MXPA06003633A - Nestable lid for packaging systems - Google Patents

Abstract

Nestable packaging lids are described. Generally, the packaging lids include a generally planar lid member having an upper surface and a lower surface, a plurality o f dome expansions extending upwardly from the lid member, and a plurality of elongate projections extending downwardly from the lower surface of the lid member. Each dome expansion defines a downwardly facing recess and includes a base perimeter defining a base cente r, and the dome expansions are arranged in longitudinal rows and transverse columns. In an implementation, at least one projection is disposed transversely between a longitudinally adjacent pair of dome expansions and at least one projection is disposed longitudinally between a transversely adjacent pair of dome expansions.

Description

PLUG THAT FITS FOR PACKAGING SYSTEMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a lid for a system for packing an egg tray. Particularly in a preferred embodiment, the invention is a cover with a polystyrene dome having a plurality of expansions in the dome and projections configured for use with a tray of molded fiber eggs or a tray of other material. The lid works to securely hold eggs or similar items that have been loaded into the tray and accommodate a wrapping material or other method for packing and shipping.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional egg and fruit trays and the contents therein often encounter a breakage and / or significant damage during delivery and storage. Care should be taken in collecting, processing and handling to avoid damage to fruits, vegetables and other food items including eggs. Most of the fresh eggs that are sold in the The United States is sold in 12-piece and 18-piece egg cartons through the grocery retail channel. Without However, large volumes of eggs and similar items have become very popular for consumers, resulting in the need for larger packages that can sustain increasing quantities of eggs, to be sold by conventional grocery stores and other retail outlets. Thus, in order to remain competitive, grocery store and retailers now require larger packing sizes for eggs and other products (eg, eighteen-piece egg tray containers and larger), but do not have a Large floor area for storage and / or display. Many stores use molded fiber trays (known as "filler racks") and single-sided corrugated sleeves to accommodate large volumes of items. For example, such assemblies can be used for a package of 30 pieces or for a package of 36 pieces. Retailers stow several egg trays which can be unsafe and unstable if not properly stowed. In addition, conventional egg packing systems do not fit with one another and thus a large volume of retailer space may be required to display and store the egg trays. It is also preferable to provide a system that avoids the undue manipulation of the articles contained in them. For example, conventional containers for Packed egg can be opened in a retail environment by consumers, which expose the eggs to breaking. U.S. Patent 6,276,531, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a molded fiber egg tray packing system that includes a transparent lid. The transparent cover includes conical-shaped elements extending upwards and a descending edge having grooves to assist in securing the cover to a filling plane. A shrink film strip is placed around the filler frame with the lid applied to secure the lid during handling and make the finished product evident to tamper. The transparent lid provides lateral stability for the trays when stowed, and avoids the increasing cost resulting from the eggs being damaged or broken. Although the tray-packing system that fits for eggs described by this patent is an important advance in the field of packaging systems, when used in an exhibitor, the transparent cover can cause a consumer to reject the complete package of the tray. of eggs, because an egg visible through the lid seems to contain a minor defect.

