EP3494067A2 - Contenant aéré pour produits alimentaires - Google Patents
Contenant aéré pour produits alimentairesInfo
- Publication number
- EP3494067A2 EP3494067A2 EP17786307.3A EP17786307A EP3494067A2 EP 3494067 A2 EP3494067 A2 EP 3494067A2 EP 17786307 A EP17786307 A EP 17786307A EP 3494067 A2 EP3494067 A2 EP 3494067A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- portions
- rim
- sidewall portions
- sidewail
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 claims description 39
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims 3
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 abstract description 45
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 abstract description 6
- 239000002985 plastic film Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 229920006255 plastic film Polymers 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 9
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 7
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000012055 fruits and vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 230000005070 ripening Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920008651 Crystalline Polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000747 poly(lactic acid) Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000298 Cellophane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000007688 Lycopersicon esculentum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000237503 Pectinidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 240000003768 Solanum lycopersicum Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000035800 maturation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 1
- QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N propylene Natural products CC=C QQONPFPTGQHPMA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 125000004805 propylene group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C([H])([*:1])C([H])([H])[*:2] 0.000 description 1
- 235000020637 scallop Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000011179 visual inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- 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
- 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
- B65D1/40—Details of walls
-
- 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
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
- B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
-
- 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
- B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
- B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
- B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
-
- 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
- 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
- B65D1/40—Details of walls
- B65D1/42—Reinforcing or strengthening parts or members
-
- 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
- B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/46—Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
- B65D65/466—Bio- or photodegradable packaging materials
-
- 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
- B65D81/261—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 draining or collecting liquids without absorbing them
Definitions
- the present invention is generally directed to a container for storing and transporting produce, such as for example fruits and vegetables, efficiently and safely with improved ventilation.
- an appropriate packaging is an important consideration in order to enable shipping from growers and processors to consumers, facilitate storage during distribution, and prolong shelf life.
- Many fruits and vegetables including for example tomatoes, naturally produce ethylene gas when ripening. To prevent premature ripening, it is important to minimize exposure to ethylene gas. It only takes a few days of exposure to ethylene gas for fruits and vegetables to become overripe and inedible. This naturally occurring maturation process results in significant losses to both growers, processors, retailers, and consumers.
- Such weak spots allow the container to flex, which can cause the container to be bent or folded at the indentations in the event that the i container is crushed or dropped. These bends or foid can result in the spillage of the contents of the container.
- the casteilation is also made with straight lines creating sharp and rigid edges and such sharp and rigid edges can damage tender produce in the containers.
- a ventilated container for produce includes a bottom, sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom, and a rim having a flattened top surface. At least one of the sidewalls preferably includes at least one ventilation opening located proximate the rim of the container thereby permitting the rim of the container to be generally fiat and uninterrupted. As discussed below, the at least one ventilation opening is provided through a surface of an indentation formed on at least one of the sidewalls that extends into the interior cavity of the container.
- Ventilation opening(s) proximate the rim of the container allows the flow of rising ethylene gas within the container to exit near the top of the container improving ventilation within the container. Furthermore, the location of the ventilation opening(s) on the interior of the container and below the top surface of the rim effectively hides the openings from consumers.
- the ventilated container for produce can be enclosed with a plastic film secured to the rim to form a seal.
- the film is applied over the top of the container and is preferably adhered to the container with an adhesive to form a secure and rigid seal between the film and the container.
- the film can be made of a clear material which enables consumers to view the contents of the container when it is on display.
- the ventilated container for produce of the present invention preferably does not include any indentation or interruption of the rim to provide a flattened top surface of the rim.
- the flattened surface of the rim improves the adherence between a film and the container to enclose and seal the container. Furthermore, the flattened surface of the rim aids the rigidity of the container, and lessens the likelihood of the edges of the rim being bent or folded when pressure is exerted to protect produce provided within the container.
- the uninterrupted flattened top surface also increases the seal integrity on the rim and limits the ability to of the rim to flex, thereby enabling the produce container to pass drop test done by top retailers.
