] Preferably, the external diameter of the bottom portion 6 is 87mm.
[0069] As described in more detail later below with reference to Figures 4 and 5, when the
container is in its fully compressed state (as shown in Figure 3), the container is
filled with a foodstuff. This foodstuff is not shown in Figure 3 and will be described
in more detail later below. The container 2 may be filled with any appropriate amount
of foodstuff, for example, 60g to70g of the foodstuff, or 50ml to 120ml of the foodstuff.
The volume occupied by the foodstuff is less than or equal to the volume of the fully
compressed container 2.
[0070] Figure 4 is a process flow chart showing certain steps of an embodiment of a process
of packaging a foodstuff (using the container 2) for delivery to a consumer.
[0071] At step s2, the container 2 is coupled to a filling apparatus.
[0072] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view the container
2 coupled to the filling apparatus at step s2.
[0073] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a top view the container 2
coupled to the filling apparatus at step s2.
[0074] Figure 7 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a cross section (taken along
the dotted line X-X shown in Figure 5) of the container 2 coupled to the filling apparatus
at step s2.
[0075] The filling apparatus comprises a conveyor belt 20 and two parallel rails 22.
[0076] The conveyor belt 20 is configured to move objects placed on it (i.e. the container
2) in the direction indicated in Figures 5 and 6 by the arrow and the reference numeral
24.
[0077] When viewed from above, i.e. as shown in Figure 6, the conveyor belt 20 and the rails
22 are parallel. In particular, the rails 22 are parallel to the direction 24 of the
conveyor belt 20. Also, when viewed from above, the distance between the rails is
substantially equal to the external diameter of the opening 10 of the container 2.
[0078] When viewed from the side, i.e. as shown in Figure 5, the height of a rail 22 above
that point is substantially equal to the height of the other rail 22 above that point.
[0079] Also, when viewed from the side, the height of the rails 22 above the conveyor belt
20 reduces along the length of the conveyor belt 20 in the direction 24 of the conveyor
belt 20. In particular, in this embodiment the height of the rails 22 above the conveyor
belt 20 reduces from a first height 100 (the first height 100 being substantially
equal to the height of the flange 14 above the bottom of the container 2 when the
container is in its fully expanded state) to a second height 102 (the second height
102 being substantially equal to the height of the flange 14 above the bottom of the
container 2 when the container is in its fully compressed state).
[0080] In this embodiment, at step s2, container 2 is placed upright on the conveyor belt
20 such that the bottom of the container 2 (i.e. the closed end) is in contact with
the conveyor belt 20, and such that the opening 10 (at the top of the container 2)
is accessible from above.
[0081] Also, in this embodiment, at step s2 the container 2 is positioned at a point along
the conveyor belt where the rails 22 are at the first height 100 with respect to the
conveyor belt 20. Also, in this embodiment, at step s2 the container 2 is positioned
such that the rails 22 are in contact with an upper surface of the flange 14, and
at opposite sides of the container 2 from one another.
[0082] At step s4, the container 2 is compressed. In this embodiment, this compression of
the container 2 is performed by, using the conveyor belt 20, moving (i.e. conveying)
the container 2 with respect to the rails 22 from the position where the rails 22
are at the first height 100 with respect to the conveyor belt 20, to a position where
the rails 22 are at the second height 102 with respect to the conveyor belt 20.
[0083] Figure 8 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view the container
2 coupled to the filling apparatus after step s4 has been performed.
[0084] Figure 9 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a cross section (taken along
the line Y-Y shown in Figure 8) of the container 2 coupled to the filling apparatus
after step s4 has been performed.
[0085] As the container 2 is moved by the conveyor belt 20 with respect to the rails 22,
the height of the rails 22 above the conveyor belt 20 changes from the first height
100 to the second height 102. Thus, as the container 2 is moved by the conveyor belt
20 with respect to the rails 22, the rails 22 exert a downwards (i.e. compressive)
force on the upper surface of the flange 14. This force exerted by the rails 22 is
sufficient to overcome the resistive force of the intermediate portion 8 and so the
container 2 is compressed into its fully compressed state.
[0086] During the compression of the container 2, air is forced out of the container 2 via
the opening 10.
[0087] At step s6, whilst in its fully compressed state, the container 2 is filled with
a predetermined amount of a foodstuff. In other words, a predetermined amount of a
foodstuff is inserted into the fully compressed container 2.
[0088] Preferably, the predetermined amount of foodstuff is in the range 60g to 70g of foodstuff.
The volume occupied by the predetermined amount of (dried) foodstuff is less than
or equal to the volume of the container 2 in its fully compressed state.
[0089] In this embodiment, the foodstuff is a dried foodstuff. The terminology "dried foodstuff'
is used herein to refer a dehydrated foodstuff or partially dehydrated foodstuff (i.e.
an at least partially dehydrated foodstuff) that is to be hydrated (e.g. rehydrated)
prior to consumption by a consumer. Also, in this embodiment, the foodstuff is a foodstuff
that is to be heated prior to consumption by a consumer. For example, the foodstuff
may be porridge oats, dried soup, dry pasta, dry couscous, dry noodles, dried rice
pudding, dried risotto, etc. The foodstuff may also be a dried drink, for example
dried coffee granules (e.g. freeze-dried coffee), dried tea, dried chocolate drink,
etc. The foodstuff may also be a foodstuff that is to be diluted prior to consumption,
e.g. a cordial or syrup. Hydration and heating of the foodstuff may be achieved by
adding a hot liquid (e.g. boiling water) to the foodstuff, e.g. as described in more
detail later below with reference Figure 11.
[0090] The volume occupied by the predetermined amount of foodstuff after the foodstuff
has been hydrated (e.g. rehydrated) for consumption is greater the volume of the container
2 in its fully compressed state.
[0091] At step s7, an airtight seal is applied over the opening 10 of the container 2.
[0092] In this embodiment, the airtight seal is applied by a sealing unit (not shown in
the Figures). Also, in this embodiment the airtight seal is made of a coextruded paper
or polyethylene film. The airtight seal is applied to the opening a using heat based
adhesion process that effectively welds a part of the seal to the container rim by
application of heat. In other embodiments a different type of airtight seal is used
(e.g. an aluminium foil). Also, in other embodiments, a different method for affixing
the seal to the container 2 is used (e.g. gluing).
