EP1436198B1 - Procede et appareil d'emballage et de refroidissement bidirectionnel de produits - Google Patents

Procede et appareil d'emballage et de refroidissement bidirectionnel de produits Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1436198B1
EP1436198B1 EP02757619.8A EP02757619A EP1436198B1 EP 1436198 B1 EP1436198 B1 EP 1436198B1 EP 02757619 A EP02757619 A EP 02757619A EP 1436198 B1 EP1436198 B1 EP 1436198B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tray
basket
produce
container
lid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP02757619.8A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1436198A2 (fr
EP1436198A4 (fr
Inventor
Anthony Cadiente
William K. Sambrailo
Mark Sambrailo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sambrailo Packaging Inc
Original Assignee
Sambrailo Packaging Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/017,893 external-priority patent/US7100788B2/en
Application filed by Sambrailo Packaging Inc filed Critical Sambrailo Packaging Inc
Publication of EP1436198A2 publication Critical patent/EP1436198A2/fr
Publication of EP1436198A4 publication Critical patent/EP1436198A4/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1436198B1 publication Critical patent/EP1436198B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
    • B65D21/0212—Containers presenting local stacking elements protruding from the upper or lower edge of a side wall, e.g. handles, lugs, ribs, grooves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
    • B65D43/162—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/0446—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section not formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks
    • B65D77/0453—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section not formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks the inner container having a polygonal cross-section
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
    • B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
    • B65D81/263—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for ventilating the contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
    • B65D85/34—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for fruit, e.g. apples, oranges or tomatoes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2205/00—Venting means
    • B65D2205/02—Venting holes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2577/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks, bags
    • B65D2577/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D2577/041—Details of two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D2577/042—Comprising several inner containers
    • B65D2577/043—Comprising several inner containers arranged side by side