In addition, transparent lids can be relatively expensive to manufacture. In this way, it is desirable to produce a stable and safe low cost egg tray system that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art while still accommodating an increasing amount of egg that can be stowed and stored safely and properly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments are described herein that fit for packaging to be fitted with conventional packaging trays to hold articles therebetween, and which can be supplied at low cost. The lids for packaging according to the invention, can be used to form packaging systems having improved stowage and item safety characteristics. Generally, each of the described packing lids includes a generally flat lid member, having an upper surface and a lower surface, a plurality of expansions in the dome extending upwardly from the lid member, and a plurality thereof. of elongate projections extending downward from the bottom surface of the cover member. Each expansion of the dome defines a recess with one face down and includes a base perimeter that defines a center of the base, and the expansions of the dome are configured in longitudinal rows and transversal columns. In addition, at least one projection is placed transversely between a longitudinally adjacent pair of expansions in the dome and at least one projection is positioned longitudinally between a transversely adjacent pair of expansions of the dome. According to one aspect of the invention, each projection has a variable width, the width of the projection increases with increasing distance from the midpoint. In a beneficial implementation, each projection has a height between about 1.59 mm and about 6.35 mm, and the height of the projection varies along the length of the projection. A support area is defined on the lower surface of the cover member between the diagonally adjacent pairs of dome expansions and the support area is free of the projections. The plurality of the projections is placed between each pair of expansions of the adjacent dome and between each expansion pair of the adjacent dome in each transverse column. In a preferred embodiment, each expansion of the dome includes a frusto-conical extension arranged in an upper portion. The expansion of the dome includes a first opening angle in the perimeter of the base and the frusto-conical extension includes a second angle of opening, wherein the first opening angle is different from the second opening angle. In addition, the frustoconical shape extension has at least one of a flat upper surface or a concave upper surface. Another aspect according to the invention relates to a packaging system. In a preferred embodiment, the packaging system generally includes a matching packing lid and a packing base that fits. The engaging gasket cap includes a generally flat cap member having an upper surface and a lower surface, a plurality of expansion of the dome extending upwardly from the cap member and a plurality of elongated projections extending toward down from the bottom surface of the cover member. Each expansion of the dome defines a downside recess and has a base perimeter and a base center, the expansions of the dome are configured in longitudinal rows and transverse columns. At least one projection is placed transversely between a longitudinally adjacent pair of expansion of the dome and at least one projection is positioned longitudinally between a transversely adjacent pair of expansion of the dome. The packaging base that fits includes a base member that it has a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of cavities defined in the base member and a plurality of posts extending upwardly from the base member. Each cavity is placed for alignment with a corresponding expansion of the dome of the packing lid that fits and each pole is placed between a diagonally adjacent pair of cavities, the posts are configured to support the packing lid that eneaj. In an advantageous embodiment, the packing lid of the packaging system also includes a support area defined on the bottom surface of the cap member between the diagonally adjacent pairs of expansion of the dome, which is free of projections and is aligned to receive a top surface of a corresponding post from the packing base that fits. In a preferred embodiment, a wrapping material is used to encircle and secure the packing lid that fits and the packing base that fits together. These and other features of the described fitting lids of the present invention can be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not drawn to scale but show only relative dimensions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments and with reference to the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a detailed perspective view of a egg packing tray system including a base for packaging and a lid for the tray that fits for eggs according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a lid for a tray that fits for eggs according to the invention that rests on the eggs and the packing base of Figure 1; Figure 3A is a top view of a lid that fits for an egg tray in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of conical expansions of the dome of a snapping lid taken along dotted line B-B of Figure 3A; Figure 3C is a bottom view of the cap that fits according to the invention; Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the lid that fits for an egg tray that is taken along dotted line D-D of Figure 3A; Y Figure 4 is an alternative configuration of a lid that fits for an egg tray according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Illustrative embodiments will now be described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fitting lids described for a packaging system. One or more examples of the illustrative modalities are shown in the drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that each described cap that fits can be adapted and modified to provide alternative embodiments of the caps that fit for other applications and that other additions and modifications can be made to the fitting caps described without departing from the scope. of the present description. For example, the characteristics of the illustrative modalities can be combined, separated, exchanged and / or reconfigured to generate other modalities. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. According to the present invention, a lid that fits for packaging is provided alone or in combination with a base that fits for packing. The lid that fits for packaging includes a cover member generally flat that has a top surface and a bottom surface. A plurality of expansions of the dome extend upwardly from the cover member, with each expansion of the dome defining a downward facing recess. Each expansion of the dome is dimensioned and shaped to receive at least the upper portion of an article to be contained. Each expansion of the dome also includes a perimeter in the base that defines a center of the base. