LINER

Abstract

A liner comprises: a sheet of material wherein said sheet of material has: a base; a first portion, said first folded portion formed of one or more alternating folds; and a second portion, said second folded portion formed of one or more alternating folds; a first sealer strip, said first sealer strip joined to said sheet of material as to compress one end of said first portion and said second portion; and a second sealer strip, said second sealer strip joined to said sheet of material as to compress one end of said first portion and said second portion; an opening between said first portion and said second portion; a compressible cavity, said compressible cavity having an unexpanded state and an expanded state.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a liner, and particularly although not exclusively to a liner for a groceries container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The supermarket industry increasingly has adopted means for consumers to remotely order and purchase their grocery products for workers to collect the grocery products from the store or warehouse floor and organize them into crates for either delivery to the consumer's desired address or to be collected by the consumer at a ‘collection point’; these services being commonly known as ‘online grocery home delivery’ and ‘click and collect’ services respectively.

During the crate loading process, it has been regular practice for plastic bags or plastic liners to be used to bundle goods together to allow for ease of unloading from the crates to the consumer's desired location i.e., the consumer's vehicle, or the consumer's house. Bundling goods using plastic bags or plastic liners during the loading process whilst allowing for the ease of unloading of goods from the crates, is limited due to the load capacity of the plastic bags or plastic liners often meaning only several goods can be bundled together without the plastic bag becoming structurally damaged during the unloading process and potentially leading to the damage of the goods contained inside.

The use of known plastic bags or plastic liners to bundle goods together during the crate loading process of online grocery home delivery and click and collect services has been reduced in response to legislative and consumer pressure for the supermarket industry to phase out the use of single-use plastics. The alternative method commonly used involves the goods not being bundled into a separate receptacle during the loading process and are instead placed loose within the crates with no means for simultaneously moving multiple goods during the unloading process. In some instances, supermarket companies have introduced a cost to be paid by the consumer for the use of plastic bags or plastic liners for the bundling of goods during the crating process.

As the use of plastic bags or plastic liners has been reduced for online grocery home delivery and click and collect services, the process of unloading of goods from the crates to the consumer's desired location i.e., the consumer's vehicle, or the consumer's house, has become less efficient. Goods must be unloaded individually by the consumer or by the delivery personnel either directly to the consumer's desired location or into a receptacle provided by the consumer which could include examples as a plastic bag or liner, a cloth bag, a cardboard box, or a paper bag. This reduces the efficiency of the unloading process which reduces the number of online grocery home deliveries and click and collect appointments that can be performed in one day.

Demand for online grocery home delivery services and click and collect services have increased at a rapid rate in recent years as cultural practices such as remote working and self-isolation have become more common. The reduced efficiency of the unloading of goods process from the crates to the consumer's desired location increases unloading time and reduces the number of online grocery home deliveries and click and collect appointments that can be performed in one day, which increases the number of delivery vehicles that are required to be in use simultaneously to meet demand whilst accounting for the decrease in efficiency of the unloading process. The increase in delivery vehicles in use simultaneously contributes to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere and contributes to air pollution especially in urbanized areas.

The process of unloading by individually decanting goods from the delivery crate to the consumer's desire location or a consumer owned secondary receptacle reduces accessibility for elderly and disabled consumers who would typically take a longer time to unload the goods from the plastic bags or plastic liners once they were brought to the consumer's desired location i.e., the consumer's kitchen. As a consequence the longer unloading process that would previously have occurred in the consumer's desired location such as a kitchen when the delivery personnel would have been able to leave to continue further deliveries as the crates the goods were stored in would have been emptied, now takes place at the first unloading stage where the delivery personnel must be present until each good is unloaded from the crates before he can continue with further deliveries. This reduces the number of online grocery home deliveries and click and collect appointments that can be performed in one day.

Some goods bought using online grocery home delivery services or click and collect services are more prone to being damaged or dirtied in the loading and unloading process for example: goods that are sold as unpackaged items which can include fruit and vegetables, goods that are sold in glass packaging which can include spices and cooking sauces, or goods that are sold in plastic packaging and contain a liquid to maintain freshness which can include cheese such as mozzarella. The practice of loading and unloading individual goods from and into a delivery crate provides a greater risk of goods that are sold as unpackaged items becoming dirtied as delivery crates are not routinely washed between deliveries; there is a greater risk of goods that are sold in glass packaging being damaged leading to pieces of glass being distributed in the delivery truck, or the ground between the delivery truck and the consumer's desired location of delivery; and there is a greater risk of goods that are sold in plastic packaging and contain a liquid to be split and spill the liquid in the delivery truck, the ground between the delivery truck and the consumer's desired location of delivery. These risks of damages and dirtying can pose safety risks to the delivery personnel and consumer, as well as the clearing up of broken glass or split liquids is more difficult and risks contaminating other goods as the goods are not contained within a receptacle such as a liner or bag. In some cases, goods sold without packaging are loaded into the crate inside a small plastic bag to protect the goods from being dirtied, however this is at a contrary to the pressure to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The liner disclosed herein may be used in application where multiple goods are to be loaded and unloaded to and from a delivery crate, container, box, tray, or any medium to the same extent.

One objective of the present invention is to move multiple goods to and from a known rigid delivery crate simultaneously in a single lift operation.

Another object is to provide a liner for a delivery crate which is leak-proof and protects the delivery crate against spillage of grocery items such as foods, cleaning products, and their damaged packaging, e.g. broken glass so that the delivery crate can be recovered in a clean and usable condition when the liner and its contents are lifted from the delivery crate.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liner comprising:

• • a sheet of material,
  • wherein said sheet of material comprises:
  • a base portion;
  • a first portion,
  • said first portion formed of one or more first alternating folded portions; and
  • a second portion,
  • said second portion formed of one or more second alternating folded portions;
  • a first sealer strip;
  • said first sealer strip joined to said sheet of material as to compress one end of said first folded portion and second said folded portion; and
  • a second sealer strip;
  • said second sealer strip joined to said sheet of material as to compress one end of said first portion and said second portion;
  • an opening between said first portion and said second portion;
  • a compressible cavity,
  • said compressible cavity having an unexpanded state and an expanded state.