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an improved method for the improved packing, cooling, storage, and shipping of produce. More particularly, the present invention utilizes a flow of cooling air introduced into an improved container system comprising vacuum formed fruit containers received into and in operative combination with an improved tray design. More particularly still, the flow of cooling air enabled by the present invention may be in more than one direction relative to the container system.
  • produce products are harvested and packed in the field into containers which are ultimately purchased by the end consumer.
  • Examples of such produce items include, but are not limited to, tomatoes, berries, grapes, mushrooms, radishes and broccoli florets. Many of these produce items require substantial post-harvest cooling in order to enable shipping over long distances and to prolong shelf life.
  • a grower's harvesting crew harvests produce items of the type previously discussed directly from the plant in the field into the container.
  • the containers are then loaded into trays, which contain a specific number of individual containers and the trays, when filled, are loaded onto pallets.
  • the most common pallet used in the produce industry in the United States is the forty by forty-eight inch (40" x 48") wooden pallet, and the vast majority of produce handling, storage and shipping equipment is designed around pallets of this size.
  • the process of cooling berries typically includes injecting a stream of cooling air into one side of a tray and thence through the individual baskets and around the berries stored therein. As the air cools the berries, it picks up heat therefrom which is exhausted from apertures on the opposite side of the tray.
  • berry coolers for use by berry coolers have undergone a systematic process of evolution to improve the storing and cooling of the fruit while reducing packaging costs.
  • early berry packaging products included the use or folded wood or chipboard containers
  • a common package for the marketing of strawberries for instance is a one pound vacuum formed plastic basket developed in conjunction with Michigan State University.
  • This one piece package hereinafter referred to for brevity as a "Michigan basket”
  • the lid is retained in position by means of a detent, which engages an edge flange of the basket body.
  • a plurality of apertures Disposed at or near the substantially flat bottom of the basket body are a plurality of apertures, typically elongate slots, to provide air flow through the body of the packed fruit in the basket. This air flow continues through a similar series of apertures formed in the lid.
  • a plurality of apertures typically elongate slots, to provide air flow through the body of the packed fruit in the basket. This air flow continues through a similar series of apertures formed in the lid.
  • sixteen ounce (16 oz) baskets are loaded into a formed and folded corrugated cardboard tray.
  • the tray developed for use with the Michigan basket has one or more openings along either of its short ends to enable air flow through the tray. From the previous discussion on berry cooling, it will be appreciated that in the typically formed strawberry package system in current use, the two individual baskets within the tray which are immediately adjacent to the air intake apertures formed in the ends of the tray receive substantially more cooling from air inflow than do the two packages at the discharge end of the tray. To overcome this deficiency in air flow, berry coolers are currently required to utilize substantial amounts of cooling energy to ensure that fruit packed at the discharge side of the tray receives sufficient cooling to prolong its shelf life, while precluding the freezing of berries at the intake side of the tray.
  • the previously discussed problem is due to the fact that the one pound strawberry baskets and the tray which contains it were developed separately. Specifically, the design of the previously discussed one pound strawberry basket was finalized prior to the design of the tray which ultimately receives eight of these baskets therein.
  • the previously discussed one pound strawberry containers in current use measure approximately four and three quarter inches by seven and one quarter inches (43 ⁇ 4" x 71 ⁇ 4") and are three and one half inches (31 ⁇ 2") tall with the top secured.
  • the commonly used eight basket tray measures approximately fifteen and one-half inches by nineteen and three quarters inches (151 ⁇ 2" x 193 ⁇ 4"). This tray size is to some extent mandated by the size of the baskets it contains. While no great difficulty was likely encountered in forming a tray to fit a given number of the baskets, the area or "footprint" of the resultant tray was not given sufficient consideration in the design of the baskets. This has given rise to a significant inefficiency of packaging.
  • a layer of strawberries comprises six (6) trays per layer on the pallet. With eight (8) one pound baskets per tray, this means that forty eight pounds of fruit can be packed per layer on a standard 40 inch by 48 inch pallet. Because there is no way with current use packages to completely fill the pallet with trays, a significant portion of the pallet remains unused. This of course forms a further inefficiency of shipping.
  • plastic produce baskets are usually formed with vertical stiffening ribs. This is done to maximize the resistance of the relatively thin basket to deformation. These ribs also provide salient intrusions into the body of the basket. Where a pulpy fruit, such as berries, are packed in the basket, handling shock to the packed fruit, combined with the fruit's own weight turns these intrusions into sites where significant bruising of the packed fruit occurs. This loss of fruit quality results in higher costs the shipper, transporter, retailer and consumer alike.
  • the Michigan basket uses a single detent formed in the lip of the lid to engage the edge of the basket body lip.
  • This latch arrangement has proven troublesome in that it is difficult to quickly and securely close in the field while being prone to unwanted opening during packing, shipping and while on the grocer's shelves.
  • the trays currently available for use with Michigan baskets designed for one pound strawberry packing are not generally well suited for the baskets in that the baskets are allowed considerable freedom of movement within the trays. This results in an increased incidence of shifting of the baskets within the trays, which causes an increase in bruising of the fruit stored in the baskets.
  • the baskets of such a system should be capable of being formed in the preferred size or quantity configuration preferred by the end consumer, while simultaneously maximizing their footprint on existing pallet technology.
  • the baskets should be formed to minimize bruising and other damage to the fruit packed therein.
  • such a system should provide for the mixing of lots of different types, quantities and sizes of produce on a single pallet without substantial losses of packaging efficiency occasioned by differing types of misaligned trays.