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, reference is made to the representative modality detailed herein. In particular, Fig. 1 is a detailed perspective view of a packaging system 10 including a packing lid 12 and a packing base or packing that fits flat 14. Although the figures detail a tray system for eggs, it will be understood that the packaging system of the present invention is suitable for, or can be modified to adjust any of a variety of other items, such as fruits, vegetables, perishable goods and other food or frail items. The lid for packaging 12 in the embodiment hereof includes a generally flat lid member of rectangular shape 20. A plurality of expansions in the dome 40 extend upwardly from the top surface of the lid member. As detailed in the embodiment, the plurality of dome expansions are configured in longitudinal rows and transverse columns. For purposes of the eggs, each expansion of the dome has a generally hemispherical or parabolic shape, although alternate forms for alternate items may be used. The expansion of the dome 40 thus defines a down-face cavity to provide a secure housing for at least the upper portion of an egg. In this modality, thirty expansions of the dome 40 (six dome expansions arranged in each of the 5 rows) protrude from the cover member 20. If desired, however, the packing system with a different capacity may be supplied to retain less or more items by supplying a corresponding number of items. dome expansions 40. Packing system 10 can be designed to include for example four, six, twelve, eighteen, twenty, twenty four, or thirty six conical expansions of the dome and would thus house a corresponding number of items although a multiple of 5 or 6 is preferred. Similarly, a variety of different configurations are possible for the tray system. For example, a tray system for eggs that has a capacity of 24 eggs can be configured to have 4 rows of 6 eggs each or 3 rows of 8 eggs each. As is also evident in the Figure 3A along the D-D line, the expansions of the dome do not need to be aligned exactly along a row or column. For example, expansions of the dome may be staggered, or expansions of the dome may be formed in a radial configuration in a circular member if desired. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a frusto-conical extension is placed in an upper portion of each dome expansion. As detailed in Figures 1 and 2, extension 42 is located centrally in each expansion of the dome. In a preferred embodiment, and as detailed in Figures 2 and 3B, each expansion of the dome 40 has a first opening angle 40a at the perimeter of the base and the frusto-conical extension 42 includes a second opening angle 42a. The first opening angle 40a is different from and preferably larger than the second opening angle 42a. Additionally, the frusto-conical extension preferably has either a flat or concave upper surface 44. In this manner, the upper surface 44 of the frustoconical extensions 42 in the plurality of dome expansions 40 define a generally planar top portion on which it can support or stow another packaging system of the present invention. The frusto-conical shape of extension 42 also provides structural improvement and maintains a spaced relation between the surface of the upper part 44 of the extension and the contained article within the expansion of the dome. Thus, the contained article is further protected against any squeezing or damage that may result when pressure is applied to the upper surface 44 of the extension 42. As further detailed in Figure 1, an edge 22 extends from the periphery of the extension member. cover 20. In a preferred embodiment, the edge 22 extends from each side of the cover member. At least one recess 24 is formed at the edge of the edge 22 to define a finger slot or for a handle for the user. Preferably and as detailed, a pair of recesses 24 are formed on opposite sides of the edge 22. The recesses 24 provide ergonomic space for holding the packaging system 10 and is for packaging, shipping and display. In addition, a diagonal feature at the corner 23 (see also figure 3A) is included in each corner of the edge 22. The diagonal features of the corner 23 function to create a space when several packing systems are stowed in a box to allow a person insert their fingers to lift the packing systems out of the box. In a preferred embodiment, the packing lid 12 is made of a molded fiber or a polymeric foam such as expanded polystyrene or a similar material that is lightweight durable and somehow flexible. The lid of the egg tray 12 may be white or may have a variety of other colors. Alternatively, the lid for the egg tray 12 can be made of a transparent or translucent flexible material. Any conventional method known in the art can be used to form the lid for packaging 12 such as thermoforming or molding. As previously noted and in addition in accordance with the invention, the packaging system also comprises a base of. packaging that fits. The packaging base includes a base member having an upper surface and a lower surface with a plurality of cavities defined in the base member. Each cavity is arranged for alignment with a corresponding expansion of the lid dome for packing that fits. Additionally, a plurality of posts extend upwardly from the base member to support the packing cover that fits and in one implementation each post is positioned between a diagonally adjacent pair of cavities. One or more posts can also be placed near the peripheral edge of the packing base. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the packaging base 14 includes a base structure 50, a plurality of posts 32 and a plurality of cavities 55. Molded supports 56 extending downwardly from the base structure 50 can be provided. The plurality of cavities 55 is located within the generally horizontal structure of the base 50, and each cavity is Designed to hold safely and keep the lower portion of the item to be contained such as eggs 60. A collar 58 extends from the periphery of the base member I preferably at least from 2 opposite sides of the base member. Various slits 52 are formed on two opposite sides of the base structure 50. The slits 52 of the structure of the packing base correspond to the location of the recesses 24 of the lid 12. The cavities 55 of the packing base 14 and the expansions of the dome 40 of the lid 12 together form cells to maintain and protect the article within it.