[0093] The air tight seal applied at step s7 prevents air entering the container 2 (via
the opening 10). Since air is prevented from entering the container 2, the container
2 is prevented from reverting to its fully expanded state. In other words, when the
airtight seal is applied to the opening 10, if the compressive force applied to the
container 2 by the rails 22 were to be removed, the elasticity of the intermediate
portion 8 would attempt to revert the container 2 back to its original (expanded)
state. This would lower the air pressure inside the container 2 relative to the air
pressure on the outside of the container 2. This relatively high air pressure on the
outside of the container 2 would hold the container 2 in its compressed state.
[0094] At step s8, a rigid plastic lid is screwed onto the screw-threaded portion 12 of
the container 2. Thus, packaging containing the foodstuff is formed.
[0095] Figure 10 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an exploded view the packaging
containing the foodstuff 28.
[0096] The packaging comprises the container 2 (in its compressed state), the airtight seal
30, and the lid 32.
[0097] The foodstuff 28 is positioned inside the compressed container 2, i.e. inside the
cavity of the container 2 whilst in its compressed state.
[0098] The airtight seal 30 seals the opening 10 of the container 2, thereby keeping the
container 2 in its compressed state. The container 2 is kept in its compressed state
as long as the airtight seal 30 remains intact, i.e. prevents air entering the container
2 via the opening 10.
[0099] The lid 32 comprises an internal screw threaded portion (not shown). The lid 32 is
screwed onto the screw-threaded portion 12 of the compressed container 2. The lid
32 advantageously tends to prevent damage to, or tampering with, the airtight seal
30. In particular, the lid 32 tends to prevent the airtight seal 30 being comprised
and undesirably permitting air to enter to container 2 (and thereby allowing the container
2 to revert back to its expanded state).
[0100] In this embodiment, the lid 32 further comprises a plurality of ridges 34 around
its circumference. These ridges 34 advantageously tend to facilitate the gripping
of the lid 32 by a consumer to aid the removal of the lid 32 from the container 2.
However, in other embodiments, the lid 32 does not comprise such ridges, i.e. the
lid 32 is smooth.
[0101] The lid 32 provides a further airtight seal for the container 2. Thus, either one
of the lid 32 or the airtight seal 30 may be removed and the container 2 will remain
in its fully compressed state (because the other of the airtight seal 30 or lid 32
is remains intact thereby preventing the expansion of the container 2).
[0102] At step s10, the packaging containing the foodstuff 28 is removed from the filling
apparatus for delivery to a consumer. The packaging remains in its fully compressed
state as the airtight seal 30 prevents air entering the container 2 through the opening
10.
[0103] Prior to delivery to the consumer, the packaging may, for example, by covered by
a decorative sleeve that may comprise e.g. instructions for use, nutritional information
etc.
[0104] Thus, a process of packaging a foodstuff 28 (using the container 2) is provided.
[0105] Figure 11 is a process flow chart showing certain steps of an example process by
which a consumer may use the packaging and foodstuff 28 provided therein.
[0106] At step s20, the consumer removes, by unscrewing, the lid 32 from the container 2.
[0107] At step s22, the consumer removes the airtight seal 30 from the container 2.
[0108] At step s24, the container 2 reverts to its original expanded form.
[0109] In particular, the elasticity of the intermediate portion 8 causes the intermediate
portion 8 to extend (moving apart the top and bottom portions 4, 6). This expansion
draws air into the container 2 from outside the container, through the opening 10
(from which the seal 30 has been removed). The intermediate portion 8 expands until
the container 2 is in its original fully expanded state.
[0110] At step s26, the consumer adds a pre-determined amount of a hot liquid to the container
2.
[0111] The pre-determined amount of the hot liquid is an amount sufficient to hydrate the
foodstuff 28. The pre-determined amount of hot liquid may be indicated to the consumer
in any appropriate way, for example, by a mark on the surface of the container 2 to
which the container 2 is to be filled with hot liquid (i.e. a "fill level" marker).
[0112] Thus, at step s26, the foodstuff 26 is hydrated and heated inside the container 2.
[0113] In this embodiment, the volume occupied by the predetermined amount of the foodstuff
28 after it has been hydrated with a (further) predetermined amount of liquid is less
than or equal to the volume of the container 2 in its fully expanded state.
[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the volume occupied by the predetermined amount
of the foodstuff 28 after it has been hydrated with the (further) predetermined amount
of liquid is greater than the volume of the container 2 in its fully compressed state.
[0115] The consumer, at step s26, may replace the screw lid 32 onto the container 2 and
leave the foodstuff 28 to stand (i.e. to "cook") for a certain time period. The replacement
of the lid 32 advantageously tends to prevent spillage of the heated and hydrated
foodstuff 28 during the cooking process, and also tends to prevent the heated and
hydrated foodstuff 28 cooling too much before consumption.
[0116] At step s28, the consumer consumes the contents of the container 2 (i.e. the hydrated
and heated foodstuff 28) from the container 2.
[0117] The container 2 advantageously provides a vessel from which the hydrated foodstuff
28 may be consumed.
[0118] Thus, a method of use by a consumer is provided.
[0119] The container being made of LDPE advantageously tends to provide that the container
is sufficiently flexible to allow for relatively easy compression (from the fully
expanded state to the fully compressed state). Also, the container being made of LDPE
advantageously tends to provide that the container is sufficiently elastic to provide
that the intermediate portion of the container reverts the container back to its original
expanded state from a compressed state when a compressive force is removed from the
container.
[0120] Advantageously, the wall thickness of the container is such that the container is
sufficiently flexible to allow for relatively easy compression (from the fully expanded
state to the fully compressed state). Also, advantageously the wall thickness of the
container is such that container is sufficiently elastic to provide that the intermediate
portion of the container reverts the container back to its original expanded state
from a compressed state when a compressive force is removed from the container. Preferably,
the wall thickness of the container 2 is 0.75mm and 1.5mm.
[0121] The container is advantageously recyclable.