The liner may comprise, the said first sealer strip and said second sealer strip are joined to said sheet of material using an adhesive.

The liner may comprise, the said first sealer strip and said second sealer strip joined to said sheet of material using a thread or seam.

Suitably, said sheet of material may comprise any sheet material which is flexible and strong enough to hold a load comprising household grocery items including food items, cleaning materials, and their packaging, and the like of the type found in a normal supermarket contained within a volume of a known open topped plastics delivery receptacle of dimensions up to length 90 cm, width 60 cm and height 30 cm.

In use, there are first and second flat upper side portions of the liner which lay substantially horizontally either side of an upper opening, so that grocery items can be passed through the open top of the liner between the upper flat portions to be contained within the liner, for transport within the liner which is within the delivery receptacle, and then when the receptacle is to be emptied, a person may grab the flat portions, which serve as handles or straps with which to lift the whole weight of the liner out of the delivery receptacle.

Preferably, each upper side portion is strong enough to bear the full weight of the loaded liner when grasped by a human hand, without tearing.

Suitably, said sheet of material comprises craft paper.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is a method of using a liner comprising:

• • pulling the first portion away from the base of said liner unfolding the one or more alternating folds to form a cavity between the first folded portion and the base;
  • pulling the second portion away from the base of said liner unfolding the one or more alternating folds to expand the cavity between the first portion and the base;
  • placing goods onto the base of said liner through the opening between said first portion and said second portion;
  • lifting the liner using the first sealer strip and second sealer strip.

The embodiments include a liner for a groceries box or container, the liner comprising a sheet of material wherein the sheet of material comprises: a base portion; a first folded portion, said first folded portion formed of one or more folds; a second folded portion, said second folded portion formed of one or more folds; a first sealer strip, said first sealer strip joined to said sheet of material so as to compress one end of said first folded portion and said second folding portion; and a second sealer strip joined to said sheet of material so as to compress one end of the first folded portion and second folder portion; and an opening between the first folded portion and the second folding portion.

In effect in one embodiment, the liner comprises a sack having a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel connecting the front and back panel on one side; a second side panel connecting the front and back panel and the second side; the upper portions of the, back panel and second side panels being joined by a first seam; and the lower ends of the front panel, back panel, first and second side panels being joined by a second seam, wherein front panel has an aperture extending between the first and second ends and between the first and second seems, so that when the sack is placed within an open delivery receptacle, with the back panel at the base of the receptacle, the front panel faces upwardly, and the first and second ends of the sack lie at the respective first and second ends of the delivery receptacle. In the embodiment shown, the front panel comprises first and second front panel strips, spaced apart from each other opposing each other one either side of a central aperture or gap.

In use, grocery items are placed inside the sack, through the aperture in the upper (front) panel. The line is expandable from a flat stored position into an in-use expanded position within the delivery receptacle, as the side panels are foldable and concertina-like, opening up an interior cavity of the sack.

When it is required to transfer the contents of the delivery receptacle to for example a car boot for collection delivery point, a user simply picks up the first and second ends of the sack and lifts the sack out of the delivery receptacle and into the car boot or other transport. Groceries are retained inside the sack between the sides of the sack and constrained from falling out of the sack by the laterally opposing parts of the front panel which lie opposite each other across the aperture in the front panel. The material of the sack or liner is preferably a strong tear-proof paper—card material which also has resistance to liquids or fluids, and which is also liquid proof, at least for a duration of seven or eight hours or more, enough duration to give time for groceries packed into the liner within a delivery receptacle at the supermarket collection point and end customer, and to be transported a few miles home. Typically, the material should remain intact for a period of up to 24 hours when exposed to liquids or fluids of the type of products bought from supermarkets, which may leak, including domestic cleaning fluids, vinegar, food oils, and the like.

During manufacture, the front panels, back panel, side panels formed of a single sheet of flexible material, folded over and having the ends sealed by a sewn seam or in an alternative embodiment by an adhesive strip. The liner lays flat for storage and shipping, and can be expanded either manually, or using a machine, when delivery receptacle at the supermarket or at a distribution depot.

In one embodiment there is provided a liner comprising:

• • a rear panel;
  • at least one front panel;
  • a first side panel extending between the rear panel and said at least one front panel;
  • a second side panel extending between the rear panel and said at least one front panel;
  • an aperture adjacent or formed within said at least one front panel;
  • said rear panel, at least one front panel, said first side panel and said second side panel being join together at a first end; and
  • each of said rear panel, said at least one front panel, said first side panel and said second side panel being joined together at a second end.

The liner preferably comprises a first seam connecting together said rear panel, said at least one front panels, said first and second side panels at said first end; and a second seam connecting said rear panel, said at least one front panel; said first and second side panels at said second end.

Each said seam may comprises a sewn seam.

Each said seam may be formed by applying an adhesive to said rear panel, said at least one front panel, and first and second side panels.

Preferably said first seam closes off said rear panel, said at least one front panel, said first side panel and said second side panel at said first end.

Preferably said second seam closes off said rear panel, said at least one front panel, said first side panel and said second side panel at said second end.

Preferably the liner comprises first and second front panels, said first and second front panels each extending between said first end and said second end, said first and second front panels being spaced apart from each other along substantially the whole respective lengths so as to form a said aperture therebetween.

Other aspects are as set out in the claims herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 herein illustrates photographically a known grocery delivery crate or container;

FIG. 2 herein illustrates schematically a bird's eye view of a specific embodiment of the liner decompressed and not in use. A base panel 1115 of a sheet of material 11 is connected to a first portion 112 by a fold, connected to a second portion 113 by a fold, joined to a first sealant strip 12 by means of a thread cord joining the base panel 1115 on the interior of the first sealant strip 12, joined to a second sealant strip 13 by means of a thread cord joining the base panel 1115 on the interior of the second sealant strip 13.