- the sidewalis can include indentations extending inwardly of the sidewalis.
- the surfaces of the indentation can have soft geometrical edges (such as scallops) to limit potential damage to the produce provided in the container.
- the indentations can have corresponding concave, square, and other configurations suitable for their intended purpose.
- the degree of indentation of the indentations can vary such that different sizes and shapes of produce can be suitably stored in the container.
- the ventilated container for produce of the present invention facilitates the ventilation of the ethylene gas within the container by placing a ventilation opening on a sidewall below the top of the container thereby slowing the ripening process and keeping the produce fresher and longer.
- the ventilation opening is located on the indentations between the rim and a most of the indentations.
- the sidewall includes at least one, or a plurality of ventilation openings.
- the ventilation opening is suitably sized and configured to provide adequate ventilation suitable for the contents of the container. Different sizes and configurations of the ventilation openings are within the scope of the present invention depending on the size and shape of the container.
- the ventilation openings can be circular, oval, or quadrilateral, or other shapes suitable for the intended purpose.
- the ventilation of gas within the container can be further improved by at least one, and preferably a plurality of additional ventilation openings on the corners of the sidewalis, specifically for improved vertical venting.
- An aperture on the bottom of the container provides drainage of liquid from the container and allow air to flow. At least one, and preferably a plurality of apertures on the bottom can be provided to improve the drainage.
- the aperture is generally circular in shape. However, the shape of the aperture may include, but is not limited to, ovals, oblongs, squares, rectangles, polygons, and other figures suitable for the intended purpose.
- the shape of the ventilated container for produce can be square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, triangular, or any other figures.
- the length, height and width of the container can adjusted depending on the shape, size, counts and type of the produce in the container.
- the ventilated container is constructed of a plastic material, more specifically transparent plastic.
- the container can be made of various polymeric and monomeric plastics, paper products, and combinations of the foregoing.
- the ventilated container for produce is sufficiently transparent so that it is adequate for display and allows visual inspection.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with the first
- FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the container in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the container in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the container in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container taken along line 5-5 of the first embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 3, showing the enclosed container sealed with a film;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container taken along line 5-5 of the first embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 3, showing the enclosed container sealed with a lid;
- FIG. 7 illustrates a stack of two enclosed containers in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the container in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a front elevationai view of the container in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the container in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosed container sealed with a film taken along line 1 1 -1 1 of the second embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 10;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the container in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a front elevantionai view of the container in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the container in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosed container sealed with a film taken along line 15-15 of the third embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 14;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the container in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a front elevationai view of the container in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the container in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the container in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosed container sealed with a film taken along line 20-20 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 18;
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the container in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of the container in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the container in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the container in accordance with the fifth
- FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the container in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosed container sealed with a film taken along line 28-26 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 24;
- FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the container in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 28 is a front elevational view of the container in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the container in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 30A is a top plan view of the container in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 30B is a cross-sectional view of the enclosed container sealed with a film taken along line 30-30 of the sixth embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 30A;
- FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the container in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 32 is a front elevational view of the container in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of the container in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the container in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosed container sealed with a film taken along line 35-35 of the seventh embodiment of the present invention of FIG, 34;
- FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the container in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 37 is a front elevational view of the container in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of the container in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 39A is a top plan view of the container in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 39B is a cross-sectional view of the enclosed container sealed with a film taken along line 39-39 of the eighth embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 39A;
- FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the container in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 41 is a front elevational view of the container in accordance with the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 42 is a side elevational view of the container in accordance with the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 43 is a top plan view of the container in accordance with the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosed container sealed with a film taken along line 44-44 of the ninth embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 43;
- FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the container in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 46 is a front elevational view of the container in accordance with the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 47 is a top plan view of the container in accordance with the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 48 is a bottom plan view of the container in accordance with the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the enclosed container sealed with a film taken along line 49-49 of the tenth embodiment of the present invention of FIG, 47.