[0122] The container is advantageously reusable. For example, after the foodstuff has been
consumed, the container may be recompressed and refilled, and an airtight seal (e.g.
the screw lid) reapplied. The reapplied airtight seal prevents air entering into the
container, thereby keeping the container in its recompressed (e.g. fully compressed)
state.
[0123] Preferably, the height of the container in its fully compressed state (i.e. the height
of the packaging containing the foodstuff) is less than or equal to 45mm. This advantageously
provides that the packaging containing the foodstuff is space-efficient in the vertical
direction. Thus, for example, the packaging containing foodstuff tends to be compatible
with food trays used to serve food to customers onboard commercial aircraft. Such
airline food-trays typically do not contain food packaging that is above 45mm in height.
This is so that the food trays can be stowed on board the aircraft easily.
[0124] The volume of the container in its fully compressed state (i.e. the volume of the
packaging containing the foodstuff when it is delivered/transported to the consumer)
is relatively small compared to the volume of the container in its fully expanded
form (i.e. the volume of the container when the foodstuff is consumed by the consumer).
Thus, prior to consumption, the packaging tends to be relatively space efficient and
compact. In other words, space requirements for storage and/or transport of the packaging
containing the foodstuff tend to be advantageously reduced.
[0125] Furthermore, in the compressed state, the packaging containing the foodstuff tends
to be advantageously portable e.g. by a consumer. Thus, the packaging containing the
foodstuff may easily be transported by the consumer e.g. to work etc.
[0126] The container having an expanded state advantageously provides that a vessel that
is large enough to contain the hydrated foodstuff is supplied to the consumer. Thus,
the consumer may conveniently use the container to consume the hydrated foodstuff
from.
[0127] The airtight seal provided by the airtight seal 30 and the lid 32 advantageously
provides that the foodstuff is kept relatively fresh (and free from contamination)
prior to consumption by the consumer.
[0128] The above described filling apparatus advantageously tends to provide for a continuous
production line. This tends to be an efficient manufacturing method.
[0129] The volume of the container in its expanded state may advantageously be such that
the hydrated and heated foodstuff does not extend above the intermediate portion.
In such a case, the non-extendable top portion of the container advantageously an
area that the consumer may grip the container without experiencing discomfort from
the heat of the hydrated and heated foodstuff.
[0130] It should be noted that certain of the process steps depicted in the flowcharts of
Figures 4 and 11 and described above may be omitted or such process steps may be performed
in differing order to that presented above and shown in those Figures. Furthermore,
although all the process steps have, for convenience and ease of understanding, been
depicted as discrete temporally-sequential steps, nevertheless some of the process
steps may in fact be performed simultaneously or at least overlapping to some extent
temporally.
[0131] In the above embodiments, the container is generally cylindrical in shape, made of
LDPE, and may be made using any appropriate process, e.g. blow-moulding. However,
in other embodiments, the container may be a different shape (e.g. a cuboid) and/or
made of a different appropriate material. For example, the container may be made of
silicon. This is advantageously flexible and heat resistant. Furthermore, in other
embodiments, the container may be made using a different process.
[0132] According to the invention, the container is made of a compound of low-density polyethylene
(LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The container is made of a compound of
LDPE and HDPE, the compound comprises 5-10% HDPE and 90-95% LDPE. Preferably, the
compound comprises 7% HDPE and 93% LDPE. The container being made of a compound of
LDPE and HDPE advantageously tends to increase the stiffness of the container such
that the container is sufficiently flexible to allow for relatively easy compression
(from the fully expanded state to the fully compressed state). Also, the container
being made of a compound of LDPE and HDPE advantageously tends to provide that the
container is sufficiently elastic to provide that the intermediate portion of the
container reverts the container back to its original expanded state from a compressed
state when a compressive force is removed from the container. Also, the container
being made of a compound of LDPE and HDPE advantageously tends to provide that the
container is stiffer (more rigid) than if the container is made of LDPE alone. This
tends to provide that, e.g. during the filling process described herein, deformation
of the container other than that desired (i.e. other than the deformation of the intermediate
portion during compression of the container from its fully expanded state to the fully
compressed state) is reduced or eliminated. For example, deformation of the top and
bottom portions of the container tends not to occur (e.g. during filling).
[0133] In the above embodiments, the container is elastic, i.e. when the container has been
compressed into its fully compressed state, and a compressive force that compressed
the container is removed from the container, the container expands back to its fully
expanded state (due to the elasticity of the intermediate portion). However, in other
embodiments, the container is not elastic. In other words, when the container has
been compressed into its fully compressed state, and a compressive force that compressed
the container is removed from the container, the container does not automatically
expand back to its fully expanded state, and instead remains in its compressed state.
In this case, the container may be changed from its fully compressed state back to
its fully expanded state by applying an expansive force (sufficient to overcome the
resistive force of the intermediate portion, i.e. to overcome the resilience of the
intermediate portion) to move the top portion and the bottom portion apart. In such
further embodiments, the container does not revert to its expanded state when the
airtight seal is removed (at step s24 of the process of Figure 11). Instead, the volume
of the container may be expanded by the consumer by applying an expansive force to
the container.
[0134] In embodiments in which the container is not elastic, the seal (provided by the seal
30 and/or the lid 32) may not be airtight, i.e. the seal may be a different type of
closure for closing the opening of the container. For example, a closure may allow
air into the container, but prevent the consumable falling out of the container, e.g.
the seal may be a perforated closure. In these embodiments, the seal/closure is for
preventing the consumable leaving, e.g. being removed from, the container.
[0135] In the above embodiments, expansion/compression of the container is provided by the
intermediate portion of the container (i.e. the bellows-like portion of the container
disposed between the top and bottom portions). However, in other embodiments, this
expansion/compression functionality is provided by different means, for example a
telescopic structure. In other embodiments, the intermediate portion may comprise
a different number, and/or different size of tapered rings (i.e. a different number
or different size of concertinas/folds).
[0136] In the above embodiments, the container has the dimensions described above with reference
to Figures 2 and 3. However, in other embodiments, the container has different dimensions.
For example, in other embodiments the container is large enough to contain an amount
of foodstuff that would feed a relatively large number of people. Such containers
may, for example, be used by charities, the military etc.