  • the basket should possess a lid latch capable of being quickly and securely fastened in the field.
  • the same lid should be capable of being repeatedly opened and closed during packing, while on the grocer's shelves and ultimately by the end consumer.
  • the packaging system should enable the packaging of one layer, or a plurality of layers of filled baskets therein.
  • the several components of the packaging system should be capable of providing cooling air flow regimes relatively optimal for the type and quantity of produce to be stored in the baskets.
  • the system should enable the placement of trays substantially perpendicular with one another while still enabling the previously discussed cooling advantages.
  • the system should be formed utilizing existing equipment and machinery from materials of the same or lesser cost than currently available fruit packages.
  • the present invention implements packaging systems such as the Mixim TM , MiximPlus TM , Mixim5D TM or Mixim10D TM packaging systems, each available from Plexiform Inc., of Watsonville, CA, which system comprises an improved produce packing system which matches trays with baskets to significantly reduce cooling time and expense for the fruit contained in the baskets. This is done by several means.
  • packaging systems such as the Mixim TM , MiximPlus TM , Mixim5D TM or Mixim10D TM packaging systems, each available from Plexiform Inc., of Watsonville, CA, which system comprises an improved produce packing system which matches trays with baskets to significantly reduce cooling time and expense for the fruit contained in the baskets. This is done by several means.
  • cooling channels may be formed in base of the individual baskets. These channels may be aligned with apertures formed in the sides of the trays into which the baskets are loaded.
  • the lid when closed over the basket body defines at least one, and preferably a plurality of horizontal slots. These slots, in combination with other apertures formed in both the basket body and lid significantly improve air flow through the basket.
  • the size, number and extent of the horizontal slots and their respective vertical positions on the basket may be arranged to optimize cooling for the type and quantity of produce for which the basket is formed.
  • the combination of basket horizontal slots, apertures and the cooling channels aligned with tray apertures provides a significantly improved flow of cooling air flow through the berries.
  • This improved air flow results in improved cooling efficiency and hence lower packing cost, resulting in a better quality berry, having a longer shelf life, and delivered to the consumer at a lower cost.
  • the cooling air flow provided by the several embodiments of the present invention may be optimized for generally laminar cooling air flow, relatively turbulent air flow, or some combination thereof, This is accomplished by selecting cooling slot geometries and tray configurations which provide the desired air flow regime.
  • the packing system of the present invention interfaces with commonly used and preferred materials handling apparatus, specifically the forty by forty-eight inch pallets in standard use in the grocery industry.
  • the trays of the present invention are designed to completely fill either standard or custom pallets in a number of stack configurations, including the previously discussed 5-down and 10-down stack. This results in significant improvements in shipping efficiencies, again lowering costs to the consumer.
  • the baskets of such a system are capable of being formed in the preferred size or quantity configuration preferred by the end consumer, while simultaneously maximizing their footprint on standard pallets.
  • the system provides for the mixing of lots of different types, quantities and sizes of produce on a single pallet without any of the substantial losses of packaging efficiency occasioned by packing differing types of misaligned trays.
  • This advantage is accomplished by utilizing trays of the same area, but which may differ in their vertical dimension.
  • the different trays required for different fruits, as taught by the present invention not only possess the same footprint, but the same lug configuration as well.
  • the present invention provides for the intermixing of different capacity trays on the same pallet. The only requirement is that trays in a given layer should all possess similar heights.
  • the baskets taught herein are formed to minimize bruising and other damage to the fruit. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by designing the baskets without vertical stiffening ribs or other salient intrusions into the basket, but with gentle curves on substantially all those surfaces which come into contact with the fruit packed within. This further minimizes costs and losses to the grower, shipper, transporter and retailer.
  • the baskets possess a lid latch capable of being quickly and securely fastened in the field.
  • the same lid is capable of being repeatedly opened and closed during packing, while on the grocer's shelves and ultimately by the end consumer.
  • the system is capable of being formed utilizing existing equipment and machinery, and generally from materials of the same or lesser cost than currently available fruit packages.
  • the system enables the placement of trays perpendicular with one another while still enabling the previously discussed cooling advantages.
  • Produce basket 1 is a one-piece structure incorporating both basket body 10 and lid 11. That portion of produce basket 1 joining basket body 10 and lid 11 is formed as a hinge, 12. Basket body 10 is further defines a transverse concavity defining channel 13. While a first preferred embodiment is a vacuum formed plastic structure, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to alternative materials and manufacturing technologies.
  • the basket is formed of Kodapak® PET Copolyester 9921, available from Eastman Kodak.
  • Alternative materials include, but are not limited to various polymeric and monomeric plastics including but not limited to styrenes, polyethylenes including HDPE and LPDE, polyesters and polyurethanes; metals and foils thereof; paper products including chipboard, pressboard, and flakeboard; wood and combinations of the foregoing.
  • Alternative manufacturing technologies include, but are again not limited to thermocasting; casting, including die-casting; thermosetting; extrusion; sintering; lamination; the use of built-up structures and other processes well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • each of basket body 10 and lid 11 has formed about the periphery thereof a lip, 14 and 15 respectively.
  • lid 11 is held in the closed position by at least one set of paired, mating detent latches 16 and 17.
  • Latches 16 and 17 are formed as substantially vertically protruding members from lips 14 and 15 respectively.
  • Latches 16 and 17 include teeth 18 and 19.
  • tooth 18 of latch 16 engages tooth 19 of latch 17, and maintains lid 11 secured in the closed position with respect to body 10. Teeth 18 and 19 are maintained in the latched condition by the elastic deformation of latches 16 and 17.