It is desirable to allow various packing tray systems of the present invention that are stowed on top of each other. The lower side of each cavity of the packing base in the embodiment herein is therefore designed to increase the stability and safety of the egg tray systems. For example, and as it is the modality in the present, the inferior side of each cavity is formed to define a form in the form of "T" or of four ends. In use, the cavities 55 of the packing base 14 they are filled with articles such as eggs and the lid 12 is then placed to cover the eggs in such a way that the recesses 24 of the edge 22 align with the finger slots 52 that are in the base of the package 14. To secure joints the packing lid and the packing base with the desired articles contained therein, a wrapping material such as a shrink wrap film or a bag (not shown) is placed around the assembly and then heated to shrink the material of wrapping. This operation will be explained in more detail below. Fig. 2 is a side view of the packing lid 12 resting on the eggs 60 and the packing base 14 of Fig. 1. The posts 32 of the contact support areas of the packing base formed on the bottom surface of the lid member 20. Particularly, and in accordance with another aspect of this invention, the packing lid is supported such that the edge 22 of the lid is maintained in a spaced relationship relative to the collar 58 of the base structure 50. Figure 2 shows that the use of the fitting lid 12 results in a compact system of egg trays. It should be understood that the packing lid 12 can be used with a packing base different from that to the which is shown in the figures. In addition, depending on the size of items such as eggs, and the type of packing base used, the packing lid can not be supported by the posts of the packing base. For example, large eggs can be loaded into a packing base having short poles and thus the packing cover contacts only the eggs when placed on the packing base. If another packing system is placed on the top, then the dome expansions of the underlying packing cover together with the eggs support the packing system above. Such a configuration can be used to provide additional protection when eggs are transported on pallets, for example. Figure 3A is a top view of the lid 12 of Figures 1 and 2. The support areas 41 between the expansions of the dome 40 are supported by adjacent posts 32 of the packing base. In a preferred embodiment, the design and shape of the packing lid 12 allows sufficient space between the expansions 40 for the corresponding cavities 55 of a packing base above to fit. Thus, another packaging system can be placed above and rotated ninety degrees relative to the packaging system 10 having a cover 12 in order to fit therewith. In this way, a stowage Substantially square egg tray system can be formed, which is suitable, for example, for loading in a full size box or a medium sized box for transport. Alternatively, the lid for packaging according to the invention can be used to cover articles loaded inside the packing bases that are to be transported on pallets without being placed inside the boxes. Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the conical expansions 40 taken along dotted lines B-B of Figure 3A. As noted previously, each conical portion 43 of an expansion 40 preferably has a first opening angle 40a taken with respect to the plane of the base 20 which is different from that of the second angle of the opening 42a of a frusto-conical shape extension. 42. In addition, the upper surface 44 of each extension 42 is flat or slightly concave in shape. These features of the frusto-conical shape extensions 42 provide additional resistance to each expansion of the dome 40.. Further in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of elongate projections extend downward from the bottom surface of the cap member. As detailed herein, at least one projection is placed transversely between. a couple longitudinally adjacent dome expansions and at least one projection is positioned longitudinally between a transverse adjacent pair of dome expansions. Particularly, a separate projection is preferably provided between each adjacent pair of dome expansions such that each projection has a length with its midpoint generally aligned with the pair base centers of adjacent dome expansions. According to the invention, the width and / or height of each projection can vary and in a preferred embodiment the width and / or height of each projection increases with increasing distance from its midpoint. For example, each projection may have a height between about 1.59 mm and about 6.35 mm which varies along the projection of the length of the projection. A support area is defined on the bottom surface of the cover member between the diagonally adjacent pairs of the dome expansions and in a preferred implementation the support surface is free of the projections. Figure 3C is a bottom view of the packing lid 12. As in the embodiment herein, the lower portion of the lid 12 includes a plurality of hourglass-shaped transverse ridges or projections 46 that are located between the pairs longitudinally adjacent of the expansions of the dome 40. Similarly, the The lower portion of the lid 12 includes a plurality of longitudinal edges or projections 48 that are located between the adjacent transverse pairs of the expansions of the dome 40. In this embodiment of a lid for a 30-piece egg tray 12, there are 4 columns of transverse projections 46 and 5 rows of longitudinal projections 48. Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the lid of the egg tray 12 taken along the dotted line DD of Figure 3A. The cross sections of 2 transverse projections 46 are shown to extend downward from the plane of the support areas 41. Also shown are the cross sections of a portion of 2 dome expansions 40 and portions of the cross section 47 that include portions of a projection and a dome expansion. As in the embodiment herein, each projection is shorter in length than the diameter of the base in a dome expansion, but is slightly longer than the diameter of an extension 42. In one embodiment, the projections 46 are placed around of the support areas 41 that are used to fit the poles of the base surface 50. The support areas 41 are sized to accommodate the poles of the packing base and to allow for some folding down for the Large items that can be slightly deformed in the packing base so that the posts are not evenly spaced apart. The length of each projection 46 can be varied as desired. Furthermore, in one embodiment the width of the projection 46 increases with increasing distance or displacement from a midpoint of the length of a projection. In this way the transverse projections 46 and the longitudinal projections 48 are profiled to prevent items such as eggs in the adjacent cavities 55 from coming into contact with one another during transportation on the pallets or in cases of reducing breakage. Thus, in addition to the expansions and the cavities, the projections 46 and 48 on the lid 12 function to separate and protect the articles contained within the cells. In one embodiment, after each of the cavities 55 within the packing base 14 have been filled with the desired items, such as eggs 60, and the lid for an egg tray 12 has been placed as shown in FIG. figure 2, the lid and the packing tray are secured together. As in the embodiment herein, a wrapping material such as a film bag or a film from a flat roller inventory can be placed around the packaging system for Secure items between the base of the package and the lid. The use of pre-printed film also allows the identification of the product, which is particularly improved when a white or light cover is used. Once placed, the wrapping sheet or film bag will ensure the security of the packaging system by preventing peeling off of the lid of the packing tray 12 of the packing base 14 until the consumption of the articles is desired. , as well as providing evidence of tampering. A variety of techniques are known for wrapping the packaging assembly. For example, a wrapping system that shrinks and is commonly used in the packaging industry can be used. As in the embodiment herein, after the eggs or other articles have been placed within the base of the package 14 and the lid 12 has been placed over the articles, the assembly is covered or enclosed with a film bag that is shrinks previously printed. The shrink film bag and the egg tray system 10 is then heated using a heat tunnel or other techniques commonly known in the art. For example, the egg tray and eggs are subjected to heat for approximately 5 to 15 seconds before cooling the eggs. Alternatively, the film shrinking from the inventory A pre-printed flat roll can be used with an "L-Bar" sealant to enclose the base of the package and the lid assembly inside the plastic film. In both cases, the shrinking film is then shrunk to compress the lid 12 to the base of the package 14 so as to form a strap in the lid with the packing base. In addition, the shrink wrapping film presses the expansions of the dome 40 down to surround and hold the eggs in their respective cells of the egg tray system 10. This stabilizes the eggs for transport, stowage and / or display. The expansions of the dome may have contact with the eggs contained within the cells depending on the size and shape of the eggs. Due to the size and non-uniform shape of the eggs, one or more expansions of the dome 40 of a particular packing system may not be completely in contact or may not contact the top portion of one or more of the smaller eggs, allowing so the smaller eggs move around inside the cells. But the transverse projections 46 and the lateral projections 48 still function to prevent each of the eggs from contacting another egg in the package. When a shrink wrap bag or a shrink wrap from a flat roll inventory they are used to seal a packing lid 12 and to the packing base 14, the plastic material is stretched between the extensions 42 of the dome expansions 40 of the lid. As described above when a second packing system is to be fitted on a first packing system, the second packing system is rotated 90 ° with respect to the first packing system and then placed on it. Each cavity of the second packing base above contacts the shrinking plastic wrap that is stretched between the dome expansions of the packing lid below the first packing system. The extensions are thus a force from a packing system above. The shape and arrangement of an extension over the upper central portion of an expansion of the dome evenly distributes the applied force that lies across that extension over the entire base portion of that dome expansion. Thus, the cavities of the second packing system are partially supported by the expansions of the dome (by virtue of its contact with the wrapping film shrinking between the adjacent extensions), as well as by the corresponding posts of the packing base below of the first packaging system. The shape and arrangement of the extensions allows the expansions of the dome to handle the additional weight of the second tray system of packaging. When packing various packing systems on top of the first packing system, substantially all the weight of the combined packing systems is handled by the posts of the first packing system since the plastic film in this case is stretched to make contact with the support areas between the dome expansions that are supported by the posts below the first packing base. However, if a firmer