[0137] In the above embodiments, the foodstuff is packaged using the container as described
above with reference to Figures 4 - 10. The filling apparatus comprises a conveyor
belt a two rails. These elements apply a compressive force to the container whilst
it is filled. However, in other embodiments the foodstuff is packaged using the container
using a different method. Also, in other embodiments, a different filling apparatus
comprising one or more different elements may be used. For example, a filling apparatus
that comprises clamping means to apply a compressive force to the container whilst
it is filled may be implemented.
[0138] In the above embodiments, the foodstuff is a dried (i.e. dehydrated or partially
dehydrated foodstuff) that is to be hydrated (e.g. rehydrated, diluted etc.) prior
to consumption by a consumer. Hydration of the foodstuff may be achieved by adding
a liquid (e.g. boiling water or stock) to the foodstuff. However, in other embodiments
a different consumable is used other than a foodstuff. The different consumable is
to be hydrated prior to consumption by a consumer. For example, the consumable may
be a medicine that is to be hydrated (e.g. with water) before being consumed by, e.g.
a patient. Also for example, the consumable may be a paint powder or concentrated
paint that is to be mixed with, e.g., water or white spirit prior to use by an artist.
In some embodiments, the consumable contained within the container is a liquid, e.g.
a liquid having the viscosity of water, or a higher viscosity such as syrup.
[0139] In the above embodiments, the packaging comprises a seal 30 and a screw lid 32. Both
of these elements provide an airtight seal for the container while the container is
in its fully compressed state. However, in other embodiments, the airtight seal for
the container is provided by only one of the airtight seal 30 or the lid 32.
[0140] In other embodiments, an airtight seal for the container is provided by different
means.
[0141] In other embodiments the lid is a different type of lid. For example, in other embodiments
a lid for the container may be provided by a further container (e.g. a relatively
rigid container made of plastic, for example polyethylene). The further container
may attach to the container by attaching (e.g. clipping to the flange of the container,
e.g. using a plurality of protrusions). The further container may be used to contain
a consumable, e.g. a further foodstuff. The further foodstuff may be sealed in the
further container by means of a further airtight seal. The further foodstuff may be,
for example, a foodstuff that is not to be hydrated prior to consumption. For example,
the further foodstuff may be dried fruit, dry granola mixes, nuts, liquid honey, liquid
coulis, liquid sauce, etc. that may be added to the hydrated foodstuff in the container.
[0142] In such further embodiments, the volume occupied by the combination of the predetermined
amount of foodstuff after it has been hydrated with a predetermined amount of liquid
and the further foodstuff is less than or equal to the volume of the container in
its fully expanded state.
[0143] In such further embodiments, the container advantageously provides a vessel from
which the combination of the hydrated and heated foodstuff and the further foodstuff
may be consumed. This is provided by the container, in its expanded state, being of
sufficient size (i.e. having sufficient volume) to contain the combination of the
hydrated and heated foodstuff and the further foodstuff.
[0144] The two separate containers advantageously tend to provide that two different types
of foodstuff may be provided together (i.e. as a single product). The two different
types of foodstuff may be sealed in a respective container. Thus, prior to use by
the consumer, the two different types of foodstuff are kept separate. Thus, different
types of food stuff that are to be processed using different methods, by a consumer,
prior to consumption may advantageously be provided together (i.e. as a single product).
The two different types of foodstuff provided together in the above embodiments are
a dehydrated, or dried, foodstuff that is to be hydrated and heated prior to consumption,
and a further foodstuff that is not to be hydrated prior to consumption.
[0145] The two separate containers may be attached together in such a way that that, prior
to use by the consumer, the separation of the containers is opposed. Thus the contents
of the first and second containers tend to be kept together prior to use by the consumer
(and supplied to the consumer together as a single product). The further container
may be made of a clear material. Thus, a consumer may be able to see the contents
on the second container. Thus, a consumer may be able, for example, to distinguish
between different varieties of a product.
[0146] In the above embodiments, the container has the shape and dimensions described above
with reference to Figures 2 and 3. However, in other embodiments, the container has
different shape and/or dimensions. For example, in other embodiments the container
has the shape and dimensions shown in Figures 12 and 13. Also, in other embodiments
the container has the shape and dimensions shown in Figures 14 and 15 (which are described
in more detail later below after the description of Figures 12 and 13).
[0147] Figure 12 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of a further
container 100 in its fully expanded state.
[0148] Figure 13 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of the further
container 100 in its fully compressed state.
[0149] Features common to both the container 2 and the further container 100 are indicated
by the same reference numerals.
[0150] Figures 12 and 13 indicate the dimensions of the further container 100 in this further
embodiment.
[0151] Preferably, the height of the further container 100 in its fully expanded state is
in the range 70mm to 90mm. More preferably, the height of the further container 100
in its fully expanded state is 75.9mm. Preferably, the volume of the further container
100 in its fully expanded state is approximately 355ml.
[0152] Preferably, the height of the further container 100 in its fully compressed state
is in the range 40mm to 50mm. More preferably, the height of the further container
100 in its fully compressed state is 45mm.
[0153] The further container 100 comprises a shoulder 15 between its top portion 4 and its
intermediate portion 8. In the further container 100, this shoulder 15 replaces the
flange 14 of the container 2. This shoulder 15 serves the same purpose as the flange
14 of the container 2, i.e. providing a surface upon which a downwards compressive
force may be applied to compress the container. In other embodiments, a container
may have any such structure that provides such a surface.
[0154] Preferably, the height of the further container 100 in its fully compressed state
from its closed end (i.e. the bottom of the bottom portion 6) to the shoulder 15 is
30.85mm.
[0155] In other embodiments, the ratio between the height of the further container 100 in
its fully expanded state and the height of the further container 100 in its fully
compressed state may be a different value.
[0156] Preferably, the vertical height of the top portion 4 of the further container 100
from the opening 10 to the shoulder 15 is 11.80mm.
[0157] Preferably, the external diameter of the shoulder 15 is substantially equal to the
external diameter of the intermediate portion 8 (at the widest point of the intermediate
portion 8). Preferably, this dimension is 87.0mm.