  • a pair of latches 16 and 17 are disposed about each of the front corners of basket 1.
  • a third pair of latches 16 and 17 is disposed about the rear edge of basket 1.
  • lid 11 is secured to body 10 by a plurality of pairs of latches, acting in compressive opposition.
  • This arrangement provides a lid closure which is at once more easily effected under field conditions, more secure, and may be more easily opened and resealed than previous fruit basket latches.
  • Lateral ventilation channel 13 is formed at a substantially lower portion of body 10.
  • Channel 13 is disposed on body 10 to provide an improved flow of cooling air and ventilation through the lower portion of body 10.
  • at least one, and preferably a plurality of vent apertures are defined within vent bosses 20.
  • vent slot 5 is defined when lid 11 and body 10 are secured together. Slot 5 is maintained at a fixed distance by paired detent latches 16 and 17.
  • vent slot 5' is also formed when lid 11 and body 10 are secured together. Vent slot 5' is perpendicular to vent slot 5, and enables a similar flow of cooling air to be utilized in a direction perpendicular from the first flow of cooling air.
  • FIG. 3 The upper and lower vent apertures, 22 and 21 are clearly shown in Fig. 3 . Also shown in this figure are the general arrangement of detent latches 16 and 17.
  • lower latches 16 are disposed about a substantially inner portion of lower lip 14, while upper latches 17 are disposed about a substantially outer portion of upper lip 15.
  • upper latches 17 are disposed about a substantially outer portion of upper lip 15.
  • lower latches 16 are substantially captured within upper latches 17, and maintained in an engaged configuration by the elastic deformation of latches 16 and 17 in operative combination with teeth 18 and 19 (not shown in this figure).
  • lateral movement and potential disengagement of lid 11 from body 10 is substantially precluded by latches 16 and 17 disposed about the portions of body 10 and lid 11 immediately adj acent to hinge 12.
  • FIG. 13 An end view of a basket constructed according to this embodiment of the present invention in shown having reference Fig.2A . Comparison of Figs. 2 and 2A illustrates the elimination of channel 13.
  • Lower vent apertures may be implemented in a lower surface of basket 1. One means of implementing these lower vent apertures is by means of vent bosses formed either upwardly or downwardly from a lower surface of basket 1.
  • latching methodologies include, but are specifically not limited to, edge catches, button catches, snaps, hook-and-loop closures, and other closure methodologies well-known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
  • latch as used herein may further comprise alternative lid closure methodologies known to those having ordinary skill in the art including shrinkwrap banding the lid to the body, and the use of elastic bands or adhesive tapes to perform this latching function.
  • One basket formed utilizing such an alternative closure methodology is shown having reference to Fig. 3A .
  • button detents consist of a mating male and female latch pair, for instance 51 and 53, which secure the package by inserting the male member into the female member.
  • the elastic deformation of at least one of the male and female members results in securing the closure of the package.
  • Fig. 3A discloses a number of alternative embodiments of the present invention including the use of the previously discussed button detents 51 and 53.
  • the button detents 51 and 53 may be advantageously defined on lips 14 and 15. One means of so forming these detents on lips 14 and 15 is by means of a button detent boss, generally 55.
  • Fig. 3A further discloses an alternative to the single aperture 14' shown in Fig. 3 .
  • single aperture 14' may be replaced by a plurality of smaller apertures 57 defined across the vertical aspect of hinge 12.
  • the present invention specifically contemplates a number of geometries for both aperture 14' and apertures 57. These include but are specifically not limited to, circles, oblongs, squares, rectangles, polygons, and figures. Examples of the latter may include letters, numerals, and geometric or cartoon shapes.
  • a median catch for precluding lateral motion between basket body 10 and lid 11. It has been found that when large baskets are handled, for instance the large baskets used for multiple-pound industrial packs of strawberries, it is often advantageous to provide a methodology for precluding the lateral movement of lid 11 with respect to basket body 10.
  • One methodology of precluding this unwanted movement is the placement of a button catch, for instance the button catch defined by pairs 59 and 61, at some point between latch pairs 51 and 53 were 16 and 17.
  • button catch members 59 and 61 may be advantageously mounted on a pilaster formed in one or both of basket body 10 and basket lid 11.
  • Tray 2 is sized to hold at least one and preferably a plurality of baskets (not shown in this figure). In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, tray 2 holds six baskets 1.
  • a particular feature of tray 2 is the plurality of tray vents 25 and 25'. As shown in Fig. 5 , tray vents 25 and 25'align with the previously discussed vent channels formed in the bottom of baskets 1. In this manner, a direct path is created from the ambient atmosphere to the bottom surface of each basket 1 loaded into tray 2. Trays 2 are formed such that when stacked a lateral vent slot 26 is formed between each pair of trays 2.
  • tray 2 is further formed with at least one cutaway section, 35, which aligns with the horizontal ventilation slot of basket 1, when loaded into tray 2. This provides for improved flow of cooling air towards the top of basket 1 when loaded in tray 2.
  • a second cutaway section, 35" is formed on the ends of tray 2 to enable the bi-directional flow of cooling air previously discussed.
  • a second plurality of tray vents 25" is also formed in the ends of tray 2. Where adjacent ones of tray 2 are loaded perpendicularly, for instance on a pallet, vet slot 26 of one tray aligns with one or more cutaway portions 35 or 35' on the adjacent tray to enable the cooling flows previously described across trays which are so positioned perpendicular to one another.
  • cutaway section 35 may be formed into a further plurality of sections 35', separated by divider tabs 50. Sections 35' serve to direct the flow of cooling air only into horizontal slot 5 of basket 1 (not shown in this figure). In this manner, cooling efficiency is improved.
  • the flow of cooling and vent air provided by this embodiment is shown in Fig 12 .
  • trays 2 are formed to minimize lateral movement of one tray with respect to another by means of at least one tab 28 formed at an upper edge of tray 2 in operative combination with at least one receptacle 29 similarly formed on a substantially lower edge of the corresponding side.
  • tab 28 may be formed to accept therein stacking wires (not shown in this figure), in accordance with generally accepted container design practice.