- FIGS. 1 -7 illustrate perspective, front, top, bottom, and cross-sectional views of container 100 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
- container 100 includes a bottom 102, sidewails 104, and a rim 106 having a flattened top surface.
- Sidewails 104 extend upwardly from bottom 102, and bottom 102 and sidewails 104 form an interior cavity of container 100.
- the lower portions of sidewails 104 are attached to bottom 102 proximate the perimeter of bottom 102. At least adjacent the upper and lower portions thereof, sidewails 104 have a complete perimeter.
- the upper portions of sidewails 104 are connected to rim 106.
- Each of sidewails 104 includes at least one ventilation opening 108 located proximate rim 106 of container 100.
- rim 106 extends outwardly from the top of sidewails 104 approximately 0.3 inches to 0.5 inches, thereby the flattened surface of rim 106 preferably has a width of approximately 0.3 inches to 0.5 inches. It is desired that rim 106 has an uninterrupted flat surface. It is understood that rim 106 need not be entirely fiat as long as it is even and continuous in order to form a surface suitable for securely engaging a film or lid.
- sidewails 104 include an indentation 110 extending inwardly from sidewails 104.
- the top of indentation 110 preferably includes a surface 111 including ventilation opening 108, Surface 111 of indentation 110 is oriented away from bottom 102, is disposed inwardly relative to rim 104, and is positioned below rim 106.
- indentation 110 has a roughly concave configuration extending inwardly of sidewail 104. It is understood that indentation 110 can be, but is not limited to, concave, square, and other shapes suitable for being in contact with produce within container 110. The degree of indentation or the height of indentation 110 can vary such that each ventilation opening can has a different size and shape.
- Ventilation opening 108 is formed in upper portions of sidewall 104 proximate rim 106.
- the location of ventilation opening 108 proximate rim 106 of the container allows the flow of rising ethylene gas within container 100 to exit near the top of container 100 improving ventilation within container 100.
- ventilation opening 108 has a length of approximately 1 ,0 inch and width of approximately 0.2 inches, but it is understood that other sizes and configurations of the ventilation openings are within the scope of the present invention depending on the size and shape of the container.
- the ventilation openings can be circular, oval, or quadrilateral, or other shapes suitable for the intended purpose.
- Each of sidewails 104 includes at least one, or a plurality of ventilation openings. It is also appreciated that at least one, but not ail, of the sidewails include at least one ventilation opening to permit the desired ventilation of gas from within the container.
- Ventilation opening 108 depicted in FIGS. 1 -7 has a quarter moon shape, but it may have, but is not limited to, circular, oval, or quadrilateral, shapes suitable for its intended purpose.
- the flattened surface of rim 106 provides a surface for a film 116 with an adhesive (as illustrated in FIG. 5) or a lid 118 (as illustrated in FIG. 6) to form an enclosed volume of container 100 for storing produce therein.
- the flattened surface of rim 106 allows container 100 to be more securely engaged to film 116 or lid 118.
- the continuous uninterrupted flattened surface of rim 106 also serves in preventing container 100 from being bent or folded when pressure is exerted on the edges of rim 106.
- the engagement of film 116 or lid 118 to rim 106 afforded by the flattened surface thereof also serves in better securing film 116 or lid 118 thereto.
- container 100 will resist damage from being crushed to better protect produce contained in container 100 and prevents produce spillage as the film stays sealed to the container.
- a conventional container having an indentation on a rim is malleable and can flex at the indentation when struck, which causes the produce to become bruised or even causes the film to be peeled off easily.
- FIG. 5 illustrates the enclosed container 100 peripherally sealed with film 116.
- Container 100 is enclosed with film 116 adhered around rim 106 to form a seal.
- the film material may be derived from any material with properties that facilitate the enclosing of the ventilated container for use with food products.
- film 116 is made of a clear material, which enables consumers to view the contents of the container when it is on display. Suitable film materials include polyethylene,
- container 100 can be enclosed with lid 118.