[0158] Preferably, the external diameter of the bottom portion 6 of the further container
100, at the point where the bottom portion 6 meets the intermediate portion 8, is
87.0mm. Also, preferably the external diameter of the bottom portion 6 of the further
container 100, at the closed end or the further container 100, is less than 87.0mm.
Thus, in this embodiment, the shape of the bottom portion 6 of the further container
100 is that of a dish (i.e. the bottom portion 6 of the further container 100 is dish-shaped).
[0159] An advantage provided by the further container 100 is that the both the top portion
4 and bottom portion 6 of the further container 100 tend to be relatively rigid. Thus,
during the compression (e.g. as performed during the process of Figure 4), only the
intermediate portion 8 of the further container 100 tends to be compressed. This increased
rigidity of the bottom portion 6 of the further container 100 tends to result from
its shape (i.e. the bottom portion 6 of the further container 100 having a dish-like
shape that, at its closed-end, is smaller in diameter than the intermediate portion
8, and that tapers outwards towards its open end where it meets the intermediate portion
8). This tends to provide that the further container 100 compresses more evenly when
a downwards compressive force is applied.
[0160] Furthermore, the shape of the bottom portion 6 of the further container 100 tends
to facilitate the production of the further container 100 having walls of a desired
thickness. For example, it tends to be easier to achieve a relatively uniform wall-thickness
when moulding the further container 100 than when moulding containers having a different
shape.
[0161] A further advantage provided by the further container 100 is that the further container
100 tends to compress more evenly than differently shaped containers. Furthermore,
the further container tends to have a desired elasticity, i.e. strong enough to provide
that the container may expand unaided from its compressed state to its uncompressed
state, but not so strong as to hinder the sealing of the container when in its compressed
state. Nevertheless, in other embodiments, containers having different shapes and/or
dimensions to those described in the embodiments above may be used.
[0162] Figure 14 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of a second further
container 102 in its fully expanded state.
[0163] Figure 15 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of the second
further container 102 in its fully compressed state.
[0164] Features common to both the container 2 and the second further container 102 are
indicated by the same reference numerals.
[0165] Figures 14 and 15 indicate the dimensions of the second further container 102 in
this further embodiment.
[0166] Preferably, the height of the second further container 102 in its fully expanded
state is in the range 70mm to 90mm. More preferably, the height of the second further
container 102 in its fully expanded state is 74.6mm. Preferably, the volume of the
second further container 102 in its fully expanded state is approximately 355ml.
[0167] Preferably, the height of the second further container 102 in its fully compressed
state is in the range 40mm to 50mm. More preferably, the height of the second further
container 102 in its fully compressed state is approximately 41mm.
[0168] The second further container 102 may comprises a shoulder 15 between its top portion
4 and its intermediate portion 8. In the second further container 102, this shoulder
15 replaces the flange 14 of the container 2. This shoulder 15 serves the same purpose
as the flange 14 of the container 2, i.e. providing a surface upon which a downwards
compressive force may be applied to compress the container (e.g. during the filling
process). In other embodiments, a container may have any such structure that provides
such a surface. Preferably, the external diameter of the shoulder 15 is 91.0mm.
[0169] Preferably, the height of the second further container 102 in its fully compressed
state from its closed end (i.e. the bottom of the bottom portion 6) to the shoulder
15 is 30.85mm.
[0170] In other embodiments, the ratio between the height of the second further container
102 in its fully expanded state and the height of the second further container 102
in its fully compressed state may be a different value.
[0171] Preferably, the diameter of the opening 10 is 76.0mm. Also, preferably the external
diameter of the top portion 4 of the second further container is approximately 86.0mm.
Thus, at its top end, surrounding its opening 10, the second further container 102
may have a sealing rim 104 (with a thickness of approximately 5mm). This sealing rim
104 advantageously tends to provide a surface upon which a downwards compressive force
may be applied to compress the container (e.g. during the filling process). Thus,
in some embodiments, a container may comprise such a sealing rim 104 instead of a
flange 14 and/or a shoulder 15 (i.e. the sealing rim 104 may serve the same purpose
as the flange 14 of the container 2, or the shoulder 15, and a container may not comprise
a flange 14 or shoulder 15). Furthermore, the increased thickness of the sealing rim
104 of the second further container 102 (compared to the thickness of the rim in the
first embodiment) tends to provide that the sealing of the second further container
102 is easier (e.g. during filling) and that a stronger sealing may be applied.
[0172] In this embodiment, the top portion 4 of the second further container comprises a
plurality of annular ridges 106. A lid for the second further container may clip over
these annular ridges 106. In other words, the second further container 102 may have
a "press-on" or "push-on" lid as opposed to a screw-on lid. It will be appreciated
by the person skilled in the art that any of the containers described herein may have
a lid that attaches to the container in any appropriate way (e.g. a push-on lid, a
screw-on lid, etc.).
[0173] Preferably, the external diameter of the bottom portion 6 of the second further container
102, at the point where the bottom portion 6 meets the intermediate portion 8, is
86.9mm. Also, preferably the external diameter of the bottom portion 6 of the second
further container 102, at the closed end or the second further container 102, is less
than 86.9mm. Thus, in this embodiment, the shape of the bottom portion 6 of the second
further container 102 is that of a dish (i.e. the bottom portion 6 of the second further
container 102 is dish-shaped).
[0174] An advantage provided by the second further container 102 is that the both the top
portion 4 and bottom portion 6 of the second further container 102 tend to be relatively
rigid. Thus, during the compression (e.g. as performed during the process of Figure
4), only the intermediate portion 8 of the second further container 102 tends to be
compressed. This increased rigidity of the bottom portion 6 of the second further
container 102 tends to result from its shape (i.e. the bottom portion 6 of the second
further container 102 having a dish-like shape that, at its closed-end, is smaller
in diameter than the intermediate portion 8, and that tapers outwards towards its
open end where it meets the intermediate portion 8). This tends to provide that the
second further container 102 compresses more evenly when a downwards compressive force
is applied.
[0175] Furthermore, the shape of the bottom portion 6 of the second further container 102
tends to facilitate the production of the second further container 102 having walls
of a desired thickness. For example, it tends to be easier to achieve a relatively
uniform wall-thickness when moulding the second further container 102 than when moulding
containers having a different shape.
