AU2018250426A1 - Container apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A container for storing produce comprising: a body defining a space for receiving produce therein, the body having an open top and walls; at least one lid member hingedly mounted to the body and movable between an open position whereby the at least one lid member is located remote from the open top and a closed position whereby the at least one lid member lid is secured over the open top; wherein, when the at least one lid member is in the closed position, at least 1/ 3rd of the open top is retained in an open state. 0&

Description

The present invention relates generally to a container apparatus for storing and handling fruit, and in particular, to a container apparatus for handling and storing 5 grapes and other similar fruits that maximises storage life of the grapes and improves the presentation and transport of the grapes for the consumer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fruit, such as table grapes, are an important source of nutrition in a balanced diet.

Grapes have number of health benefits, such as being fat and cholesterol free and io have a low Glycaemic Index (GI) Foundation through the natural presence of glucose and fructose, which provide a great natural source of energy. Grapes are also 80% water and provide a good source of hydration and also contain fibre and Vitamin C to promote a good immune system. They are rich in antioxidants that have proven to prevent heart disease and also contain Vitamin B6, which has is been proven vital for a healthy nervous system. Thus, the health benefits associated with the consumption of table grapes is well established and the popularity of table grapes as a fruit of choice continues to increase.

There are a variety of different table grapes grown throughout the world. In Australia the four main popular grape varieties are Thompson Seedless, 20 Menindee Seedless, Crimson Seedless and Red Globe. Table grapes are generally picked by hand to avoid bruising and to ensure the best selection of grapes and as table grapes develop natural sugars as they ripen on the vine, they do not become sweeter once picked, so grapes are generally picked in a “ready to eat” state.

As is the case with most fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables, there is generally a requirement to store the fruit for a significant period of time before they are available for purchase by the consumers at supermarkets, fruit stores and the likes. As table grapes are picked in a “ready to eat” state, in order to maintain the freshness of the produce and the appropriate water content, the fruit must be 30 stored in appropriate conditions.

One means for achieving this is to treat the fruit with Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) after harvest. This treatment serves to minimise fungal growth and to seal the grapes to preserve freshness. Typically, prior to such treatment, the grapes are placed in plastic storage bags to minimise water loss which can result in weight loss, stem

2018250426 17 Oct 2018 browning, decay and shrivelling of the grape in storage. However, whilst water loss is reduced through the use of plastic bags, such bags prevent adequate penetration of the SO2 about the grapes, which can increase fungal growth and fruit spoilage. Further to this, the presentation and handling of the grapes in 5 plastic bags for retail often results in the grapes becoming damaged and bruised as they are placed in shopping trolleys and moved about during transport from the retail outlet to the home consumer. Plastic bags also only offer a limited storage life for table grapes of up to around 12 weeks.

Thus, there is a need to provide an improved means for storing and presenting 10 fruit such as table grapes which maximises SO2 penetration during storage and which retains the grapes in an enclosed environment that protects the grapes at purchase and during consumption to maximise fruit integrity and storage life.

The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of 15 common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the following prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect, there is provided a container for storing produce comprising:

a body defining a space for receiving produce therein, the body having an open top and perforated walls;

a lid hingedly mounted to the body and movable between an open position whereby the lid is located remote from the open top and a closed position whereby the lid is secured over the open top, the lid having a central recess formed therein; and a cover member removably attached to the lid so as to cover the central 30 recess when attached thereto;

wherein during storage the cover member is detached from the container to facilitate fluid flow within the container and between adjacent containers.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fluid that facilitates the fluid flow during 35 storage is a gas. The gas may be sulphur dioxide and the sulphur dioxide may be

2018250426 17 Oct 2018 delivered to the container in the form of a dosed pad placed atop the lid of the container when the lid is in the closed position.

During storage, multiple containers may be arranged in at least two rows and the perforated walls of the containers may facilitate sulphur dioxide flow between 5 adjacent containers.

The lid of each container may comprise a lip that projects above an outer surface of the lid to extend about the periphery of the central recess. The dosed pads may be supported above the container by the lip. The lip may have a plurality of perforations formed in the vertical walls thereof to facilitate sulphur dioxide io penetration into the container. The cover may be attached to the lip.