- ventilation opening 108 is not blocked, which still allows gas released by produce stored in container 100 to escape through ventilation opening 108.
- F!G. 7 illustrates two containers 100 stacked on top of each other where ventilation openings 108 are open such that the passageway for gas to exit is not blocked.
- the ventilation of gas in container 100 can be further improved by at least one, and preferably a plurality of additional ventilation openings 112 on the corners of sidewalls 104, specifically for improved vertical venting.
- An aperture 114 on bottom 102 of container 100 provides drainage of liquid from container 100 and allow air to flow. At least one, and preferably a plurality of apertures 114 on the bottom can be provided to improve the drainage.
- Aperture 114 is generally circular in shape, but it is understood that it may be in any shape suitable for its intended purpose. The shape of aperture 114 may include, but is not limited to, ovals, oblongs, squares, rectangles, polygons, and other figures suitable for the intended purpose. Aperture 114 is suitably sized, configured, and placed across bottom 102 to provide adequate drainage and ventilation for produce stored in container 100.
- the first embodiment of the present invention is shown to have a generally square configuration, but is not limited to such a configuration. It is understood that the container may be made in any size suitable for its intended purpose.
- the shape of container 100 may be, but is not limited to, rectangular, circular, elliptical, and triangular. The length, height and width of the container can adjusted depending on the shape, size, counts and type of the produce in the container.
- Container 100 is generally constructed of a plastic material, more specifically transparent plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polylactide (PLA), crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (CPET), or polypropylene (PP).
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- PS polystyrene
- PVC polyvinyl chloride
- PLA polylactide
- CPET crystalline polyethylene terephthalate
- PP polypropylene
- Container 100 can be sufficiently transparent so that the contents in the container is visible therethrough. While the preferred embodiment is a plastic structure, the present invention is equally applicable to alternative materials. Alternative materials include, but are not limited to, various polymeric and monomeric plastics, paper products, and combinations of the foregoing.
- Reference numerals in the 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 series correspond, prospectively, to reference numerals in the 100 series described above in connection with ventilated container for produce 100.
- ventilated container for produce 200 has a generally square configuration, having a length and a width of approximately 7.5 inches and a height of approximately 2.7 inches.
- ventilated container for produce 300 has a generally square configuration, except the different height.
- Container 300 has a length and width of approximately 7.5 inches and a height of approximately 3.5 inches.
- ventilated container for produce 400 has a generally square configuration.
- Bottom 402 includes a plurality of integrally formed, inwardly protruding ribs 420.
- the ribs 420 can stiffen the base and can elevate produce from liquid within the container 400.
- bottom 402 with ribs 420 compared to a container having a typically flat bottom, can give container stability and make stacking easier.
- ventilated container for produce 600 has a generally rectangular configuration, having a length of approximately 14.55 inches, a width of approximately 7.90 inches, and a height of 3.08 inches.
- Ventilated container for produce 500 includes a first sidewall 504 having one ventilation opening 508 located proximate rim 506 of container 500 and a second sidewall 504' having two ventilation openings 508 located proximate rim 506 of container 500.
- Bottom 502 has a plurality of outwardly extending platforms 530.
- Each platform 530 can have a plurality of apertures 514 to provide drainage of liquid from container 500 and to allow air to flow. Platforms 530 also can give container stability and make stacking easier.
- ventilated container for produce 600 has a generally rectangular configuration, except the different height.
- FIGS. 31 -35 another preferred embodiment of ventilated container for produce 700 has a generally rectangular configuration.
- Bottom 702 has three platforms 730 with a plurality of apertures 714 formed thereon to provide drainage of liquid from container 700 and to allow air to flow.