[0176] A further advantage provided by the second further container 102 is that the second
further container 102 tends to compress more evenly than differently shaped containers.
Furthermore, the further container tends to have a desired elasticity, i.e. strong
enough to provide that the container may expand unaided from its compressed state
to its uncompressed state, but not so strong as to hinder the sealing of the container
when in its compressed state. Nevertheless, in other embodiments, containers having
different shapes and/or dimensions to those described in the embodiments above may
be used.
[0177] In the above embodiments, the container may be filled with the foodstuff (i.e. the
foodstuff is packaged for delivery to a consumer) using the process described above
with reference to Figure 4. However, in other embodiments, a different process may
be used. For example, when filling the further container 100 that is described in
more detail above with reference to Figures 12 and 13, the further container 100 may
be compressed by exerting a downwards force on the shoulder 15 of the further container
100 using a ring-shaped member. This advantageously tends to provide a relatively
even compressive force to the further container 100 (such a process may also be used
on different containers, e.g. the container 2 described above with reference to Figures
2 and 3). The further container 100 may then be filled and sealed, e.g., as described
above with reference to steps s6 to s10 of Figure 4. Alternatively, a reel-fed sealing
film may be applied to the opening 10 of the further container 100 to seal the further
container 100 and keep it in its compressed state. A lid may then be applied e.g.
to provide an additional airtight seal and/or to protect the seal from accidental
piercing.
1. Packaging containing an amount of a consumable (28), the packaging containing an amount
of a consumable (28) comprising:
a container (2) comprising:
an opening (10);
a closed end; and
an elastic side wall (8) disposed between the opening (10) and the closed end, the
elastic side wall (8) being in a compressed state; and
a closure (30) closing the opening (10); wherein
the container (2) and the closure (30) define a cavity having a first volume;
the consumable (28) is located in the cavity;
the elastic side wall (8) has sufficient elasticity such that, on at least partially
removing the closure (30) from the opening (10), the elastic side wall (8) expands,
unaided, from the compressed state to an uncompressed state; and
when the elastic side wall (8) is in the uncompressed state, the container (2) has
a second volume, the second volume being greater than the first volume; characterised in that
the container (2) is made of a compound comprising 90-95% low density polyethylene
and 5-10% high density polyethylene.
2. Packaging containing a consumable (28) according to claim 1, wherein the compound
comprises 93% low density polyethylene and 7% high density polyethylene.
3. Packaging containing a consumable (28) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the consumable
(28) is selected from a group consisting of a foodstuff and a medicine.
4. Packaging containing a consumable (28) according to claim 3, wherein the consumable
(28) is an at least partially dehydrated foodstuff that is to be rehydrated by the
addition, to the container (2), of a hot liquid.
5. Packaging containing a consumable (28) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the closure (30) is an airtight seal.
6. Packaging containing a consumable (28) according to claim 5, wherein the container
(2) is expandable such that, on breaking the airtight seal, the container (2) expands
to have the second volume.
7. Packaging containing an amount of a consumable (28) according to any of claims 1 to
6, wherein the consumable (28) is to be combined with an amount of liquid, and the
second volume is greater than or equal to a volume occupied by the combination of
the amount of the consumable (28) and the amount of the liquid.
8. Packaging containing a consumable (28) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein
the elastic side wall (8) is compressible along its length such that the height of
the container (2) when the elastic side wall (8) is in its uncompressed state is larger
than the height of the container (2) when the elastic side wall (8) is in its compressed
state.
9. Packaging containing a consumable (28) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein
the elastic side wall (8) comprises a bellows-like structure.
10. Packaging containing a consumable (28) according to any of claims 1 to 9, the container
(2) further comprising a non-expandable top portion (4) disposed between the open
end and the elastic side wall (8), the top portion (4) being contiguous with the opening
(10).
11. Packaging containing a consumable (28) according to claim 10, wherein the non-expandable
top portion (4) comprises a flange (14) or shoulder configured to receive a ring-shaped
member.
12. A method of packaging an amount of a consumable (28), the method comprising:
providing a container (2) comprising:
an opening (10);
a closed end; and
an elastic side wall (8) disposed between the opening (10) and the closed end;
at least partially filling the container (2) with the consumable (28);
compressing the container (2) such that the elastic side wall (8) is in a compressed
state; and
thereafter, closing, with a closure (30), the container (2) with the consumable (28)
inside it such that the container (2) and the closure (30) define a cavity having
a first volume, and the consumable (28) is located in the cavity; wherein
the elastic side wall (8) has sufficient elasticity such that, on at least partially
removing the closure (30) from the opening (10), the elastic side wall (8) expands,
unaided, from the compressed state to an uncompressed state; and
when the elastic side wall (8) is in the uncompressed state, the container (2) has
a second volume, the second volume being greater than the first volume; and
the container (2) is made of a compound comprising 90-95% low density polyethylene
and 5-10% high density polyethylene.
13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the compound comprises 93% low density polyethylene
and 7% high density polyethylene.
14. An expandable container (2) for a consumable (28), the container (2) comprising:
an open end;
a closed end; and
an elastic side wall (8) disposed between the open end and the closed end; wherein
the elastic side wall (8) is compressible between an original position and a compressed
position such that the container (2) may be changed between having a first height
and a second height, the second height being less than the first height;
the elastic side wall (8) has sufficient elasticity to return to the original position
unaided; characterised in that
the container (2) is made of a compound comprising 90-95% low density polyethylene
and 5-10% high density polyethylene.
15. An expandable container (2) according to claim 14, wherein the compound comprises
93% low density polyethylene and 7% high density polyethylene.