FIG. 3 herein illustrates schematically a view of the sheet of material 11. The sheet of material 11 shown comprises a base 111, a first portion 112, and a second portion 113. The base 111 compromising a first base edge 1111, a second base edge 1112, a third base edge 1113, a fourth base edge 1114, and a base panel 1115. The first portion 112 compromising a first portion panel 1121, a second portion panel 1122, and a third portion panel 1123. The second portion 113 comprising a first portion panel 1131, a second portion panel 1132, and a third portion panel 1133.

FIG. 4 herein illustrates schematically a view of the first sealer strip 12. The sealer strip comprises a first strip panel 121, and a second strip panel 122.

FIG. 5 herein illustrates schematically a view of the first sealer strip 13. The sealer strip comprises a first strip panel 131, and a second strip panel 132.

FIG. 6 herein illustrates schematically a transect view of the sheet of paper 11 within the liner 1 when the liner 1 is decompressed.

FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a bird's eye view of the liner 1 when decompressed. First portion 112 and second portion 113 are decompressed expanding the volumetric capacity of the compressible cavity 15.

FIG. 8 illustrates photographically a bird's eye view of a specific embodiment of the liner in use.

FIG. 9 illustrates schematically a bird's eye view of an alternative embodiment of the liner.

FIG. 10 illustrates photographically a view of a specific embodiment of the liner when not in use.

FIG. 11 illustrates photographically a view of a specific embodiment of the liner when in use and in a known grocery delivery container or crate without any goods stored within the liner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

In a specific embodiment and method according to the invention, there is a liner 1 which comprises a sheet of material 11, a first sealant strip 12, a second sealant strip 13, an opening 14, and a compressible cavity 15.

Referring to FIG. 1 herein, a known grocery crate or container used to move grocery goods ordered using a home delivery service or a click and collect service typically provided by supermarket firms. Prior art methods for moving or transporting or transferring goods involve the use of plastic bags, receptacles, or liners in which a limited number of goods can be moved simultaneously at one time. The use of plastic bags, receptacles, or liners is restricted in the movement of goods as the plastic material used carry an average maximum of 7 kg which restricts the number of goods that can be carried simultaneously. Plastic bags, receptacles, or liners are commonly not used by supermarket firms, in the place of plastic bags, receptacles, or liners and in place individually load goods into the grocery crate or container.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 3 herein, the sheet of material 11 comprises a base 111, a first portion 112, and a second portion 113. The base which is quadrilateral in shape and comprises four base edges 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114 and a base panel 1115. The first portion which has an accordion fold shape and comprises a first portion panel 1121 which is joined to the first base edge 1111 through a fold in the sheet of material 11, a second portion panel 1122 which connects to the first portion panel 1121 through a fold in the sheet of material 11, a third portion panel 1123 which connects to the second portion panel 1122 through a fold in the sheet of material 11. The first portion is folded as such that it can be compressed so that base panel 1115 makes contact with the first portion panel 1121, the first portion panel makes contact with the base panel 1115 and the second portion panel 1122, the second portion panel 1122 makes contact with the first portion panel 1121 and the third portion panel 1123, and the third portion panel 1123 which makes contact with the second portion panel 1122. It is possible that the second portion panel 1122 and the third portion panel 1123 may make contact with the base panel 1115. The second portion which has an accordion fold shape and comprises a first portion panel 1131 which is joined to the first base edge 1112 through a fold in the sheet of material 11, a second portion panel 1132 which connects to the first portion panel 1131 through a fold in the sheet of material 11, a third portion panel 1133 which connects to the second portion panel 1132 through a fold in the sheet of material 11. The second portion is folded as such that it can be compressed so that base panel 1115 makes contact with the first portion panel 1131, the first portion panel makes contact with the base panel 1115 and the second portion panel 1132, the second portion panel 1132 makes contact with the first portion panel 1131 and the third portion panel 1133, and the third portion panel 1133 which makes contact with the second portion panel 1132. It is possible that the second portion panel 1132 and the third portion panel 1133 may make contact with the base panel 1115. The compressing of the first portion 112 and the second portion 113 compresses the compressible cavity 15 and reduces the volumetric capacity of compressible cavity 15. The decompressing of the first portion 112 and the second portion 113 decompresses the compressible cavity 15 and increases the volumetric capacity of the compressible cavity 15.

The sheet of material 11 could be made from paper, kraft paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard or a like material to that effect. The material may comprise a plastics coating, wax coating, or other liquid-impermeable coating in order that liquids or fluids which may be spilled inside the liner, for example domestic cleaning fluids, vinegar, olive oil, egg yolks or other food liquids, will be contained within the liner and the liner will protect the interior of the delivery receptacle from contact with liquids or fluids within the liner. The sheet material preferably has the material properties such that the size and shape of the liner when filled with groceries, the liner is strong enough to be lifted by a person's hand grasping one of the upper portions of the liner in order to pull the liner out of the delivery receptacle without the liner tearing. Preferably the liner should be able to carry between at least 15 kg of goods. The material should be flexible enough so that if grocery items, e.g. boxes, jars, cans are jammed into the delivery receptacle tightly, causing additional friction between the liner and the smooth internal sides of the delivery receptacle, the material will flex without tearing when lifting the liner out from the delivery receptacle. Preferably the material of the liner is recyclable. Preferably the material of the liner is biodegradable. Where the material of the liner comprises a plastics material, the material itself may be made from previously recycled plastics materials.

FIG. 3 herein illustrates schematically a view of the sheet of material 11. The sheet of material 11 shown comprises a base 111, a first portion 112, and a second portion 113. The base 111 compromising a first base edge 1111, a second base edge 1112, a third base edge 1113, a fourth base edge 1114, and a base panel 1115. The first portion 112 compromising a first portion panel 1121, a second portion panel 1122, and a third portion panel 1123. The second portion 113 comprising a first portion panel 1131, a second portion panel 1132, and a third portion panel 1133.