type of film or a thicker film is used to wrap a packaging system, then substantially all the weight of the combined package systems can be distributed over the poles and expansions of the first base dome of packaging. The previously printed product or nutritional information may appear in the shrinking packaging bag or shrink wrap film from a flat roll inventory, which is easy to see against light color or a white backing of the lid of packaging. It is further contemplated that a label may be placed in the bag of the shrinking film or the wrapping film containing nutritional or product information. Such information can be printed on the top, bottom and sides. It is contemplated that a stowage of packaging systems 10 can be wrapped together to form a larger unit of multiple packaging systems to provide improved protection of the items. For example, a first 30-piece egg packing system can be rotated through 90 ° and stowed over a second 30-piece egg packing system and then wrapped together to form a 60-piece packaged article. In another example, a third 30-piece egg packing system can be rotated 90 ° and stowed over the first two packing systems and all three wrapped together to form a 90-piece packaged article. Such large-part articles beneficially provide improved protection because the articles contained in them are prevented from making contact with one another during transportation and handling. In another embodiment, one or more elastic bands may be placed between the transverse columns and / or the longitudinal rows of the dome expansions on the packing cover to secure the packing cover to the packing system packing base. In particular, a roll of elastic material is placed in a wrapping machine and then a complete egg tray is placed on the machine. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic material is directed around the complete packing system in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, between an outer row of the expansions. of the dome minus one row and inner column of the expansions of the dome closest to the center of the packing lid. The proper elastic material and machines are manufactured by Delta Cyklop of Charlotte, North Carolina. The packaging systems secured in this way can advantageously be stowed together in a very compact manner, because there is no wrapping film shrinking between the dome expansions to interfere with the contact of the cavities of a superior packing system with the support surface of the lower packing system. Figure 4 is an alternative configuration of the 12 'embeddable packing lid designed to accommodate 36 eggs (a 6 x 6 lid configuration). Accordingly, a 36 piece packing base (not shown) would be used in conjunction with the packing lid 12 'and then the 2 pieces would be secured together to form a packing system as described above. Such a 36 piece item packing system can also fit with other 36 piece packing systems. But in one embodiment, such stowage of 36-piece packing systems would include a compensation in which the cavity of the packing system from the top to the top sits on the edge post of a packing system below. In this case, the plurality of packing systems that do not fit would form a completely square stowage for shipping purposes but can still store 20% more eggs in a retail store display in the same volume as conventional 30-piece trays. 36-piece packaging systems can be stowed straight up on top of each other, rather than by lace at the discretion of the retailer. As explained above with respect to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3D, a packaging system 10 can be set or placed to fit into a second packaging system by rotating the second packing system approximately 90 ° to allow the cavities of the packaging Packing system above fit between the dome expansions of the packing system below and generally on top of the poles of the packaging system below. The result is a very compact stowage of the packing systems because a portion of the cavities of each packing system lies within the expansions of the packing system below. Therefore, the total packing height is reduced by approximately 35 percent compared to a conventional package of products. This allows an egg producer, for example, to place a higher volume of product on each pallet for shipping, and allow the retailer to place more product in the same shelf space. I also know notes that a greater number of items can be stored within the current packaging system with the most commonly used trays that use a single-faced corrugated sleeve. In fact, due to the packaging capabilities of the current packaging system, a retailer can place between about 20 percent up to about 30 percent more items on the retailer's shelf in the same amount of space used by conventional trays. The combination of a packing base and the current packaging lid that fits promotes increased stability, better egg protection and provides improved efficiencies compared to conventional trays for an improved packaging system. The packaging lid that is fitted also allows the eggs to be completely covered and protected from contamination, tampering and damage by packaging systems that are placed on top. Furthermore, the packaging lid is designed to match existing conventional packaging bases. Although the packaging lids described herein have been shown and described with reference to illustrative embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and / or may determine many equivalents for those embodiments. Such equivalents are covered by the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims. Unless otherwise provided, when the articles "a" or "ones" are used herein to modify a noun, they may be understood to include one or more of any of the modified nouns.