In an embodiment, the containers are formed in pairs with each pair of containers being connected at their respective body by way of a frangible connector. In another embodiment, the containers are formed in multiples of three or more with each container being connected at their respective body by way of a frangible is connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for storing produce comprising:

a body defining a space for receiving produce therein, the body having an open top and walls;

at least one lid member hingedly mounted to the body and movable between an open position whereby the at least one lid member is located remote from the open top and a closed position whereby the at least one lid member lid is secured over the open top;

wherein, when the at least one lid member is in the closed position, at least 25 l/3^rd of the open top is retained in an open state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with an 30 embodiment of the present invention with the lid in an open position;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the lid in a closed position;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with an

2018250426 17 Oct 2018 embodiment of the present invention with the lid in a closed position and the cover removed from the lid;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the lid in a closed position and 5 the cover attached to the lid;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of containers of Fig. 1 assembled in a crate for packing;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a plurality of containers of Fig. 1 assembled in a crate after packing with produce;

io Fig. 7 is a top view of a pair of formed containers attached at their bodies via a frangible link;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a plurality of pairs of containers of Fig. 7 stored for use;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of four containers attached at their respective is bodies via a frangible link;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a container of the present invention with lid members in a closed position;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the container of Fig. 10 with the lid members in an open position;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the container of Fig. 10 with the lid members in a folded positon for storage and transport;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a container of the present invention with the walls and lid members formed from a closed material;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a container member of the present invention with the lid configured to close in an alternative manner;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a container member of the present invention with the lid configured to close in an 30 alternative manner;

2018250426 17 Oct 2018

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of four containers of the type depicted in Fig. 10 attached at their respective bodies via a frangible link; and

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a plurality of containers of Fig. 16 assembled in a crate for packing with produce.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

The apparatus of the present invention will be described below in relation to its use and application in the storage and presentation of table grapes for consumption. However, it will be appreciated that the apparatus of the present invention could be equally employed in the storage and presentation of a variety of other perishable goods, such as fruit and vegetables as would be appreciated is by those skilled in the art.

Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of a container 10 in accordance with the present invention is depicted. The container 10 generally comprises a body 12 defining an open rectangular space into which table grapes (not shown) are to be stored. The body 12 has a plurality of perforations in the form of slots 11 20 formed in the side walls thereof, to facilitate gas transfer and release from the body 12, as will be described in more detail below. The base of the body 12 is substantially flat to support the grapes thereof. One or more drainage holes may be provided in the bae of the body 12 to allow for drainage of juice or liquid, as may be present if a grape is inadvertently squashed. The upper rim of the body 25 12 has a lip 13 extending about the perimeter of the opening thereof. At one end of the lip 13 a pair of locking members 14 are located, as will be discussed in more detail below.

An open lid 15 is mounted to the body 12 by way of a hinge 16 so as to be pivotally movable between an open position as shown in Fig. 1 and a closed 30 position as is shown in Fig. 2. The open lid 15 has a central recess or opening 17 formed therein. The opening 17 has a lip 18 extending around a perimeter thereof that projects from an upper surface of the open lid 15 as shown more clearly in Fig. 2. A plurality of slots 19 are formed in the vertical walls of the lip 18 to facilitate the ingress and egress of gas into the container 10. These slots 19 35 also provide a means for engaging with the cover 22 in a manner as will be

2018250426 17 Oct 2018 described in more detail below. A pair of locating lugs 20 are located at the end of the lid 15 distal the hinge 16 on an undersurface thereof, such that when the lid 15 is in the closed position of Fig. 2, the lugs 20 engage with the locking members 14 to secure the lid 15 in the closed position. As the locking members

14 are recesses shaped to receive the lugs 20, the lid 15 can be securely retained in the closed position by applying a pressing force to the lugs 20 such that they are each snugly located within the locking members 14.

In the configuration of the container 10 shown in Fig. 1, the container 10 is in a position to be filled with grapes for storage following picking. In this io configuration the packers handling the grapes have an open body 12 through which the grapes can be deposited. Following depositing the grapes, the handler can simply close the open lid 15 into the position as shown in Fig. 2, for SO2 treatment and storage, as will be discussed in more detail below.

Referring to Fig. 3, a cover 22 may be provided with the container 10 to cover 15 the opening 17 in the open lid 15. In this regard, the cover 22 is in the form of a closed plastic member that is shaped to snugly fit over the lip 18 and engage with the slots 19 formed in the lip 18 so as to extend across the upper surface of the open lid 15 as is shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The provision of the cover 22 enables the grapes, following purchase at a supermarket or similar store, to be securely 20 contained within the container 10 to avoid spillage and damage to the grapes contained therein during purchase.