Referring to FIG. 4 herein, the first sealer strip 12 comprises a strip of material that has been folded so that the first sealer strip 12 is formed of two strip panels 121 122. The first sealer strip is connected to the sheet of paper where the strip panel 121 makes contact with the underside of the base panel 1115 and is in contact with and parallel to the base edge 1113; the strip panel 122 makes contact with a section of the surface side of the first portion's 112 third portion panel 1123, a section of the surface side of the base panel 1115, and a section of the surface side of the second portion's 113 third portion panel 1133. The connection between the first sealer strip and the sheet of material 11 is made using a threaded cord threaded along the length of the first sealer strip 12 joining the sheet of material 11 with the threaded cord inside the interior of the strip panels 121 122.

The first sealer strip 12 could be made from paper, kraft paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, or like material to that effect. Preferably the material of the first sealer strip is recyclable. Preferably the material of the first sealer strip is biodegradable.

Referring to FIG. 5 herein, the second sealer strip 13 comprises a strip of material that has been folded so that the second sealer strip 13 is formed of two strip panels 131 132. The second sealer strip is connected to the sheet of paper where the strip panel 131 makes contact with the underside of the base panel 1115 and is in contact with and parallel to the base edge 1114; the strip panel 132 makes contact with a section of the surface side of the first portion's 112 third portion panel 1123, a section of the surface side of the base panel 1115, and a section of the surface side of the second portion's 113 third portion panel 1133. The connection between the second sealer strip and the sheet of material 11 is made using a threaded cord threaded along the length of the second sealer strip 13 joining the sheet of material 11 with the threaded cord inside the interior of the strip panels 131 132.

The second sealer strip 13 could be made from paper, kraft paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, or material to that effect. Preferably the material of the second sealer strip is recyclable. Preferably the material of the second sealer strip is biodegradable.

FIG. 6 herein illustrates schematically a transect view of the sheet of paper 11 within the liner 1 when the liner 1 is decompressed. The compression cavity 15 is increased in volumetric capacity whilst the liner is decompressed. The first portion's 112 first portion panel 1121 and the first portion's 112 second portion panel 1122 form a side of the liner 1 when the liner 1 is decompressed. The first portion's 112 third portion panel 1123 forms a partial top side to the liner. The second portion's 113 first portion panel 1131 and the second portion's 113 second portion panel 1132 form a side of the liner 1 when the liner 1 is decompressed. The second portion's 113 third portion panel 1133 forms a partial top side to the liner.

Referring to the FIGS. 2 to 6 herein, opening 14 is formed from the perimeter of the interior edge of the first portion's 112 third panel 1123, the interior edge of the second portion's 113 third panel 1133, a section of the interior edge of the first sealant strip's 12 strip panel 122, and a section of the interior edge of the second sealant strip's 13 strip panel 132. The opening 14 is quadrilateral in shape.

FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a bird's eye view of the liner 1 when decompressed. First portion 112 and second portion 113 are decompressed expanding the volumetric capacity of the compressible cavity 15.

Referring to the FIGS. 2 to 7 herein, the compressible cavity 15 is contained within the perimeter of the interior of the first portion 112, the interior of the second portion 113, the interior edge of the first portion's 112 third panel 1123, the interior edge of the second portion's 113 third panel 1133, and the interior side of the base panel 1115. The compressible cavity 15 varies in volumetric capacity, the volumetric capacity is increased when the liner 1 is decompressed, and the volumetric capacity 15 is decreased when the liner 1 is compressed.

Referring to the FIGS. 2 to 7 herein, before use the compressible cavity 15 is compressed and has less volumetric capacity than when the liner and the compressible cavity 15 is decompressed. When compressed, the base panel 1115 makes contact with the first portion's first portion panel 1121, the first portion's first portion panel makes contact with the base panel 1115 and the first portion's 112 second portion panel 1122, the first portion's 112 second portion panel makes contact with the first portion's 112 first portion panel 1121 and the first portion's 112 third portion panel 1123, and the first portion's 112 third portion panel which makes contact with the first portion's 112 second portion panel 1122. It is possible that the first portion's 112 second portion panel 1122 and the first portion's 112 third portion panel 1123 may make contact with the base panel 1115. Additionally, when compressed the base panel 1115 makes contact with the second portion's 113 first portion panel 1131, the second portion's 113 first portion panel makes contact with the base panel 1115 and the second portion's 113 second portion panel 1132, the second portion's 113 second portion panel 1132 makes contact with the second portion's 113 first portion panel 1131 and the second portion's 113 third portion panel 1133, and the second portion's 113 third portion panel 1133 which makes contact with the second portion's 113 second portion panel 1132. It is possible that the second portion's 113 second portion panel 1132 and the second portion's 113 third portion panel 1133 may make contact with the base panel 1115.

Referring to the FIGS. 2 to 7 herein, in use, the compressible cavity 15 is expanded in volumetric capacity by pulling the first portion's 112 third panel 1123 and the end of the first sealant strip 112 opposite to the first portion's 112 third panel 1123 away from each other, so as to form a side of the liner 1 from the first portion's 112 first panel 1121 and the first portion's 112 second panel 1122. The second portion's 113 third panel 1133 and the end of the second sealant strip 113 opposite to the second portion's 113 third panel 1133 away from each other, so as to form a side of the liner 1 from the second portion's 113 first panel 1131 and the second portion's 113 second panel 1132. The decompressed liner can be decompressed whilst in the crate or whilst outside of the crate and placed into the crate afterwards.

Goods are inserted into the decompressed liner through the opening 14 and are contained in the liner 1 side formed from the first portion's 112 first panel 1121 and the first portion's 112 second panel 1122, the liner 1 side formed from the second portion's 113 first panel 1131 and the second portion's 113 second panel 1132, the base panel 1115, the first sealant strip 12, the second sealant strip 13, the interior side of the first portion's 112 third panel 1123, and the interior side of the second portion's 113 third panel 1133. The liner when required to be moved when decompressed can be moved by holding the first sealant strip 12 and the second sealant strip 13 simultaneously and be lifted. The goods within the liner will be contained in the liner 1 side formed from the first portion's 112 first panel 1121 and the first portion's 112 second panel 1122, the liner 1 side formed from the second portion's 113 first panel 1131 and the second portion's 113 second panel 1132, the base panel 1115, the first sealant strip 12, the second sealant strip 13, the interior side of the first portion's 112 third panel 1123, and the interior side of the second portion's 113 third panel 1133.