1. Verpackung, die eine Menge eines Verschleißteils (28) enthält, wobei die Verpackung,
die eine Menge eines Verschleißteils (28) enthält, Folgendes umfasst:
einen Behälter (2), umfassend:
eine Öffnung (10);
ein geschlossenes Ende; und
eine elastische Seitenwand (8), die zwischen der Öffnung (10) und dem geschlossenen
Ende angeordnet ist, wobei sich die elastische Seitenwand (8) in einem komprimierten
Zustand befindet; und
ein Verschlussmittel (30) zum Verschließen der Öffnung (10); wobei
der Behälter (2) und das Verschlussmittel (30) einen Hohlraum definieren, der ein
erste Volumen aufweist;
das Verschleißteil (28) in dem Hohlraum positioniert ist;
die elastische Seitenwand (8) eine ausreichende Elastizität aufweist, sodass, bei
dem zumindest teilweisen Entfernen des Verschlussmittels (30) von der Öffnung (10),
sich die elastische Seitenwand (8) selbstständig von dem komprimierten Zustand in
einen unkomprimierten Zustand ausdehnt;
und
wenn sich die elastische Seitenwand (8) in dem unkomprimierten Zustand befindet, der
Behälter (2) ein zweites Volumen aufweist, wobei das zweite Volumen größer als das
erste Volumen ist; dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
der Behälter (2) aus einer Verbindung besteht, die zu 90-95 % Polyethylen niedriger
Dichte und zu 5-10 % Polyethylen hoher Dichte umfasst.
2. Verpackung, die eine Menge eines Verschleißteils (28) enthält, nach Anspruch 1, wobei
die Verbindung zu 93 % Polyethylen niedriger Dichte und zu 7 % Polyethylen hoher Dichte
umfasst.
3. Verpackung, die eine Menge eines Verschleißteils (28) enthält, nach Anspruch 1 oder
2, wobei das Verschleißteil (28) aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus einem Lebensmittel
und einem Medikament, ausgewählt wird.
4. Verpackung, die eine Menge eines Verschleißteils (28) enthält, nach Anspruch 3, wobei
es sich bei dem Verschleißteil (28) um ein zumindest teilweise dehydriertes Lebensmittel
handelt, das durch die Zugabe einer heißen Flüssigkeit zu dem Behälter (2) rehydriert
wird.
5. Verpackung, die eine Menge eines Verschleißteils (28) enthält, nach einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 4, wobei es sich bei dem Verschlussmittel (30) um einen luftdichten Verschluss
handelt.
6. Verpackung, die eine Menge eines Verschleißteils (28) enthält, nach Anspruch 5, wobei
der Behälter (2) ausdehnbar ist, sodass, wenn der luftdichte Verschluss geöffnet wurde,
sich der Behälter (2) ausdehnt, um das zweite Volumen aufzuweisen.
7. Verpackung, die eine Menge eines Verschleißteils (28) enthält, nach einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 6, wobei das Verschleißteil (28) mit einer Menge einer Flüssigkeit kombiniert
wird und das zweite Volumen größer als ein Volumen ist oder diesem gleicht, das durch
die Kombination der Menge des Verschleißteils (28) und der Menge der Flüssigkeit eingenommen
wird.
8. Verpackung, die eine Menge eines Verschleißteils (28) enthält, nach einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 7, wobei die elastische Seitenwand (8) entlang ihrer Länge komprimierbar ist,
sodass die Höhe des Behälters (2), wenn sich die elastische Seitenwand (8) in ihrem
unkomprimierten Zustand befindet, größer ist als die Höhe des Behälters (2), wenn
sich die elastische Seitenwand in ihrem komprimierten Zustand befindet.
9. Verpackung, die eine Menge eines Verschleißteils (28) enthält, nach einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 8, wobei die elastische Seitenwand (8) eine balgartige Struktur aufweist.
10. Verpackung, die eine Menge eines Verschleißteils (28) enthält, nach einem der Ansprüche
1 bis 9, wobei der Behälter (2) ferner einen nicht ausdehnbaren oberen Abschnitt (4)
umfasst, der zwischen dem offenen Ende und der elastischen Seitenwand (8) angeordnet
ist, wobei der obere Abschnitt (4) mit der Öffnung (10) zusammenhängt.
11. Verpackung, die eine Menge eines Verschleißteils (28) enthält, nach Anspruch 10, wobei
der nicht ausdehnbare obere Abschnitt (4) einen Flansch (14) oder eine Schulter umfasst,
der bzw. die derart konfiguriert ist, um ein ringförmiges Element aufzunehmen.
12. Verfahren zum Verpacken einer Menge eines Verschleißteils (28), wobei das Verfahren
Folgendes umfasst:
Bereitstellen eines Behälters (2), umfassend:
eine Öffnung (10);
ein geschlossenes Ende; und
eine elastische Seitenwand (8), die zwischen der Öffnung (10) und dem geschlossenen
Ende angeordnet ist;
zumindest teilweises Befüllen des Behälters (2) mit dem Verschleißteil (28);
Komprimieren des Behälters (2), sodass sich die elastische Seitenwand (8) in einem
komprimierten Zustand befindet; und
danach Verschließen des Behälters (2) mit dem sich darin befindenden Verschleißteil
(28) durch ein Verschlussmittel (30), sodass der Behälter (2) und das Verschlussmittel
(30) einen Hohlraum definieren, der ein erstes Volumen aufweist, und das Verschleißteil
(28) in dem Hohlraum positioniert ist;
wobei
die elastische Seitenwand (8) eine ausreichende Elastizität aufweist, sodass, bei
dem zumindest teilweisen Entfernen des Verschlussmittels (30) von der Öffnung (10),
sich die elastische Seitenwand (8) selbstständig von dem komprimierten Zustand in
einen unkomprimierten Zustand ausdehnt;
und
wenn sich die elastische Seitenwand (8) in dem unkomprimierten Zustand befindet, der
Behälter (2) ein zweites Volumen aufweist, wobei das zweite Volumen größer als das
erste Volumen ist; und
der Behälter (2) aus einer Verbindung besteht, die zu 90-95 % Polyethylen niedriger
Dichte und zu 5-10 % Polyethylen hoher Dichte umfasst.
13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, wobei die Verbindung zu 93 % Polyethylen niedriger Dichte
und zu 7 % Polyethylen hoher Dichte umfasst.