  • stacking wires generally take the form of an elongated U-shaped member which are inserted through tab 28 of one tray and thence through corresponding tabs 28 of one or more trays stacked thereon. Stacking wires thus utilized not only reduce lateral movement of one tray with respect to another, but can also form a handle for the facile handling of a plurality of trays at one time.
  • a significant savings in shipping costs is realized by sizing baskets 1 and trays 2 as a system to maximize the area or shipping footprint of a layer of trays on a pallet.
  • the 40 inch by 48 inch pallet is the preferred standard size in the grocery business in the United States.
  • Current Michigan baskets measure approximately 43 ⁇ 4" by 71 ⁇ 4" by 31 ⁇ 2" tall when closed and are loaded eight per tray.. This tray measures approximately 193 ⁇ 4 inches by 153 ⁇ 4 inches.
  • a maximum of six such trays constitute a layer on a 40 inch by 48 inch pallet. Where the trays are loaded with one pound strawberry baskets, a maximum of 48 pounds of fruit may thus be loaded in each layer.
  • baskets of the present invention designed to receive therein one pound of strawberries are sized approximately 6 3/8" x 5" x 33 ⁇ 4 high, when closed.
  • Tray 2 of the present invention is sized at approximately 16" x 131 ⁇ 4". This size maximizes the footprint on a standard pallet. This means that nine such trays can be loaded as a layer on the previously described pallet, for a total of 54 pounds of fruit per layer. This represents an increase of 6 pounds, or 16 percent per layer over the Michigan basket. Since the shipper is not paying for wasted shipping volume his shipping costs are reduced, which can result in further savings to the consumer.
  • the sizing of baskets and trays may be optimized to effect the "5-drown" stacking shown in Fig. 8 .
  • the vertical mating surface of the Michigan trays that portion of the baskets which abut one another when loaded into trays, comprises little more than the mated edges of two thin sheets of plastic. Accordingly, because those mating surfaces protrude, and due to the thin nature of their vertical aspect, the mating surfaces of the Michigan basket are very much prone to over-riding one another. This allows the baskets to shift markedly inside the tray, which is a significant factor in the bruising of fruit stored in the baskets.
  • the baskets of the present invention further comprise an edge mating surface 30 formed by hinge 12 and latches 17. This edge mating surface is relatively broad in comparison to the Michigan baskets described herein. The combination of this relatively broad mating surface with a properly sized basket/tray combination has been shown to be especially effective in the reduction of damage to fruit stored therein.
  • the height of the tray is approximately 3-3/4 inches. Where other berries, or indeed other produce products are shipped, the length and width of the tray do not change, but remain at the previously defined optimal size. Changes in tray volume necessary to accommodate differing numbers and volumes of baskets are accommodated by altering the height of the tray.
  • baskets designed for use in the present system are sized to fit within the previously discussed tray. In this manner, baskets suitable for substantially any size basket designed for consumer use, as well as many baskets sized for the food service industry, may be accommodated by the present invention. This presents the previously described advantage of enabling the shipment of a mixed pallet of differing produce by loading trays optimized for each type of produce onto separate, compatible layers.
  • tray 2 may be formed to receive therein a plurality of layers of filled baskets 1. Examples of such embodiments are shown in Figs. 15-18 Having reference now to Figs. 17 and 18 , one embodiment of the present invention designed to hold two layers of the filled baskets is shown. In this embodiment, the first described cooling air regime is selected, and both tray vents 25 and horizontal cutaway sections 35' are employed. Moreover, at least one pair of modified tray vents, 25' is formed on opposite sides of tray 2 to perform the functions of tray vent 25 for the upper layer of baskets 1, and cutaway sections 35' for the lower layer of baskets 1. Modified tray vents 25' may be formed with a number of geometries. Two such are shown in Figs. 17 and 18 .
  • tray 2 in a first preferred embodiment is formed of cut and folded corrugated cardboard formed in a manner well known to those of skill in the art.
  • corrugated cardboard is Georgia-Pacific USP120-33sml-USP120, although any number of packaging materials well known to those of ordinary skill in the art could, with equal facility, be used.
  • alternative materials include, but are not limited to various cardboards, pressboards, flakeboards, fiberboards, plastics, metals and metal foils.
  • a lighter grade of corrugated board is may be used for their manufacture than are trays required to support the greater weight and greater area of the Michigan baskets previously described. This lighter weight not only minimizes shipping costs, but can significantly reduce packaging costs for the shipper, again lowering consumer costs. While the tray of a first preferred embodiment is formed of corrugated cardboard, the principles of the present invention may with equal facility be implemented on a variety of alternative tray materials.
  • Such alternative materials include, but are not limited to various polymeric and monomeric plastics again including but not limited to styrenes, polyethylenes including HDPE and LPDE, polyesters and polyurethanes; metals and foils thereof; paper products including chipboard, pressboard, and flakeboard; wood; wire; and combinations of the foregoing.
  • FIG. 13-16 Another preferred embodiment of the present invention, implementing an alternative cooling air regime, can be provided by altering the ventilation provided by tray 2.
  • tray vents 25 or 25' of the previously discussed embodiments are eliminated, and substantially all cooling air is directed to horizontal slots 5 of baskets 1 through cutaway sections 35 or 35' of tray 2.
  • An example of such a tray, formed to receive therein a single layer of baskets 1, is shown in Figs. 13 and 14 .
  • Another such tray, formed to receive therein a plurality of layers of baskets 1 is shown in Figs. 15 and 16 .
  • Each of trays 2 shown in Figs. 13-16 are shown as employing divider tabs 50. In studying the principles of the present invention, those having ordinary skill in the art will note that this second cooling air regime may, with equal facility, be implemented without recourse to divider tabs 50.
  • FIG. 1-18 Each of the embodiments shown in Figs. 1-18 enables the flow of cooling air from any side of the tray and basket, with a corresponding outflow of vent from the opposite side of the tray and basket. This in turn enables the positioning of trays, within a given layer, in either perpendicular or parallel orientations with respect to one another, as shown at "X" and "Y” in Fig. 8 . This finally enables the previously discussed “5-down” and "10-down” arrangement of trays, currently deemed desirable by the produce and packaging industries.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
  • Packaging Frangible Articles (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)