An alternative embodiment of a container in accordance with the present invention is depicted in Figs. 10 and 11. In this embodiment, the container 50 generally comprises a body 52 defining an open rectangular space into which 25 table grapes (not shown) are to be stored. The body 52 has an open mesh design that defines a plurality of openings 51 formed in the side walls and base thereof, to facilitate gas transfer and release from the body 52, in much the same manner as will be described in more detail below. The base of the body 52 is substantially flat to support the grapes therein. The plurality of openings 51 30 formed therein may function as drainage holes to allow for drainage of juice or liquid, as may be present if a grape is inadvertently squashed. The upper rim of the body 52 has a lip 53 extending about the perimeter of the opening thereof, which is shown more clearly in Fig. 11.

At opposing ends of the lip 13 a pair of lid members 54 and 55 are hingedly 35 mounted thereto to pivot between a closed position as shown in Fig. 10, and an open position, as shown in Fig.l 1. Lid members 54 and 55 are configured such

2018250426 17 Oct 2018 that when they are in the closed position as show in Fig. 10, an open space 56 is provided therebetween. As is shown, the open space 56 represents substantially 1/3 of the opening of the container 50. As is shown, lid member 54 is also formed from an open mesh structure whilst lid member 55 is formed from a 5 substantially closed structure so as to provide a surface upon which packaging stickers and other required written material can be placed. Fig. 12 depicts the container 50 is an open form with the lid members 54, 55 folded down on the outer wall for packaging, as will be discussed in more details below.

It will be appreciated that the container 50, even in its closed form, is io substantially open across at least 1/3 of the opening. Thus, the container 50 can be deemed to be a substantially open package.

Yet another embodiment of the container 50 is depicted in Fig. 13. This embodiment is similar to that shown in Figs. 10 - 12 with the exception being that the body 52 and the lid member 54 has a solid wall structure. In the is embodiment of Fig. 13, the lid members 54, 55 are still separated to define an open space 56 therebetween. As such, the container 50 of Fig. 13 still presents as a substantially open container with 1/3 of the opening of the container remain open when the lid members 54, 55 are closed. It will be appreciated that for each of the embodiments of the container depicted, the body of the container may be 20 either an open or a closed structure, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In accordance with the present invention, the manner in which the lid structure can be configured to present an open portion that extends for at least 1/3 of the lid area can vary. Figs. 10-13 depicts one embodiment whereby lid members 25 54, 55 are configured with their outer edge arranged in an angled manner so as to leave an angled space therebetween when the lid members 54, 55 are closed.

Alternatively, as is shown in Fig. 14, the lid members may be configured such that one lid member 54 extends across approximately 2/3^rd of the opening with the other lid member 55 configured to extend across the remaining l/3^rd of the 30 opening. In order to retain at least l/3^rd of the opening of the container in an open state, the lid member 54 may have a closed portion located at a distal end thereof and an open portion 54b at an end proximal the hinge, with the closed portion covering approximately 50% of the container opening. The lid member 55 may be completely open structured. This provides a central panel portion 54a 35 attached to the lid member 54 that can be used as a carry handle as well as a sticker label panel. In such an arrangement as is shown in Fig. 14, approximately 2/3^rd of the container remains in an open state.

2018250426 17 Oct 2018

In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 15, there is only one lid member 54 provided which extends across approximately a region extending 2/3^rd of the opening, the other 1/3 of the opening remaining in an open state. In this embodiment, when the lid member 54 is closed, one or more stickers may be placed on the surface thereof, with the container 50 remaining in an open state.

As is shown in Figs. 5 and 6, in one embodiment for mass handling and storage, multiple individual containers 10 are arranged to be located within a crate 25. In the embodiment as shown, eight containers 10 are located in each crate 25 in two rows of four. It will be appreciated that other configurations are also envisaged io depending upon the size of the crate and the containers. In such a configuration, the covers 22 are stored at one end of the containers 10 such that there is free access to the containers to fill the containers 10 with grapes, as is shown in Fig.

6.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 6, the grapes are ready for treatment with SO2. 15 Typically such treatment involves placing one or more SO2 generator pads over the containers 10 in the crate 25 and wrapping the crate 25 in plastic in a cool room or similar environment. Due to the perforated nature of the containers 10, the pads are able to be supported on the lip 18 of the open lid 15 such that the SO2 is able to penetrate into the containers 10 and around and between the grapes 20 contained therein. Storage of the grapes in this form can be for a period of up to 6 months with replacement of the pads on a regular weekly basis. Other systems, such as forced air cooling can be employed due to the manner in which the containers 10 are open and perforated to maximise airflow both within the containers 10 and between containers 10 in the storage facility.

For ease of handling of the containers 10 during packing, each of the containers may be formed in pairs 40 as depicted in Fig. 7. The pair of containers 40 are then each connected by a frangible link 30 of plastic extending between each container body 12. This enables pairs 40 of containers to be handled for insertion into the crates 25 for packing. Similarly, each of the pairs 40 are able to be stored in a compact arrangement as shown in Fig 8, to minimise storage requirements.

