AU2009253837A1

AU2009253837A1 - A liner for packing and transporting fruit

Info

Publication number: AU2009253837A1
Application number: AU2009253837A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Robert Ogilvie Watkins
Original assignee: MT UNCLE GRAZING CO
Current assignee: MT UNCLE GRAZING CO
Priority date: 2008-06-02
Filing date: 2009-06-02
Publication date: 2009-12-10
Also published as: WO2009146488A1; JP2011521860A

Description

WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 A LINER FOR PACKING AND TRANSPORTING FRUIT TECHNICAL FIELD The invention described herein relates generally to a liner for a container for 5 packing, transport and sale of fruits or vegetables. In particular, the invention is directed to a liner for packing, transport and sale of bananas, although the scope of the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. BACKGROUND ART Many fruits and vegetables mark easily, with such marks usually being a starting 10 point for spoilage. Currently, to minimize damage during packing and transport of fruits and vegetables, large quantities of paper and plastic materials are used in the packing process. A major problem with packing fruits and vegetables therefore, is the volume of materials used to protect the fruits and vegetables from marking, so that they reach their destined markets in the best possible condition. 15 Much of the materials used in the packing process to protect the fruits or vegetables are ultimately discarded. Some of the materials currently used are recyclable, however, not all of them are capable of being recycled. The amount of packaging materials used therefore needs to be decreased in order to reduce consumption of resources. In addition, the materials used should be fully recyclable in order to reduce 20 waste and environmental impact. The use of large quantities of packaging materials increases the ultimate cost to the consumer, not only in terms of the actual price paid for fruits and vegetables, but also in terms of cost to the environment. In addition, due to the propensity of many fruits and vegetables to mark, and with consumers demanding higher quality fruits and vegetables, to minimize marking, many 25 people in the industry, including producers, distributors and retailers require that the container in which the fruits and vegetables are initially packed, is also the container in which they are transported and displayed for retail sale.

WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 -2 Although it is desirable to use the same container for retail sale and transport, there are many retailers who prefer to present fruit and vegetables in display containers of their own choice as presentation is important. Presentation is particularly important for products which have a niche position in the market, including fruits such as cherries and 5 lady-finger bananas. Lady-finger bananas command a higher price than other varieties of commercially grown bananas, due to the small quantities of production and some may consider, their superior flavour, whilst cherries also command a high price due to the small quantities produced. In addition, cherries are easily marked during transportation. It is therefore 10 particularly important for such products to not only reach the retail market in good condition, but also to be displayed appropriately. Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a liner for a container for packing, transport and optionally for sale display of fruits and vegetables, which may overcome at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages or provide a 15 useful or commercial choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first embodiment, the invention provides a liner for a container, said container being for packing and transporting of fruits or vegetables, said liner comprising a) a base; and 20 b) at least four side walls, wherein at least one side wall comprises a detachable portion such that the detachable portion is movable over a top portion of the container. In a second embodiment, the invention provides a method of packing and transporting fruits or vegetables, the method comprising the steps of: 25 a) positioning a liner within a container, said liner comprising: i) a base; and WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 -3 ii) at least four side walls, wherein at least one side wall comprises a detachable portion; b) packing the fruits or vegetables within the liner; and c) moving the detachable portion over a top portion of the container prior to 5 transport; and d) moving the detachable portion from the top portion of the container after transport to allow for unpacking or display of the fruits and vegetables. The container for packing and transporting of fruits and vegetables can be any sort of container suitable for the purpose. Additionally, the container can be suitable for 10 display purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the container is a single container which can be used for all three stages, namely packing, transporting and display. The container can therefore be a box, tray or crate, wherein the box, tray or crate comprises a base and at least four side walls and the base and the side walls define a cavity, Preferably, the container is adapted such that multiple containers are stackable. 15 The container can be made from any suitable material known in the art, including wood, cardboard or plastic. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container is made from plastic. The base and side walls of the liner define a cavity for positioning fruits or vegetables, such that when the liner is positioned in a container for packing, transport and 20 optinally display of fruits and vegetables, the fruits or vegetables are placed within the cavity of the liner. The liner thereby acts to protect the fruits or vegetables during packing and transport. The base of the liner can be of any size such that the base of the liner fits within the cavity defined by the base and side walls of the container and substantially covers the 25 base of the container. Similarly, the at least four side walls of the liner can be of any size such that the side walls of the liner fit within the cavity defined by the base and side walls of the container and substantially cover the side walls of the container.

WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 -4 With regard to the first embodiment as defined above, the detachable portion is movable over a top portion of the container such that the detachable portion substantially covers the opening to the cavity defined by the base and side walls of the liner. Preferably the detachable portion substantially covers the fruits or vegetables within the 5 liner. The detachable portion therefore provides additional protection for the fruits or vegetables during transport. The detachable portion can be reversibly or irreversibly detachable. The detachable portion can be attached to the side wall of the liner by any suitable means known in the art. The detachable portion can therefore be attached to the side wall of the 10 liner by stitching such that the detachable portion can be readily removed. A simple tacking stitch or a parallel chain stitch are examples of stitching that allow for easy removal of the detachable portion. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the detachable portion is attached to the side wall of the liner via perforations, which allow for easy removal of the detachable 15 portion, via tearing, from the side wall, enabling the fruits or vegetables to be unpacked or displayed. The fruits or vegetables can thus be displayed in the same container as they were transported in, thereby minimizing handling and also minimizing the risk of damage to the fruits or vegetables. In a further embodiment, two side walls of the liner can each comprise a 20 detachable portion. Each detachable portion is of a size such that it substantially covers the opening to the cavity defined by the base and side walls of the liner, thereby protecting the fruits or vegetables within the liner during transport. Alternatively, the detachable portions are of a size such that the two detachable portions combined substantially cover the opening to the cavity defined by the base and side walls of the 25 liner, thereby protecting the fruits or vegetables within the liner during transport. In a further alternative embodiment, the detachable portions are of a size such that one detachable portion can be used to cover a first layer of fruits or vegetables placed within the liner. A second layer of fruits or vegetables can then be positioned over this detachable portion, which acts to provide cushioning between the two layers of fruits or 30 vegetables. The second detachable portion is of a size to substantially cover the second WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 -5 layer of fruits or vegetables and the opening to the cavity, thereby protecting the fruits or vegetables within the liner during transport. Typically, the liner can be made from any material suited for use with fruits and vegetables. Preferably, the liner is made from a relatively thin flexible material and 5 provides cushioning for the fruits or vegetables. The liner can therefore be made from material such as paper, thin cardboard, plastic materials or cloth. Preferably, the liner is made from cloth, in particular, cloth which allows the fruits or vegetables to breathe. Although it is important that the liner allows the fruits or vegetables to breathe, it is also important that the fruits or vegetables do not dehydrate during transportation. 10 Preferably, the liner is therefore made from a material which allows the fruits or vegetables to breathe but does not promote dehydration. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the liner is made from a material which can be hydrated and retains moisture. A liner which has been hydrated thus creates humidity in the container such that although the liner is made from a material which 15 allows the fruits and vegetables to breathe, the humidity resulting from the hydrated liner prevents the fruits and vegetables from dehydrating during transport. The liner can be hydrated using any suitable fluid. Preferably, the liner can be hydrated using water. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hydration fluid can additionally include an ethylene absorbant or ethylene retardant, such as gibberellin. 20 The liner can be hydrated at any time in the process of packing and transporting fruits or vegetables. The liner can therefore be hydrated prior to placing the liner in a container or the liner can be hydrated after placing the liner in a container. Where the liner is hydrated after placing in the container, the liner can be hydrated either before or after packing the fruits or vegetables within the liner. 25 In order to reduce the cost to the environment, it is preferred that the material used for the liner is recyclable. In a preferred embodiment, the liner is made from recyclable polymeric material. The liner can therefore be made from polypropylene cloth. The liner can also be made from polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 -6 In a particularly preferred embodiment, the liner is made from polyester fibre or polyester fleece. The polyester fiber or fleece can be made from virgin polyester, recycled PET, or a combination of virgin polyester and recycled PET. Where the liner is made from a combination of virgin polyester and recycled PET, the liner can comprise 5 any proportion of recycled PET which produces a liner suitable for protecting fruits and vegetables during transportation. The thickness of the polymeric cloth used to make the liner will depend on the fruits and vegetables to be packed, transported and displayed. Soft, fragile products such as stone fruit will require a thicker and therefore more cushioning cloth than hardier 10 products such as carrots. The thickness of polymeric cloth is directly related to the density, expressed in grams per square metre (gsm). The density of the polymeric material can vary from about 20 gsm to about 140 gsm. Preferably, the density of the polymeric material is between the range from about 40 gsm to about 120 gsm. Even more preferably, the density of the 15 polymeric material is between the range from about 50 gsm to about 110 gsm. It is particularly preferred for the polymeric cloth to have a density of about 100 gsm. Where extra cushioning is required, as an alternative to using a liner made from thicker material, a liner can be prepared from material of a low density which has been roughened or scuffed. Roughening or scuffing the material results in a liner which has a 20 tufted appearance. The material can be roughened or scuffed on one or both of its surfaces, thereby producing a liner which has improved cushioning capacity. In a further embodiment, the natural cushioning of the material used to make a liner can be increased by flocking. The extra cushioning provided by roughened or flocked material not only provides increased protection for fruits and vegetables placed 25 within the liner, but also provides increased absorbency for sap such as that from banana and mango stems. The liner can further comprise at least one partition member which acts to divide the cavity defined by the base and side walls of the liner into separate areas. The at least one partition member can divide the cavity into separate, substantially equally sized areas, 30 or into separate unequal areas.

WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 -7 Where the liner comprises two or more partition members, each partition member can be oriented to partition the liner in the same direction or each partition member can be oriented such that the liner is partitioned in different directions. In a preferred embodiment the liner comprises two partition members, such that the cavity is divided 5 into three separate, substantially equally sized areas. The at least one partition member can be made from any material suited for use with fruits and vegetables. Preferably, the at least one partition member is made from a relatively thin flexible material and provides cushioning for the fruits or vegetables. The at least one partition member can therefore be made from material such as paper, thin 10 cardboard, plastic materials or cloth. The at least one partition member can be made from the same material as the liner, or it can be made from a different material to that of the liner. Preferably, the at least one partition member is made from the same material as the liner. Even more preferably, the at least one partition member is made from cloth. Preferably, the at least one partition 15 member is made from cloth which allows the fruits or vegetables to breathe. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one partition member is made from polymeric cloth. The at least one partition member can be reversibly or irreversibly attached to the liner. In another embodiment, the at least one partition member can be integrally formed 20 with the liner. With regard to the first embodiment as defined above, the liner can further comprise attachment means to allow the liner to be attached to the container for packing and transporting of fruits or vegetables. The attachment means can comprise any suitable attachment means known in the art, such that the liner is reversibly attachable to the 25 container. The attachment means can comprise means such as tabs, loops or apertures. The type of attachment means can vary depending on the container which the liner is to be attached to. The attachment means can be at any suitable position on the liner.

WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 -8 In a preferred embodiment, the attachment means comprises at least one aperture, whereby the at least one aperture fits over a corresponding protrusion on the container, the combination acting to hold the liner in place. Preferably, the at least one aperture is positioned such that when the aperture is fitted over a corresponding protrusion on the 5 container, the side walls of the liner are held open, such that the fruits or vegetables within the liner are easily unpacked or clearly displayed. Optionally, the liner can have printed matter attached. The printed matter can be attached to the liner by any suitable means. The printed matter can therefore be printed directly onto the liner or can be attached via adhesive labeling. The printed matter can 10 include material relating to any one or more of the following: producer, distributor and retailer. The printed matter can include information relating to the fruits or vegetables contained within the liner. In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practice, one or more preferred embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example 15 only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows the materials currently used to pack a single box of bananas for transport. Figure 2 shows the materials used to pack a single box of bananas for transport 20 according to an embodiment of the current invention. Figure 3A is a view of a liner according to an embodiment of the current invention positioned in a plastic crate. Figure 3B is an alternative view of the embodiment of Figure 3A. Figure 4 is a top view of a liner according to an embodiment of the current 25 invention positioned in a cardboard box. Figure 5 is a view of a liner according to one embodiment showing the detachable portions of two side walls folded over the cavity formed by the liner.

WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 -9 Figure 6 is a diagram showing the base of a liner of an embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a liner according to an embodiment of the invention. 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a container 10 for packing bananas. The amount of packing materials currently used to protect the fruit during transport is also shown. The materials consist of bubble wrap 12, paper 14 and plastic sheeting 16, with the amounts shown being the actual amounts required to pack a single container 10. Due 10 to the amount and type of materials required, unpacking and removal of the packing materials is required in order to display the fruit for retail sale. In order to contrast the reduction in packing materials afforded by the current invention, Figure 2 shows a liner 18 (folded) used to pack a single container 10 of bananas for transport according to an embodiment of the current invention. 15 Figure 3A is a view of a liner 18 according to an embodiment of the current invention positioned in a plastic crate 20. The liner 18 comprises a base 22, side walls 24 and detachable portions 26. The liner further comprises partitions 28 to provide further protection for fruits or vegetables packed within the liner 18. The two side walls 24 which have detachable portions 26, further comprise apertures 30. In use, the apertures 20 30 fit over corresponding protrusions (not shown) on the crate 20, the combination acting to hold the liner in position within the crate 20. The interaction of the apertures 30 with the protrusions also acts to hold the side walls 24 which have detachable portions 26 upright, to display the fruits or vegetables, when the detachable portions 26 are removed at the point of sale. 25 Figure 3B is an alternative view of the liner 18 of Figure 3A with the corresponding features numbered similarly. Figure 4 is a top view of a liner 18 according to an embodiment of the current invention positioned in a cardboard box 10. Features corresponding to those of the embodiment in Figures 3A and 3B are numbered similarly.

WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 - 10 Figure 5 is a view of a liner 18 according to one embodiment, positioned within a box 10. Two side walls of the liner (not visible) have detachable portions 28 which are folded over the cavity formed by the liner 18. The detachable portions 28 provide protection for the fruits and vegetables within the liner 18 during transport. 5 Figure 6 is a diagram showing a top view of a liner 18 of an embodiment of the invention. The liner 18 has a base 22 and four side walls 24. The base 22 is separated by partitions 28 into three areas. The partitions 28 act to provide protection to fruits and vegetables positioned within the liner 18. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a liner 18 according to an embodiment of the 10 invention. The liner 18 comprises a base 22 and side walls 24. Two of the side walls comprise detachable portions 26. The detachable portions 26 are connected to the side walls 24 by perforations 32. The perforations 32 allow for easy removal of the detachable portions 26 after transport, so that the contents of the liner 18 can be displayed for retail sale. 15 The liner 18 further comprises partitions 28 to separate the liner 18 into separate areas, providing further protection for the contents of the liner 18. The liner 18 also has apertures 30 to provide means of connecting the liner 18 to a container (not shown) for transport. In use, the apertures 30 are fitted over corresponding protrusions on the container, acting to hold the liner 18 in position and also acting to hold the side walls 24 20 of the liner 18 upright within the container, assisting with display of the contents of the liner 18 for display. It can be seen from the foregoing that the invention provides a liner for a container for fruits or vegetables, wherein the liner provides protection for the fruits or vegetables, during packing, transport and display. The liner eliminates the need for large volumes of 25 packing materials and also eliminates the need for the fruits or vegetables to be unpacked for display purposes for retail sale. In addition, the liner of the invention provides a low cost, fully recyclable alternative to current methods of packing. The foregoing embodiments are illustrative only of the principles of the invention, and various modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The 30 invention is capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways and in other WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 .11 embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The term "comprise" and variants of the term such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or stated integers 5 but not to exclude any other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required. Any reference to publications cited in this specification is not an admission that the disclosures constitute common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims

1. A liner for a container, said container being for packing and transporting of fruits or vegetables, said liner comprising a) a base; and 5 b) at least four side walls, wherein at least one side wall comprises a detachable portion such that the detachable portion is movable over a top portion of the container.

2. The liner of claim 1, wherein the base and side walls of the liner define a cavity for positioning the fruits or vegetables when the liner is positioned in a container for 10 packing and transporting of fruits or vegetables.

3. The liner of claim 2, wherein the detachable portion substantially covers the opening to the cavity.

4. The liner of claim 2, wherein two side walls of the liner each comprise a detachable portion. 15

5. The liner of claim 4, wherein the two detachable portions taken together substantially cover the opening to the cavity.

6. The liner of claim 1, wherein each detachable portion is attached to a side wall of the liner via perforations.

7. The liner of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the liner is made from recyclable 20 polymeric material selected from polypropylene cloth and polyester cloth.

8. The liner of claim 7, wherein the liner is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyester cloth.

9. The liner of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the polymeric material has a thickness of between about 20 and about 140 grams per square metre (gsm). 25

10. The liner of claim 9, wherein the polymeric material has a thickness of about 40 to about 120 gsm. WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 - 13

11. The liner of claim 10, wherein the polymeric material has a thickness of about 100 gsm.

12. The liner of claim 7, wherein the polymeric material can be hydrated and retain moisture. 5

13. The liner of any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the liner further comprises at least one partition member which acts to divide the cavity defined by the base and side walls of the liner into separate areas.