Claims (23)

1. A lid for packaging that fits, characterized in that it comprises: a generally flat lid member having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of dome expansions extending upward from the cover member, each dome expansion defines a downward facing recess and includes a base perimeter that defines a base center, the dome expansions are configured in longitudinal rows and transversal columns; and a plurality of elongated projections extending downward from the bottom surface of the cover member, at least one projection disposed transversely between a longitudinally adjacent pair of dome expansions and at least one projection disposed longitudinally between a transversely adjacent pair of expansions. of dome.

2. The cover for packaging that fits in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that each projection has a length with a midpoint, the midpoint of the projection is generally aligned with the centers of the base of the pair of adjacent dome expansions.

3. The lid for packing that fits in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that each projection has a varied width, the width of the projection increases with increasing distance from the midpoint.

4. The lid for packaging that eneaj a according to claim 2, characterized in that each projection has a height between about 1.59 mm and about 6.35 mm.

5. The lid for packing that fits in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the height of the projection varies along the length of the projection.

The lid for packaging that fits according to claim 1, characterized in that a support area is defined on the lower surface of the lid member between the diagonally adjacent pairs of dome expansions.

7. The cover for packaging that fits in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that the support area is free of projections.

The lid for packaging that fits in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of projections is placed between each pair of adjacent dome expansions and between each pair of adjacent dome expansions in each transverse column.

9. The lid for packaging that fits according to claim 1, characterized in that each dome expansion is placed adjacent to at least one longitudinal projection and at least one transverse projection.

10. The cover for packaging that fits according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises a frusto-conical extension placed in the upper portion of each dome expansion.

The lid for packaging that fits in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that the dome expansion includes a first opening angle in the perimeter of the base, and the frusto-conical extension includes a second opening angle, wherein the The first opening angle is different from the second opening angle.

The lid for packaging that fits in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that the frusto-conical shape extension further comprises at least one of a flat upper surface or a concave upper surface.

The lid for packaging that fits in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of expansions of the dome includes an integral multiple of six dome expansions.

14. The lid for packaging that fits in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of expansions of the dome includes at least five longitudinal rows of expansions of the dome, and at least five transverse columns of dome expansions.

15. The lid for packing that fits in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an edge extending from the periphery of the lid member.

16. The lid for packaging that fits in accordance with claim 15, characterized in that at least one recess is defined at the edge of the edge.

17. The lid for packaging that fits according to claim 1, characterized in that the lid member is formed from at least one polymer foam and a molded fiber material.

18. The lid for packaging that fits in accordance with claim 17, characterized in that the lid member is formed of polystyrene.

A packaging system characterized in that it comprises: a lid for packaging that includes a generally flat lid member having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of dome expansions extending upward from the cover member, each dome expansion it defines a downward facing recess and includes a base perimeter and a base center, the expansions of the dome are configured in longitudinal rows and transverse columns; and a plurality of elongated projections extending downward from the bottom surface of the cover member, at least one projection disposed transversely between a longitudinally adjacent pair of dome expansions and at least one projection disposed longitudinally between a transversely adjacent pair of expansions. of dome; and a matching packing base that includes: a base member having an upper surface and a lower surface, a plurality of cavities defined in the base member, each cavity disposed for alignment with a corresponding dome expansion of the cover for packing that fits, and a plurality of posts extending upwardly from the base member, each post disposed between a diagonally adjacent pair of cavities, the posts configured to support the lid for packaging that fits.

The packaging system that fits in accordance with claim 19, characterized in that the lid for packaging that engages further comprises an edge extending from a periphery of the lid member and the packing base that further comprises a collar that extends from the periphery of the base member, the plurality of posts support the cover for packaging that engages an edge in a spaced relationship relative to the collar.

The packaging system that fits in accordance with claim 20, characterized in that at least one recess is defined at one edge of the edge and at least one corresponding recess is defined at one edge of the collar.

The packaging system that fits in accordance with claim 19, characterized in that the lid for packaging that engages further includes a support area defined on the bottom surface of the cover member between the diagonally adjacent pairs of dome expansions, the area of support that is free of projections and aligned to receive an upper surface of a corresponding post of the packing base that fits.

23. The packaging system that fits in accordance with claim 19, characterized in that it further comprises a wrapping material that surrounds and secures the lid for packing that fits and the packing base that fits together.