It will be appreciated that in other embodiments of the present invention, the containers may be formed in sets of four connected in a side-by-side manner as shown in Fig. 9. In this embodiment, two sets of four containers may be used to 35 pack the crates 25 for packing.

It will be appreciate that, upon delivery of the produce to the retailer; the retailer

2018250426 17 Oct 2018 can simply remove and separate each of the containers 10 by breaking the frangible link 30 between adjacent containers. The containers 10, housing the grapes, can then be placed on the display shelves for purchase with the covers 22 provided in close proximity. Upon purchase, the covers 22 arc able to be placed over the open lid 15 to close the opening 17. The grapes arc then protected from any damage by the container body as the purchaser transports the grapes from the retailer. Such an arrangement offers considerable more protection to the grapes than existing plastic bags and presents the grapes in a manner that ensures SO2 penetration during storage to maximise product life.

For containers 50 of the type described in relation to Figs 10 - 15, the containers 50 may be formed in sets of four with the lid members 54, 55 hinged at opposing edges and the containers 50 connected by way of a frangible link along sides thereof, as is shown in more detail in Fig. 16. The connected containers 50 can be simply loaded into a packing crate 25 as depicted in Fig. 17, for filling and transporting for storage and sale.

Connected containers 10, 50 provide a simple and effective means for filling the packing crates 25 with containers and ensuring that the containers 10, 50 are correctly aligned within the crates 25. As the containers 10, 50 arc connected, they are secured in position relative to each other during shipping thereby 20 preventing any undue movement of the grapes which may cause the grapes to become damaged or bruised. At point of sale, the sellers can also sell the grapes in multiple, connected packs rather than single, loose packs, thereby offering bulk deals for buyers wishing to purchase multiple packs of grapes.

It will be appreciated that by providing a container such as that described above, 25 fruit, such as table grapes, cherries, plums and the like can be simply and effectively contained and presented for storage as well as retail display. This ensures maximum product life during storage and protection to the produce during transportation and use, resulting in produce that is presented fresh and free of fungi, as if it had just been picked from the vine.

The containers 50 provide an arrangement whereby, even when the lids are closed for transport, storage and sale, enable the containers to be considered as open containers and treated in the same manner as plastic bags and the like.

Throughout the specification and claims the word “comprise” and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the 35 contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word “comprise” and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and 5 variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (11)

1. The claims defining the invention are:

   1. A container for storing produce comprising:

   a body defining a space for receiving produce therein, the body having an open top and walls;

   5 at least one lid member hingedly mounted to the body and movable between an open position whereby the at least one lid member is located remote from the open top and a closed position whereby the at least one lid member lid is secured over the open top;

   wherein, when the at least one lid member is in the closed position, at least 10 l/3^rd of the open top is retained in an open state.
2. 2. A container for storing produce comprising:

   a body defining a space for receiving produce therein, the body having an open top and perforated walls;

   a lid hingedly mounted to the body and movable between an open position

   15 whereby the lid is located remote from the open top and a closed position whereby the lid is secured over the open top, the lid having a central recess formed therein; and a cover member removably attached to the lid so as to cover the central recess when attached thereto;

   20 wherein during storage the cover member is detached from the container to facilitate fluid flow within the container and between adjacent containers.
3. 3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the fluid that facilitates the fluid flow during storage is a gas.
4. 4. A container according to claim 3, wherein the gas is sulphur dioxide and

   25 the sulphur dioxide is delivered to the container in the form of a dosed pad placed atop the lid of the container when the lid is in the closed position;
5. 5. A container according to claim 4, wherein during storage, multiple containers are arranged in at least two rows and the perforated walls of the containers facilitate sulphur dioxide flow between adjacent containers.

   30
6. 6. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid comprises a lip that projects above an outer surface of the lid about the periphery of the central recess.
7. 7. A container according to claim 6, wherein the dosed pad is supported above the container by the lip.

   2018250426 17 Oct 2018
8. 8. A container according to claim 7, wherein the lip has a plurality of perforations formed in the vertical walls thereof to facilitate sulphur dioxide penetration into the container.
9. 9. A container member according to claim 6, wherein the cover is attached to

   5 the lip.
10. 10. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the containers are formed in pairs with each pair of containers being connected at their respective body by way of a frangible connector.
11. 11. A container according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the containers

    10 are formed in multiples with each container being connected at their respective body by way of a frangible connector.