This means that compared to existing prior art, the liner is used to carry all goods contained within a delivery crate simultaneously from the delivery crate to the desired destination. Individual goods do not need to be removed from the crate which increases the efficiency of the delivery.

In an alternative embodiment and method according to the invention, there is a liner 1 which comprises a sheet of material 11, a first sealant strip 12, a second sealant strip 13, an opening 14, and a compressible cavity 15.

Referring to FIG. 1 herein, a known grocery crate or container used to move grocery goods ordered using a home delivery service or a click and collect service typically provided by supermarket firms. Prior art methods for moving or transporting or transferring goods involve the use of plastic bags, receptacles, or liners in which a limited number of goods can be moved simultaneously at one time. The use of plastic bags, receptacles, or liners is restricted in the movement of goods as the plastic material used carry an average maximum of 7 kg which restricts the number of goods that can be carried simultaneously. Plastic bags, receptacles, or liners are commonly not used by supermarket firms, in the place of plastic bags, receptacles, or liners and in place individually load goods into the grocery crate or container.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 3 herein, the sheet of material 11 comprises a base 111, a first portion 112, and a second portion 113. The base which is quadrilateral in shape and comprises four base edges 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114 and a base panel 1115. The first portion which has an accordion fold shape and comprises a first portion panel 1121 which is joined to the first base edge 1111 through a fold in the sheet of material 11, a second portion panel 1122 which connects to the first portion panel 1121 through a fold in the sheet of material 11, a third portion panel 1123 which connects to the second portion panel 1122 through a fold in the sheet of material 11. The first portion is folded as such that it can be compressed so that base panel 1115 makes contact with the first portion panel 1121, the first portion panel makes contact with the base panel 1115 and the second portion panel 1122, the second portion panel 1122 makes contact with the first portion panel 1121 and the third portion panel 1123, and the third portion panel 1123 which makes contact with the second portion panel 1122. It is possible that the second portion panel 1122 and the third portion panel 1123 may make contact with the base panel 1115. The second portion which has an accordion fold shape and comprises a first portion panel 1131 which is joined to the first base edge 1112 through a fold in the sheet of material 11, a second portion panel 1132 which connects to the first portion panel 1131 through a fold in the sheet of material 11, a third portion panel 1133 which connects to the second portion panel 1132 through a fold in the sheet of material 11. The second portion is folded as such that it can be compressed so that base panel 1115 makes contact with the first portion panel 1131, the first portion panel makes contact with the base panel 1115 and the second portion panel 1132, the second portion panel 1132 makes contact with the first portion panel 1131 and the third portion panel 1133, and the third portion panel 1133 which makes contact with the second portion panel 1132. It is possible that the second portion panel 1132 and the third portion panel 1133 may make contact with the base panel 1115. The compressing of the first portion 112 and the second portion 113 compresses the compressible cavity 15 and reduces the volumetric capacity of compressible cavity 15. The decompressing of the first portion 112 and the second portion 113 decompresses the compressible cavity 15 and increases the volumetric capacity of the compressible cavity 15.

The sheet of material 11 could be made from paper, kraft paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard or a like material to that effect. The material may comprise a plastics coating, wax coating, or other liquid-impermeable coating in order that liquids or fluids which may be spilled inside the liner, for example domestic cleaning fluids, vinegar, olive oil, egg yolks or other food liquids, will be contained within the liner and the liner will protect the interior of the delivery receptacle from contact with liquids or fluids within the liner. The sheet material preferably has the material properties such that the size and shape of the liner when filled with groceries, the liner is strong enough to be lifted by a person's hand grasping one of the upper portions of the liner in order to pull the liner out of the delivery receptacle without the liner tearing. Preferably the liner should be able to carry between at least 15 kg of goods. The material should be flexible enough so that if grocery items, e.g. boxes, jars, cans are jammed into the delivery receptacle tightly, causing additional friction between the liner and the smooth internal sides of the delivery receptacle, the material will flex without tearing when lifting the liner out from the delivery receptacle. Preferably the material of the liner is recyclable. Preferably the material of the liner is biodegradable. Where the material of the liner comprises a plastics material, the material itself may be made from previously recycled plastics materials.

FIG. 3 herein illustrates schematically a view of the sheet of material 11. The sheet of material 11 shown comprises a base 111, a first portion 112, and a second portion 113. The base 111 compromising a first base edge 1111, a second base edge 1112, a third base edge 1113, a fourth base edge 1114, and a base panel 1115. The first portion 112 compromising a first portion panel 1121, a second portion panel 1122, and a third portion panel 1123. The second portion 113 comprising a first portion panel 1131, a second portion panel 1132, and a third portion panel 1133.

Referring to FIG. 4 herein, the first sealer strip 12 comprises a strip of material that has been folded so that the first sealer strip 12 is formed of two strip panels 121 122. The first sealer strip is connected to the sheet of paper where the strip panel 121 makes contact with the underside of the base panel 1115 and is in contact with and parallel to the base edge 1113; the strip panel 122 makes contact with a section of the surface side of the first portion's 112 third portion panel 1123, a section of the surface side of the base panel 1115, and a section of the surface side of the second portion's 113 third portion panel 1133. The connection between the first sealer strip and the sheet of material 11 is made using an adhesive strip along the length of the first sealer strip 12 joining the sheet of material 11 with the adhesive strip inside the interior of the strip panels 121 122.

The first sealer strip 12 could be made from paper, kraft paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, or like material to that effect. Preferably the material of the first sealer strip is recyclable. Preferably the material of the first sealer strip is biodegradable.

Referring to FIG. 5 herein, the second sealer strip 13 comprises a strip of material that has been folded so that the second sealer strip 13 is formed of two strip panels 131 132. The second sealer strip is connected to the sheet of paper where the strip panel 131 makes contact with the underside of the base panel 1115 and is in contact with and parallel to the base edge 1114; the strip panel 132 makes contact with a section of the surface side of the first portion's 112 third portion panel 1123, a section of the surface side of the base panel 1115, and a section of the surface side of the second portion's 113 third portion panel 1133. The connection between the second sealer strip and the sheet of material 11 is made using an adhesive strip along the length of the second sealer strip 13 joining the sheet of material 11 with the adhesive inside the interior of the strip panels 131 132.