Claims (23)

  1. Contenant pour produits alimentaires (1) comprenant :
    un corps de panier (10) ;
    un couvercle (11) destiné à couvrir le corps de panier ;
    un loquet (16, 17) pour arrimer de manière réversible le couvercle audit corps de panier ;
    une première fente d'aération horizontale (5) formée dans une partie supérieure dudit panier ; une deuxième fente d'aération horizontale (5') formée dans une partie supérieure dudit panier, ladite deuxième fente d'aération horizontale disposée sensiblement perpendiculaire à ladite première fente d'aération horizontale ; et
    caractérisé en ce que le couvercle (11) est fixé au corps de panier (10) à l'aide d'une charnière (12) et dans lequel la charnière comprend au moins une fente d'aération (14') formée dedans.
  2. Contenant pour produits alimentaires (1) selon la revendication 1, où le contenant pour produits alimentaires est conçu pour être utilisé avec un bac (2), le bac pouvant contenir une pluralité de contenants pour produits alimentaires (1) et comprenant une pluralité d'orifices d'aération (35, 35') ménagés dans les parois latérales du bac pour faciliter un flux d'air de refroidissement bidirectionnel à travers le bac et faciliter un flux d'air de refroidissement bidirectionnel à travers n'importe quels contenants pour produits alimentaires (1) placés dedans, les au moins deux fentes d'aération (5, 5') du contenant pour produits alimentaires, formées entre le corps de panier (10) et le couvercle (11), étant disposées de sorte qu'un flux bidirectionnel d'air de refroidissement peut passer à travers l'intérieur du contenant.
  3. Contenant pour produits alimentaires (1) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel au moins certaines des au moins deux fentes d'aération (5, 5') du contenant pour produits alimentaires sont conçues de façon à pouvoir être alignées avec des orifices d'aération associés (35, 35') des parois latérales du bac lorsque le contenant pour produits alimentaires est placé au sein du bac, ce qui facilite un flux d'air de refroidissement bidirectionnel à travers le plateau et à travers le contenant pour produits alimentaires.
  4. Contenant pour produits alimentaires selon la revendication 2 ou la revendication 3, destiné à être utilisé avec un bac ayant d'autres contenants pour produits alimentaires chargés dans le bac, dans lequel les au moins deux fentes d'aération (5, 5') du contenant pour produits alimentaires sont conçues de façon à pouvoir être alignées avec les orifices d'aération associés (35, 35') des parois latérales du bac (2) et avec les fentes d'aération d'autres contenants pour produits alimentaires dans le bac lorsque le contenant pour produits alimentaires est placé au sein du bac, ce qui facilite le flux d'air de refroidissement bidirectionnel à travers le bac, les autres contenants pour produits alimentaires, et le contenant pour produits alimentaires.
  5. Contenant pour produits alimentaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le corps de panier (10) comprend une surface inférieure sensiblement plate.
  6. Contenant pour produits alimentaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel la surface inférieure du contenant pour produits alimentaires (1) comprend un canal d'aération (13) qui permet à de l'air de refroidissement de circuler en dessous du contenant.
  7. Contenant pour produits alimentaires selon la revendication 6, dans lequel la surface inférieure du contenant pour produits alimentaires comprend au moins une ouverture inférieure en communication avec le canal d'aération (13) laquelle permet à l'air de refroidissement de circuler en dessous du contenant.
  8. Contenant pour produits alimentaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le loquet (16, 17) destiné à fixer le couvercle audit corps de panier est choisi parmi le groupe constitué de : loquets à mise en prise par des dents ; loquets à prise sur le bord ; loquets à bouton ; fermetures à crochet et boucle ; bande rétractable ; bande élastique ; et ruban adhésif.
  9. Contenant pour produits alimentaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins l'un parmi le corps de panier et le couvercle comprend des nervures structurales.
  10. Contenant pour produits alimentaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel le corps de panier et le couvercle sont dépourvus de nervures structurales.
  11. Contenant pour produits alimentaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
    le corps de panier (10) comprend une partie avant, une partie arrière, et deux parties latérales opposées ; et
    les au moins deux fentes d'aération comprennent :
    une fente d'aération avant (5') formée entre le corps de panier (10) et le couvercle (11) au niveau de la partie avant du contenant,
    une fente d'aération arrière (14') formée entre le corps de panier et le couvercle au niveau de la partie arrière du contenant, et
    des fentes d'aération latérales (5) formées entre le corps de panier et le couvercle au niveau de chacune des parties latérales opposées du contenant, ce qui rend possible un flux bidirectionnel d'air de refroidissement qui peut passer à travers l'intérieur du contenant.
  12. Contenant pour produits alimentaires selon la revendication 11, dans lequel ladite fente d'aération avant (5') comprend une pluralité de fentes d'aération formées entre le corps de panier et le couvercle au niveau de la partie avant du contenant.
  13. Contenant pour produits alimentaires selon la revendication 11 ou la revendication 12, dans lequel lesdites fentes d'aération latérales (5) comprennent au moins une fente d'aération formée entre le corps de panier et le couvercle au niveau de chacune des parties latérales opposées du contenant.