14. Ausdehnbarer Behälter (2) für ein Verschleißteil (28), wobei der Behälter (2) Folgendes
umfasst:
ein offenes Ende;
ein geschlossenes Ende; und
eine elastische Seitenwand (8), die zwischen dem offenen Ende und dem geschlossenen
Ende angeordnet ist; wobei
die elastische Seitenwand (8) zwischen einer Ausgangsposition und einer komprimierten
Position komprimierbar ist, sodass der Behälter (2) zwischen einer ersten Höhe und
einer zweiten Höhe verändert werden kann, wobei die zweite Höhe geringer als die erste
Höhe ist;
die elastische Seitenwand (8) eine ausreichende Elastizität aufweist, um in ihre Ausgangsposition
zurückzukehren; dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
der Behälter (2) aus einer Verbindung besteht, die zu 90-95 % Polyethylen niedriger
Dichte und zu 5-10 % Polyethylen hoher Dichte umfasst.
15. Ausdehnbarer Behälter (2) nach Anspruch 14, wobei die Verbindung zu 93 % Polyethylen
niedriger Dichte und zu 7 % Polyethylen hoher Dichte umfasst.
1. Emballage contenant une quantité d'un consommable (28), l'emballage contenant une
quantité d'un consommable (28) comprenant :
un récipient, (2) comprenant:
une ouverture (10) ;
une extrémité fermée ; et
une paroi latérale élastique (8) disposée entre l'ouverture (10) et l'extrémité fermée,
la paroi latérale élastique (8) étant dans un état compressé ; et
une fermeture (30) fermant l'ouverture (10) ; où
le récipient (2) et la fermeture (30) définissent une cavité ayant un premier volume
;
le consommable (28) est situé dans la cavité ;
la paroi latérale élastique (8) a assez d'élasticité pour que, quand on enlève au
moins partiellement la fermeture (30) de l'ouverture (10), la paroi latérale élastique
(8) s'étende, sans aide, de l'état compressé à un état non-compressé ; et
quand la paroi latérale élastique (8) est en état non-compressé, le récipient (2)
ait un second volume, le second volume étant supérieur au premier volume ; caractérisé en ce que
le récipient (2) est constitué d'un composé comprenant 90-95% de polyéthylène basse
densité et 5-10% de polyéthylène haute densité.
2. Emballage contenant un consommable (28) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le composé
comprend 93% de polyéthylène basse densité et 7% de polyéthylène haute densité.
3. Emballage contenant un consommable (28) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel
le consommable (28) est choisi dans un groupe constitué d'un produit alimentaire et
d'un médicament.
4. Emballage contenant un consommable (28) selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le consommable
(28) est un produit alimentaire au moins partiellement déshydraté destiné à être réhydraté
par ajout, dans le récipient (2) d'un liquide chaud.
5. Emballage contenant un consommable (28) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 4, dans lequel la fermeture (30) est un joint étanche.
6. Emballage contenant un consommable (28) selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le récipient
(2) est extensible de sorte que, quand on brise le joint étanche, le récipient (2)
s'étend jusqu'à un second volume.
7. Emballage contenant un consommable (28) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 6, dans lequel le consommable (28) est destiné à être combiné à une quantité de
liquide, et le second volume est supérieur ou égal au volume occupé par la combinaison
d'une quantité du consommable (28) et de la quantité du liquide.
8. Emballage contenant un consommable (28) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 7, dans lequel la paroi latérale élastique (8) est compressible le long de sa
longueur, de sorte que la hauteur du récipient (2), quand la paroi latérale élastique
(8) est dans son état non-compressé, est supérieure à celle du récipient (2) quand
la paroi latérale élastique (8) est dans son état compressé.
9. Emballage contenant un consommable (28) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 8, dans lequel la paroi latérale élastique (8) comprend une structure en forme
de soufflet.
10. Emballage contenant un consommable (28) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 9, le récipient (2) comprenant, en outre, une portion supérieure (4) non-expansible
disposée entre l'extrémité ouverte et la paroi latérale élastique (8), la portion
supérieure (4) étant contiguë à l'ouverture (10).
11. Emballage contenant un consommable (28) selon la revendication 10, dans lequel la
portion supérieure (4) non-expansible comprend une bride (14) ou un épaulement configuré
pour recevoir un élément en forme d'anneau.
12. Procédé d'emballage d'une quantité d'un consommable (28), le procédé comprenant :
la fourniture d'un récipient (2) comprenant :
une ouverture (10) ;
une extrémité fermée ; et
une paroi latérale élastique (8) disposée entre l'ouverture (10) et l'extrémité fermée
;
le remplissage au moins partiel du récipient (2) avec le consommable (28) ;
la compression du récipient (2) de sorte que la paroi latérale élastique (8) soit
dans un état compressé ; et
ensuite la fermeture, par une fermeture (30), du récipient (2) avec le consommable
(28) à l'intérieur, de sorte que le récipient (2) et la fermeture (30) définissent
une cavité ayant un premier volume, et que le consommable (28) soit situé dans la
cavité ;
la paroi latérale élastique (8) ayant une élasticité suffisante pour que, lorsqu'on
enlève au moins partiellement la fermeture (30) de l'ouverture (10), la paroi latérale
élastique (8) s'étende, sans aide, de l'état compressé à un état non-compressé ; et
quand la paroi latérale élastique (8) est en état non-compressé, le récipient (2)
ait un second volume, le second volume étant supérieur au premier volume ; et
le récipient (2) soit constitué d'un composé comprenant 90-95% de polyéthylène basse
densité et 5-10% de polyéthylène haute densité.
13. Procédé selon la revendication 12, dans lequel le composé comprend 93% de polyéthylène
basse densité et 7% de polyéthylène haute densité.
14. Récipient (2) expansible pour un consommable (28), le récipient (2) comprenant :
une extrémité ouverte ;
une extrémité fermée ; et
une paroi latérale élastique (8) disposée entre l'ouverture et l'extrémité fermée
;
dans laquelle
la paroi latérale élastique (8) est compressible entre une position d'origine et une
position compressée, de sorte que le récipient (2) puisse être changée entre une première
hauteur et une seconde hauteur, la seconde hauteur étant inférieure à la première
hauteur ;
la paroi latérale élastique (8) a assez d'élasticité pour revenir sans aide à la position
d'origine ; caractérisée en ce que
le récipient (2) est constituée d'un composé comprenant 90-95% de polyéthylène basse
densité et 5-10% de polyéthylène haute densité.
15. Récipient (2) expansible selon la revendication 14, dans lequel le composé comprend
93% de polyéthylène basse densité et 7% de polyéthylène haute densité.