The second sealer strip 13 could be made from paper, kraft paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, or material to that effect. Preferably the material of the second sealer strip is recyclable. Preferably the material of the second sealer strip is biodegradable.

FIG. 6 herein illustrates schematically a transect view of the sheet of paper 11 within the liner 1 when the liner 1 is decompressed. The compression cavity 15 is increased in volumetric capacity whilst the liner is decompressed. The first portion's 112 first portion panel 1121 and the first portion's 112 second portion panel 1122 form a side of the liner 1 when the liner 1 is decompressed. The first portion's 112 third portion panel 1123 forms a partial top side to the liner. The second portion's 113 first portion panel 1131 and the second portion's 113 second portion panel 1132 form a side of the liner 1 when the liner 1 is decompressed. The second portion's 113 third portion panel 1133 forms a partial top side to the liner.

Referring to the FIGS. 2 to 6 herein, opening 14 is formed from the perimeter of the interior edge of the first portion's 112 third panel 1123, the interior edge of the second portion's 113 third panel 1133, a section of the interior edge of the first sealant strip's 12 strip panel 122, and a section of the interior edge of the second sealant strip's 13 strip panel 132. The opening 14 is quadrilateral in shape.

FIG. 7 illustrates schematically a bird's eye view of the liner 1 when decompressed. First portion 112 and second portion 113 are decompressed expanding the volumetric capacity of the compressible cavity 15.

Referring to the FIGS. 2 to 7 herein, the compressible cavity 15 is contained within the perimeter of the interior of the first portion 112, the interior of the second portion 113, the interior edge of the first portion's 112 third panel 1123, the interior edge of the second portion's 113 third panel 1133, and the interior side of the base panel 1115. The compressible cavity 15 varies in volumetric capacity, the volumetric capacity is increased when the liner 1 is decompressed, and the volumetric capacity 15 is decreased when the liner 1 is compressed.

Referring to the FIGS. 2 to 7 herein, before use the compressible cavity 15 is compressed and has less volumetric capacity than when the liner and the compressible cavity 15 is decompressed. When compressed, the base panel 1115 makes contact with the first portion's first portion panel 1121, the first portion's first portion panel makes contact with the base panel 1115 and the first portion's 112 second portion panel 1122, the first portion's 112 second portion panel makes contact with the first portion's 112 first portion panel 1121 and the first portion's 112 third portion panel 1123, and the first portion's 112 third portion panel which makes contact with the first portion's 112 second portion panel 1122. It is possible that the first portion's 112 second portion panel 1122 and the first portion's 112 third portion panel 1123 may make contact with the base panel 1115. Additionally, when compressed the base panel 1115 makes contact with the second portion's 113 first portion panel 1131, the second portion's 113 first portion panel makes contact with the base panel 1115 and the second portion's 113 second portion panel 1132, the second portion's 113 second portion panel 1132 makes contact with the second portion's 113 first portion panel 1131 and the second portion's 113 third portion panel 1133, and the second portion's 113 third portion panel 1133 which makes contact with the second portion's 113 second portion panel 1132. It is possible that the second portion's 113 second portion panel 1132 and the second portion's 113 third portion panel 1133 may make contact with the base panel 1115.

Referring to the FIGS. 2 to 7 herein, in use, the compressible cavity 15 is expanded in volumetric capacity by pulling the first portion's 112 third panel 1123 and the end of the first sealant strip 112 opposite to the first portion's 112 third panel 1123 away from each other, so as to form a side of the liner 1 from the first portion's 112 first panel 1121 and the first portion's 112 second panel 1122. The second portion's 113 third panel 1133 and the end of the second sealant strip 113 opposite to the second portion's 113 third panel 1133 away from each other, so as to form a side of the liner 1 from the second portion's 113 first panel 1131 and the second portion's 113 second panel 1132. The decompressed liner can be decompressed whilst in the crate or whilst outside of the crate and placed into the crate afterwards.

Goods are inserted into the decompressed liner through the opening 14 and are contained in the liner 1 side formed from the first portion's 112 first panel 1121 and the first portion's 112 second panel 1122, the liner 1 side formed from the second portion's 113 first panel 1131 and the second portion's 113 second panel 1132, the base panel 1115, the first sealant strip 12, the second sealant strip 13, the interior side of the first portion's 112 third panel 1123, and the interior side of the second portion's 113 third panel 1133. The liner when required to be moved when decompressed can be moved by holding the first sealant strip 12 and the second sealant strip 13 simultaneously and be lifted. The goods within the liner will be contained in the liner 1 side formed from the first portion's 112 first panel 1121 and the first portion's 112 second panel 1122, the liner 1 side formed from the second portion's 113 first panel 1131 and the second portion's 113 second panel 1132, the base panel 1115, the first sealant strip 12, the second sealant strip 13, the interior side of the first portion's 112 third panel 1123, and the interior side of the second portion's 113 third panel 1133.

This means that compared to existing prior art, the liner is used to carry all goods contained within a delivery crate simultaneously from the delivery crate to the desired destination. Individual goods do not need to be removed from the crate which increases the efficiency of the delivery.

The liner when required to be moved when decompressed can be moved by holding the first sealant strip 12 and the second sealant strip 13 simultaneously and be lifted. The goods within the liner will be contained in the liner 1 side formed from the first portion's 112 first panel 1121 and the first portion's 112 second panel 1122, the liner 1 side formed from the second portion's 113 first panel 1131 and the second portion's 113 second panel 1132, the base panel 1115, the first sealant strip 12, the second sealant strip 13, the interior side of the first portion's 112 third panel 1123, and the interior side of the second portion's 113 third panel 1133.