  14. Contenant pour produits alimentaires selon la revendication 6, dans lequel la surface inférieure du contenant pour produits alimentaires comprend une surface arquée qui fait office de canal d'aération (13) qui permet à de l'air de refroidissement de circuler en dessous du contenant.
  15. Contenant pour produits alimentaires selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit loquet comprend en outre une paire de loquets dentés s'appariant verticalement comprenant une première dent destinée à coopérer (19) disposée sur ledit corps de panier et une seconde dent destinée à coopérer (18) disposée sur ledit couvercle.
  16. Contenant pour produits alimentaires selon la revendication 15, dans lequel ledit loquet comprend en outre une pluralité de paires de loquets dentés s'appariant verticalement (18, 19).
  17. Bac (2) destiné à être utilisé dans un système de conditionnement de produits alimentaires comprenant un panier (1), le bac destiné à recevoir dedans ledit panier, ledit panier comprenant un corps de panier (10) et un couvercle (11), un loquet (16, 17) pour arrimer de manière réversible ledit couvercle au corps de panier, une première fente d'aération horizontale (5) formée dans une partie supérieure dudit panier et une deuxième fente d'aération horizontale (5') formée dans une partie supérieure dudit panier, ladite deuxième fente d'aération horizontale étant placée sensiblement perpendiculaire à ladite première fente d'aération horizontale et le couvercle (10) est fixé au corps de panier (10) à l'aide d'une charnière (12) et la charnière comprend au moins une fente d'aération (14') formée dedans, le bac (2) comprenant en combinaison opérationnelle :
    une première partie évidée (35) définie par et disposée sur une partie supérieure dudit bac (2), ladite première partie évidée disposée en outre de façon à s'aligner avec ladite première fente d'aération horizontale (5) ; et
    caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre une deuxième partie évidée (35') définie par et disposée sur une partie supérieure dudit bac, ladite deuxième partie évidée étant disposée sensiblement perpendiculaire à ladite première partie évidée, disposée en outre de façon à s'aligner avec ladite deuxième fente d'aération horizontale (5') et la fente d'aération (14') formée dans la charnière.
  18. Bac selon la revendication 17, comprenant en outre :
    des évents inférieurs appariés (25) de bac, disposés sur une partie inférieure des première et deuxième extrémités, les évents inférieurs de bac disposés en outre de façon à s'aligner avec un canal d'aération (13) formé dans une surface inférieure dudit corps de panier lorsque le panier est installé dans le bac.
  19. Bac selon la revendication 17 ou la revendication 18, où ledit bac comprend en outre un fond, des première et deuxième extrémités, et des premier et deuxième côtés.
  20. Bac selon la revendication 19, comprenant en outre une languette (28) formée dans une partie supérieure d'au moins une parmi lesdites première et deuxième extrémités.
  21. Bac selon la revendication 20, comprenant en outre un réceptacle (29) formé dans une partie inférieure d'au moins une parmi lesdites première et deuxième extrémités, ledit réceptacle permettant de recevoir dedans ladite languette (28) formée dans un deuxième bac.
  22. Système de conditionnement de produits alimentaires comprenant en combinaison opérationnelle :
    un panier (1) comprenant un corps de panier (10) et un couvercle (11) ;
    un loquet (16, 17) pour arrimer de manière réversible ledit couvercle audit corps de panier ;
    une première fente d'aération horizontale (5) formée dans une partie supérieure dudit panier ;
    un bac (2) destiné à recevoir dedans ledit panier ;
    des premières parties évidées (35) définies par et disposées sur une partie supérieure dudit bac, lesdites premières parties évidées disposées en outre de façon à s'aligner avec ladite première fente d'aération horizontale ;
    une deuxième fente d'aération horizontale (5') formée dans une partie supérieure dudit panier, ladite seconde fente d'aération horizontale disposée sensiblement perpendiculaire à ladite première fente d'aération horizontale ; et
    des deuxièmes parties évidées (35') définies par et disposées sur une partie supérieure dudit bac, lesdites deuxièmes parties évidées disposées en outre de façon à s'aligner avec ladite deuxième fente d'aération horizontale ; caractérisé en ce que le couvercle (11) est fixé au corps de panier (10) à l'aide d'une charnière (1212) et dans lequel la charnière (12) comprend au moins une fente d'aération (14') formée dedans.
  23. Système de conditionnement de produits alimentaires selon la revendication 22, comprenant en outre
    un canal d'aération (13) formé dans une surface inférieure dudit corps de panier ;
    un évent inférieur disposé en outre sur ladite surface inférieure dudit corps de panier en communication avec ledit canal d'aération ;
    dans lequel le bac comprend des évents inférieurs appariés (25) de bac, disposés sur une partie inférieure dudit bac, lesdits évents inférieurs de bac disposés en outre de façon à s'aligner avec ledit canal d'aération (13) lorsque ledit panier est installé dans ledit bac.
EP02757619.8A 2001-09-11 2002-09-06 Procede et appareil d'emballage et de refroidissement bidirectionnel de produits Expired - Lifetime EP1436198B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US32267001P 2001-09-11 2001-09-11
US322670P 2001-09-11
US10/017,893 US7100788B2 (en) 1996-01-24 2001-12-12 Method and apparatus for packing and bi-directional cooling of produce
PCT/US2002/028338 WO2003022685A2 (fr) 2001-09-11 2002-09-06 Procede et appareil d'emballage et de refroidissement bidirectionnel de produits
US17893 2004-12-21