- ventilated container for produce 800 has a generally rectangular
- ventilated container for produce 900 has a generally rectangular
- ventilated container for produce 1000 has a square configuration.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
Abstract
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/229,023 US10294005B2 (en) | 2016-04-22 | 2016-08-04 | Ventilated container for produce |
PCT/US2017/024023 WO2017184297A2 (fr) | 2016-04-22 | 2017-03-24 | Contenant aéré pour produits alimentaires |
Publications (4)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3494067A2 true EP3494067A2 (fr) | 2019-06-12 |
EP3494067A4 EP3494067A4 (fr) | 2020-02-19 |
EP3494067B1 EP3494067B1 (fr) | 2024-01-24 |
EP3494067C0 EP3494067C0 (fr) | 2024-01-24 |
Family
ID=61167599
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17786307.3A Active EP3494067B1 (fr) | 2016-08-04 | 2017-03-24 | Contenant aéré pour produits alimentaires |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3494067B1 (fr) |
CA (1) | CA2944091C (fr) |
MX (1) | MX2016013900A (fr) |
NZ (1) | NZ747734A (fr) |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2295815A (en) * | 1994-12-05 | 1996-06-12 | Marden Wolfe Ltd | A container for produce |
US6874650B2 (en) * | 2002-12-19 | 2005-04-05 | Home Products International, Inc. | Storage container |
USD648535S1 (en) * | 2010-10-15 | 2011-11-15 | Centrex Plastics, LLC | Container |
-
2016
- 2016-10-04 CA CA2944091A patent/CA2944091C/fr active Active
- 2016-10-21 MX MX2016013900A patent/MX2016013900A/es unknown
-
2017
- 2017-03-24 NZ NZ747734A patent/NZ747734A/en unknown
- 2017-03-24 EP EP17786307.3A patent/EP3494067B1/fr active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3494067B1 (fr) | 2024-01-24 |
NZ747734A (en) | 2020-05-29 |
CA2944091C (fr) | 2023-08-01 |
CA2944091A1 (fr) | 2018-02-04 |
EP3494067A4 (fr) | 2020-02-19 |
EP3494067C0 (fr) | 2024-01-24 |
MX2016013900A (es) | 2018-04-20 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11434060B2 (en) | Ventilated container for produce | |
AU2020200458B2 (en) | Ventilated container for produce | |
US11345510B2 (en) | Ventilated container apparatus | |
US6666348B2 (en) | Container assembly | |
US20090186132A1 (en) | Food package having compartmentalized tray configured to stand-up | |
US20180086500A1 (en) | Stackable and nestable food containment system | |
US11628972B2 (en) | Containers featuring improved food integrity and takeout experience | |
US20100326878A1 (en) | Flip tray | |
EP3494067B1 (fr) | Contenant aéré pour produits alimentaires | |
AU2013101227A4 (en) | Soft berry storage container and method of storing soft berries | |
KR200402875Y1 (ko) | 식품포장용기 | |
JP2012030887A (ja) | 蓋体およびその蓋体を備えた包装用容器 | |
JP6885570B2 (ja) | 包装用容器 | |
WO2010000024A2 (fr) | Contenant | |
JP2020083370A (ja) | 包装用容器 |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
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 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20181030 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: PICKARD, KEITH Inventor name: ERWAY, CHARLES |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 20200116 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: B65D 77/22 20060101ALI20200110BHEP Ipc: B65D 1/34 20060101ALI20200110BHEP Ipc: B65D 21/02 20060101ALI20200110BHEP Ipc: B65D 85/34 20060101AFI20200110BHEP Ipc: B65D 77/20 20060101ALI20200110BHEP Ipc: B65D 43/02 20060101ALI20200110BHEP Ipc: B65D 1/22 20060101ALI20200110BHEP Ipc: B65D 6/00 20060101ALI20200110BHEP |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20200709 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20230907 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602017078713 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
U01 | Request for unitary effect filed |
Effective date: 20240126 |
|
U07 | Unitary effect registered |
Designated state(s): AT BE BG DE DK EE FI FR IT LT LU LV MT NL PT SE SI Effective date: 20240206 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20240327 Year of fee payment: 8 |