This means that compared to existing prior art, the liner is used to carry all goods contained within a delivery crate simultaneously from the delivery crate to the desired destination. Individual goods do not need to be removed from the crate which increases the efficiency of the delivery.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 11, the liner can be thought of as being a sack laid end to end in the delivery container, the sack comprising a rear panel; at least one front panel; a first side panel extending between the rear panel and said at least one front panel; a second side panel extending between the rear panel and said at least one front panel; an aperture adjacent or formed within said at least one front panel; said rear panel, at least one front panel, said first side panel and said second side panel being join together at a first end; and each of said rear panel, said at least one front panel, said first side panel and said second side panel being joined together at a second end. The front panel is split into two portions, first and second front panels each extending between the first and second ends, there being a substantially rectangular aperture between the sides of the front panels and the ends of the sack placed and within the cavity formed by the liner and tucked underneath the first and second front panels, adjacent the respective first and second side panels. In use, the front panels are facing upwardly, and prevent groceries from falling out of the liner/sack when a person picks sack up grasping the sack at the first and second ends by their respective seam at each end so as to lift the sack out of the delivery receptacle, in one go.

FIG. 8 illustrates photographically a bird's eye view of a specific embodiment of the liner in use.

FIG. 9 herein illustrates schematically a bird's eye view of an alternative embodiment of the liner 1 where a base panel 1115 of a sheet of material 11 is connected to a first portion 112 by a fold, connected to a second portion 113 by a fold, joined to a first sealant strip 12 by means of an adhesive joining the base panel 1115 on the interior of the first sealant strip 12, joined to a second sealant strip 13 by means of an adhesive joining the base panel 1115 on the interior of the second sealant strip 13.

FIG. 10 herein illustrates photographically a view of a specific embodiment of the liner not in use. The first sealant strip 12 and the second sealant strip 13 are shown sewn to portions of the base panel 1115, the first portion 112, and the second portion 113.

FIG. 11 here in illustrates photographically a view of a specific embodiment of the liner in use with the absence of goods. The first portion 112 and the second portion 113 are shown to be expanded as the panels comprising the first portion 112 and the second portion 113 are unfolded.

In yet further embodiments, the front panel may surround an aperture of a different shape, for example an oval or elliptical aperture. In preferred embodiments, having first and second front panels extending either side of a rectangular aperture, the ratio of the overall area of the first and second front panels relative to the areas of the aperture between then is 60% front panel to 40% aperture.

In yet further embodiments, the front panel may surround an aperture of a with a width within a range of 50 mm and 250 mm, and a length within a range of 50 mm and 250 mm.

In yet further embodiments, the liner may have a total width within a range of 200 mm and 700 mm.

In yet further embodiments, the liner may have a total length within a range of 400 mm and 1000 mm.

In yet further embodiments, the liner may be made of a paper with a paper weight within a range of 65 gsm to 200 gsm.

Advantages

The specific embodiments and methods herein may provide the following advantages:

The reduced use of plastic bags or liners as a means of simultaneously moving multiple goods from the groceries delivery container or crate to the consumer's desired location. The reduced use of plastic bags or liners in the grocery home delivery and click and collect services reduces the need to produce or dispose of plastic bags or liners which are considered to contribute to environmental issues such as environmental pollution, an increase in microplastic concentrations in water sources, and an increased use of landfill and waste burning methods.

Grocery home delivery and click and collect services are organized by appointment. The supermarket firm will typically offer the consumer a time appointment in which they can collect their purchased goods or have their purchased goods delivered to their desired location. The number of home delivery and click and collect appointments that can be performed within a set period i.e., one day, are defined primarily by how long each delivery and collection takes. In the home delivery process, a part of the process is the delivery personnel or the consumer removing goods from the grocery delivery crate or container which is commonly conducted through the use of plastic receptacles to carry on average a maximum of 7 kg goods per receptacle or by individually removing each good from the grocery delivery crate or container. One advantage the specific embodiments and methods herein may provide is that all of the goods within the grocery crate or container can be unloaded simultaneously and be placed at the consumer's desired location such as, but not limited to the consumer's kitchen or storage room. This decreased unloading time of the home grocery delivery process and allows the delivery personnel to begin his next home grocery delivery more quickly; overall this increases the efficiency of the home grocery delivery process and can allow for more deliveries to be conducted within the same period as with known methods.

The increased efficiency of the home grocery delivery process through the specific embodiments and methods herein may allow for more deliveries to be conducted within the same period as with known methods. As a delivery personnel can conduct more deliveries, the increase in efficiency of the home grocery delivery process through the specific embodiments and methods herein may allow for less delivery personnel and vehicles required to meet demand. The reduction in the quantity of delivery vehicles can lead to a reduction in the emissions emitted and reduce the environmental impact of home delivery services.

The click and collect service offered by supermarket firms is typically organized by appointment. The number of collection appointments that can be conducted within a set period, for example one day, is defined primarily by how long each collection takes. The click and collect service process involves the consumer receiving at least one grocery delivery crate or container which requires the goods to be unloaded by the consumer into their desired location such as, but not limited to the rear compartment or rear seats of a vehicle. The consumer removing goods from the grocery delivery crate or container which is commonly conducted through the use of plastic receptacles to carry on average a maximum of 7 kg goods per receptacle or by individually removing each good from the grocery delivery crate or container. One advantage the specific embodiments and methods herein may provide is that all of the goods within the grocery crate or container can be unloaded simultaneously and be placed at the consumer's desired location such as, but not limited to the rear compartment or rear seats of a vehicle. This decreased unloading time of the click and collect service process allows for consumers to vacate designated collection spots in a decreased time and allows the collection service personnel to begin his next click and collection service, overall, this increases the efficiency of the click and collect service process and can allow for more collections to be conducted within the same period as with known methods.

An increase in the efficiency of the click and collect service process reduces waiting times for consumers. The reduction in waiting time reduces the time of which a consumer's stationary vehicle may be left operational and consuming the vehicle's fuel. The reduction in time a consumer's vehicle is operational while stationary allows for the vehicle's fuel to be used more efficiently.

The specific embodiments and methods herein may provide an advantage as all the contents of a grocery container or crate can be simultaneously unloaded. This is more accessible for consumers who are elderly or suffer from a disability as the goods do not need to be unloaded individually at the point of collection or delivery but can be simultaneously moved to the consumer's desired location i.e., the consumer's kitchen or the consumer's vehicle's rear compartment. The goods can then individually be unloaded and organised at the consumer's discretion rather than within the short period of the delivery or collection where the delivery or collection personnel are under time constraints.