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1436198A2 EP1436198A2 (fr) 2004-07-14
EP1436198A4 EP1436198A4 (fr) 2005-08-10
EP1436198B1 true EP1436198B1 (fr) 2013-05-15

Family

ID=26690465

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02757619.8A Expired - Lifetime EP1436198B1 (fr) 2001-09-11 2002-09-06 Procede et appareil d'emballage et de refroidissement bidirectionnel de produits

Country Status (9)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1436198B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN100575200C (fr)
CA (1) CA2458695C (fr)
ES (1) ES2421534T3 (fr)
HK (1) HK1070035A1 (fr)
MX (1) MXPA04002335A (fr)
PT (1) PT1436198E (fr)
WO (1) WO2003022685A2 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA200402742B (fr)

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8083085B2 (en) 1996-01-24 2011-12-27 Sambrailo Packaging, Inc. Cooling method and nine-down packaging configuration for enhanced cooling of produce
KR101655726B1 (ko) 2012-05-03 2016-09-07 쇼오트 아게 의료, 제약 또는 화장품 어플리케이션들을 위한 물질들을 저장하기 위한 컨테이너들을 처리하기 위한 방법 및 장치
CN103569391A (zh) * 2012-12-31 2014-02-12 陈其钢 一种西红柿块罐头的冷灌装真空封口工艺
GB201509661D0 (en) * 2015-06-03 2015-07-15 Ocado Innovation Ltd Temperature controlled storage system
CN105314279B (zh) * 2015-11-11 2018-04-03 邢翠娥 用于草莓存放的盒箱
CN110356722B (zh) * 2019-06-28 2020-11-20 无锡点彩新材料科技有限公司 一种用于物流运输包装的水果箱
NO347370B1 (en) * 2021-09-07 2023-10-02 Autostore Tech As Storage container for produce
US11738914B2 (en) 2021-11-18 2023-08-29 Yeti Coolers, Llc Container and latching system
GB202212565D0 (en) * 2022-08-30 2022-10-12 Par Pak Europe Ltd Punnet

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2739734A (en) * 1953-09-18 1956-03-27 Marcus W Pugh Container for preserving food
US3037658A (en) * 1959-12-23 1962-06-05 United Steel & Wire Co Shipping package
US4529088A (en) * 1984-06-22 1985-07-16 Paul Quong Shipping-and-storage container for produce
US5855277A (en) * 1994-02-03 1999-01-05 Rehrig Pacific Company, Inc. Nestable display crate for bottles with handle feature
US5456379A (en) * 1994-10-03 1995-10-10 Krupa; Calvin S. Blueberry container
US5738890A (en) * 1996-01-24 1998-04-14 Plexiform Company Method and container for the improved packing and cooling of produce
NL1011621C2 (nl) * 1998-10-02 2000-04-04 Pnc Pragmatic Network Creation Plano voor een stapelbare veilingdoos.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1585713A (zh) 2005-02-23
EP1436198A2 (fr) 2004-07-14
CN100575200C (zh) 2009-12-30
ZA200402742B (en) 2005-07-27
CA2458695A1 (fr) 2003-03-20
MXPA04002335A (es) 2005-09-08
ES2421534T3 (es) 2013-09-03
PT1436198E (pt) 2013-07-18
EP1436198A4 (fr) 2005-08-10
WO2003022685A3 (fr) 2003-05-30
CA2458695C (fr) 2010-08-17
WO2003022685A2 (fr) 2003-03-20
HK1070035A1 (en) 2005-06-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7413094B2 (en) Method and apparatus for packing and bi-directional cooling of produce
US6007854A (en) Tray for the improved packing and cooling of produce
US6962263B2 (en) Produce packaging system having produce containers with double-arched ventilation channels
WO1997027040A9 (fr) Procede et receptacle d'emballages de produits agricoles
US7441672B2 (en) Produce packaging system having produce containers with arched bottom and raised feet to enable under container ventilation
US8424701B2 (en) Cooling method and nine-down packaging configuration for enhanced cooling of produce
US5415293A (en) Grape lug
US20090152158A1 (en) Carrier tray
EP1436198B1 (fr) Procede et appareil d'emballage et de refroidissement bidirectionnel de produits
WO2002018227A1 (fr) Caisse intermediaire pour conteneur
US20080217330A1 (en) Produce containers and interchangeable, high-density packing system using same
AU2002323624B2 (en) Apparatus for packaging and bi-directional cooling
AU770561B2 (en) Basket for packing produce
AU2002323624A1 (en) Apparatus for packaging and bi-directional cooling

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20040405

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: DE

Ref document number: 1070035

Country of ref document: HK

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20050623

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: 7B 65D 81/26 B

Ipc: 7B 65B 1/00 A

Ipc: 7B 65D 77/04 B

Ipc: 7B 65D 81/18 B

Ipc: 7B 65D 43/16 B

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 612015

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20130615

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 60244966

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130711

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: SC4A

Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

Effective date: 20130715

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2421534

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20130903

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 612015

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20130515

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130816

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130815

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: GR

Ref document number: 1070035

Country of ref document: HK

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20140218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 60244966

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140218

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130930

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130906

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130515

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130906

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: MM4A

Free format text: LAPSE DUE TO NON-PAYMENT OF FEES

Effective date: 20160307

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 14

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60244966

Country of ref document: DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R409

Ref document number: 60244966

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150906

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160307

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R409

Ref document number: 60244966

Country of ref document: DE

PGRI Patent reinstated in contracting state [announced from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Effective date: 20160711

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 15

PGRI Patent reinstated in contracting state [announced from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Effective date: 20161222

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20210812

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20210915

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20210811

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20210727

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20210817

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20210728

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20210906

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20211004

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 60244966

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MK

Effective date: 20220905

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20220927

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20220905

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MK

Effective date: 20220906

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20220914

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20220905

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20220907