14. The liner of any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the container is additionally used for display of the fruits or vegetables. 10

15. A method of packing and transporting fruits or vegetables, the method comprising the steps of: a) positioning a liner within a container, said liner comprising: i) a base; and ii) at least four side walls, wherein at least one side wall comprises a 15 detachable portion; b) packing the fruits or vegetables within the liner; and c) moving the detachable portion over a top portion of the container prior to transport; and d) moving the detachable portion from the top portion of the container after 20 transport to allow for unpacking or display of the fruits and vegetables.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the liner is made from recyclable polymeric material selected from polypropylene cloth and polyester cloth.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the liner is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyester cloth. 25

18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the polymeric material has a thickness of between about 20 and about 140 grams per square metre (gsm). WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 - 14

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the polymeric material has a thickness of about 40 to about 120 gsm.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the polymeric material has a thickness of about 100 gsm. 5

21. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of hydrating the polymeric material.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of hydrating the polymeric material is undertaken before positioning the liner within the container or after positioning the liner within the container. 10

23. The method of any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the liner further comprises at least one partition member which acts to divide the cavity defined by the base and side walls of the liner into separate areas. WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 15 AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 17 September 2009 (17.09.09). 1. A liner for a container, said container being for packing and transporting of fruits or vegetables, said liner comprising a) a base; and 5 b) at least four side walls, wherein at least one side wall comprises a detachable portion, such that the detachable portion is movable over a top portion of the container; wherein the liner provides cushioning protection for the fruit or vegetables and allows the fruits or vegetables to breathe without dehydration thereof. 10 2. The liner of claim 1, wherein the base and side walls of the liner define a cavity for positioning the fruits or vegetables when the liner is positioned in a container for packing and transporting of fruits or vegetables. 3. The liner of claim 2, wherein the detachable portion substantially covers the opening to the cavity. 15 4. The liner of claim 2, wherein two side walls of the liner each comprise a detachable portion. 5. The liner of claim 4, wherein the two detachable portions taken together substantially cover the opening to the cavity. 6. The liner of claim 1, wherein each detachable portion is attached to a side wall of 20 the liner via perforations. 7. The liner of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the liner is made from recyclable polymeric material selected from polypropylene cloth and polyester cloth. 8. The liner of claim 7, wherein the liner is made ftom polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyester cloth, 25 9. The liner of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the polymeric material has a thickness of between about 20 and about 140 grams per square metre (gsm). 10. The liner of claim 9, wherein the polymeric material has a thickness of about 40 to about 120 gsm. WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 16 11. The liner of claim 10, wherein the polymeric material has a thickness of about 100 gsm. 12. The liner of claim 7, wherein the polymeric material can be hydrated and retain moisture. 5 13, The liner of any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the liner further comprises at least one partition member which acts to divide the cavity defined by the base and side walls of the liner into separate areas. 14. The liner of any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the container is additionally used for display of the fruits or vegetables. 10 15. A method of packing and transporting fruits or vegetables, the method comprising the steps of: a) positioning a liner within a container, said liner comprising: i) a base; and ii) at least four side walls, wherein at least one side wall comprises a 15 detachable portion; wherein the liner provides cushioning protection for the fruit or vegetables and allows the fruits or vegetables to breathe without dehydration thereof; b) packing the fruits or vegetables within the liner; and c) moving the detachable portion over a top portion of the container prior to 20 transport; and d) moving the detachable portion from the top portion of the container after transport to allow for unpacking or display of the fruits and vegetables. 16, The method of claim 15, wherein the liner is made from recyclable polymeric material selected from polypropylene cloth and polyester cloth. 25 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the liner is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyester cloth. 18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the polymeric material has a thickness of between about 20 and about 140 grams per square metre (gsm). WO 2009/146488 PCT/AU2009/000690 17 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the polymeric material has a thickness of about 40 to about 120 gsm. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the polymeric material has a thickness of about 100 gsm. 5 21. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of hydrating the polymeric material, 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of hydrating the polymeric material is undertaken before positioning the liner within the container or after positioning the liner within the container. 10 23. The method of any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein the liner further comprises at least one partition member which acts to divide the cavity defined by the base and side walls of the liner into separate areas,