Some goods bought using online grocery home delivery services or click and collect services are more prone to being damaged or dirtied in the loading and unloading process for example: goods that are sold as unpackaged items which can include fruit and vegetables, goods that are sold in glass packaging which can include spices and cooking sauces, or goods that are sold in plastic packaging and contain a liquid to maintain freshness which can include cheese such as mozzarella. The specific embodiments and methods herein may provide an advantage as the grocery crate or container is covered by the liner in which the goods are stored in is leak-proof and protects the delivery crate against spillage of grocery items such as foods, cleaning products, and their damaged packaging, e.g. broken glass so that the delivery crate can be recovered in a clean and usable condition when the liner and its contents are lifted from the delivery crate.

As the specific embodiments and methods herein may provide an advantage as the grocery crate or container is covered by the liner in which the goods are stored, loose goods such as vegetables and fruit are not exposed to the grocery crate or container which may not have been cleaned or sterilised between uses. Therefore, there is a reduced chance of loose goods becoming unhygienic or dirty.

Individual items do not need to be unloaded individually from the grocery crate or container by delivery personnel, collection personnel or by the consumer in the presence of the delivery personnel who is required to retain the grocery crate or container. Goods such as sexual health products, menstruation hygiene products, or medication that does not require a prescription, that are culturally sensitive and of which a consumer may not wish for the delivery or collection personnel to have their attention drawn to.

The increased efficiency of the home grocery delivery service process through the specific embodiments and methods herein may allow for the unloading of a grocery delivery crate or container to be performed in a shorter time period which reduces the time in which the delivery personnel and the consumer interact. Typically, the interaction between the delivery personnel and the consumer occurs whilst the door on the consumer's premises is open, this allows for the heat from heating systems in the premises to transfer into the potentially cooler outside where the delivery personnel is present, as well as allowing for exposure to adverse weather conditions such as rain and snow. The increased efficiency of the home grocery delivery service process through the specific embodiments and methods herein may therefore allow for a reduced period of interaction between delivery personnel and consumer which reduces the time in which the consumer allows an increased quantity of heat to transfer from the premises to the outside which may reduce the consumer's costs for heating their premises as less heat would be transferred, and would reduce the time the consumer could be exposed to adverse weather conditions.

Home grocery delivery services are often used by small organizations such as care homes or schools to order quantities of goods that are typically larger than the average consumer. Through known methods of unloading delivery crates or containers the goods would have to be unloaded individually or using multiple plastic bags. As the specific embodiments and methods herein may allow for all the goods contained within a delivery crate or container, the process of unloading orders that are larger than the average consumer is more efficient and could expand the demographics in which a supermarket firm may be able to offer services to.

The specific embodiments and methods herein may provide the advantage of being able to transfer 15 kg to 20 kg of goods simultaneously in comparison to the known plastic bag which can on average can simultaneously move a maximum of 7 kg of goods.

The specific embodiments herein may be left with the consumer after use such as alike the known plastic bag would be after completion of the home delivery service or click and collect service. However, the specific embodiments herein may be disposed of by recyclable, reusable, compostable, or biodegradable means. In comparison, the known plastic bag is commonly unable to be recycled, composted, or biodegraded.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment as mentioned above, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claim or claims—will cover such modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A liner comprising:

a sheet of material

wherein said sheet of material comprises:

a base portion;

a first portion,

said first folded portion formed of one or more alternating folds; and

a second portion,

said second folded portion formed of one or more alternating folds;

a first sealer strip,

said first sealer strip joined to said sheet of material as to compress one end of said first portion and said second portion; and

a second sealer strip,

said second sealer strip joined to said sheet of material as to compress one end of said first portion and said second portion;

an opening between said first portion and said second portion;

a compressible cavity,

said compressible cavity having an unexpanded state and an expanded state.

2. The liner as claimed in claim 1, where said first sealer strip and said second sealer strip are joined to said sheet of material using an adhesive.

3. The liner as claimed in claim 1, where said first sealer strip and said second sealer strip are joined to said sheet of material using a thread.

4. The liner as claimed in claim 1, where said sheet of material comprises kraft paper.

5. A method of using a liner comprising:

pulling the first portion away from the base of said liner unfolding the one or more alternating folds to form expand cavity between the first folded portion and the base;

pulling the second portion away from the base of said liner unfolding the one or more alternating folds to form expand cavity between the first folded portion and the base;

placing goods onto the base of said liner through the opening between said first portion and said second portion;

lifting the liner using the first sealer strip and second sealer strip.

6. A liner comprising:

a rear panel;

at least one front panel;

a first side panel extending between the rear panel and said at least one front panel;

a second side panel extending between the rear panel and said at least one front panel;

an aperture adjacent or formed within said at least one front panel;

said rear panel, at least one front panel, said first side panel and said second side panel being join together at a first end; and

each of said rear panel, said at least one front panel, said first side panel and said second side panel being joined together at a second end.

7. The liner as claimed in claim 6, comprising first seam connecting together said rear panel, said at least one front panels, said first and second side panels at said first end; and

a second seam connecting said rear panel, said at least one front panel; said first and second side panels at said second end.

8. The liner as claimed in claim 7, wherein each said seam comprises a sewn seam.

9. The liner as claimed in claim 7, wherein each said seam is formed an adhesive to said rear panel, said at least one front panel, and first and second side panels.

10. The liner as claimed in any one of claim 6 wherein said first seam closes off said rear panel, said at least one front panel, said first side panel and said second side panel at said first end.

11. The liner as claimed in any one of claim 6 wherein said second seam closes off said rear panel, said at least one front panel, said first side panel and said second side panel at said second end.

12. The liner as claimed in any one of claim 6, comprising first and second front panels, said first and second front panels each extending between said first end and said second end, said first and second front panels being spaced apart from each other along substantially the whole respective lengths so as to form a said aperture there between.