JP2000053180A - Container for storing fruits easily damaged and method for using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To develop a container suitable for storing fruits such as straw berry relatively easily damaged which can be used while improving a function to protect stored items from a harvesting at a producer to a consumer through a distributing channel to the ends in particular and a method for using the same. SOLUTION: This container for storing fruits easily damaged has a storing section 10 which is made in such a way that a container main body 1 having a substantially tray-like shape formed to be indented is constituted by a molded pulp and a bottom side of the storing section 10 is provided with a plurality of storing indentations 15, wherein the storing indentations have a sale function corresponding to a size standard of a stored item A, and its scale function is utilized to select and store the stored item A by one effort.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a container suitable for storing relatively perishable fruits such as strawberries, and more particularly to a container from a producer to a consumer through a distribution stage. The present invention relates to a storage container for easily damaged fruits that can be used while enhancing the protection function of the stored items, and a method of using the same.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various measures have been taken to prevent easily damaged fruits such as strawberries from being damaged during distribution, but the measures are exclusively to improve the buffer performance of containers, etc. It is only from the viewpoint of handling such as paying attention to. By the way, in fact, such fruits are likely to be damaged at the time of loading and unloading in a distribution container. Damage cannot be ignored. However, such harvesting and subsequent sorting,
Boxing work is a stereotype as an indispensable work at the time of shipment, and the measures to prevent damage here are taken only to encourage workers to be careful, and this work form itself will be reviewed. There were no radical improvements.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and is a novel technique capable of comprehensively removing the cause of damage to easily damaged fruits from harvest to distribution. An object of the present invention is to propose a storage container for easily damaged fruits and a method for using the same. More specifically, the present inventors have developed a new container structure that combines harvesting, sorting, and boxing, which are performed before shipping, which causes fruit damage. The aim is to obtain an idea that it is possible to reduce the damage to the fruit as a result, and to propose a container structure that can achieve this based on this idea.

[0004]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for storing easily damaged fruits, wherein a container body having a substantially tray-like shape having a recessed storage portion is formed of molded pulp. Are provided with a plurality of storage recesses on the bottom side of the storage portion, and the storage recesses have a scale function according to the dimensional standard of the storage object. According to the present invention, since the storage recess itself in the container body serving as the distribution container performs the scale function of the strawberry as the storage object, the harvester brings the container body in several stages to the harvest site at the time of harvesting, and the worker Each time the user picks up a product, the standard size is visually judged and stored in a container body suitable for the size. Of course, even if the visual work is wrong, the storage recess itself has a scale function, so that another container body of another size prepared immediately can be selected and stored. In addition, since such a work is, as it were, the completion of sorting and packing in a distribution container, the work of harvesting, sorting, and packing is completed as a single operation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the storage container for easily damaged fruits, in addition to the requirements of the first aspect, the scale function selects one or more unique dimensions of the object to be stored in the storage recess. It is characterized by being obtained by setting a scale dimension at a corresponding position. According to the present invention, this kind of agricultural products is usually a natural product, and there is a difference in the individuality of each fruit. And the size of the reference portion is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to keep the container type within the variation of the dimensional specifications of about three types, for example, LL, L, and M sizes, while keeping the conventional standard.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the storage container for easily damaged fruits, in addition to the requirement of the first or second aspect, the depth of the storage recess is such that the center of gravity of the object to be stored in the storage position is within the storage recess. It is characterized in that it is formed in the shape of a bar. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a to-be-accommodated thing is stably accommodated in a storage part, and even if it is in the case of vibration, an impact, etc. at the time of distribution, its shaking and displacement are small and a sufficient protection function is exhibited.

Further, in the storage container for easily damaged fruits according to the fourth aspect, in addition to the requirements according to the first, second or third aspect, the storage concave portion has a substantially egg-shaped planar shape, and one of its longitudinal axes. Is tapered, and the other side is tapered, and the depth of the storage part is the deepest part at the position tapered from the middle position of the long axis. . According to the present invention, by setting the shape of the storage portion to such a specified shape, the function of protecting strawberries and those having a shape similar thereto is sufficiently exhibited.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the requirement of the first, second, third or fourth aspect, the storage recess is configured such that the direction of the long axis of the storage recess is aligned with the alignment posture of the container body. It is characterized by being formed to be inclined with respect to. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while arrangement | positioning of a storage part can be performed rationally, the workability | operativity of the harvesting work in the case of storing strawberries etc. is good. Specifically, for example, when the setting is such that the long axis is inclined leftward, when a right-handed operator picks it with the right hand, it is possible to store strawberries and the like in the storage section with a very natural operation.

Further, in the method of using the easily damaged fruit storage container according to the sixth aspect, the container body according to the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspect further includes an area extending from a side edge to a bottom. It is characterized in that a mold pulp cradle for covering is combined. According to this invention, it is possible to stack the storage containers in multiple stages by applying the receiving table to the lower side, and handling convenience in loading and unloading is improved.

[0010] Furthermore, the method of using the easily damaged fruit storage container according to claim 7 is characterized in that, in addition to the requirements described in claim 6, the cradle has a ventilation recess formed on a side portion thereof. It is. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if it puts into a distribution process in the state which the storage container was piled up, the preservation | storage atmosphere of an accommodation thing, such as cold air, can be fully spread.

Further, in the method of using the easily damaged fruit storage container according to the eighth aspect, the object to be stored in the container body according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh aspect is a strawberry. In this case, the stalk portion is stored toward the tapered side in the storage recess. According to the present invention, the strawberry is stored in a state in which the fruit stalk portion is slightly lowered, and at that time, the fruit stalk portion acts as a cushion of the strawberry itself.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described based on the illustrated embodiments. Reference symbol P denotes a container for storing easily damaged fruits according to the present invention, which is roughly divided into a container body 1 and a cradle 2 which may be combined with this.
Composed of First, the container main body 1 is made of molded pulp, and has a tray-like shape having a substantially rectangular shape as a whole.

That is, the container body 1 has a recess 10 formed in the center of the upper surface, and a side plate 11 is formed on the side peripheral portion so as to rise up so as to incline upward. The lower end portion of the side plate 11 is connected to the middle portion 12, the upper edge portion of the side plate 11 is connected to the upper edge plate 13, and the upper edge plate 13 is formed to have an outwardly downward opening tapered cross section. Connected to. The outer plate 14 is connected at its lower end to a flap 14a projecting horizontally.

A large number of recesses 15 are formed in the bottom of the housing 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, for example, three rows in the horizontal direction and five locations in the vertical direction, for a total of 15
A plurality of storage recesses are formed. The storage recess 15
The upper edge portion is connected to the middle step portion 12. Each of the storage recesses 15 is configured so as to be partially communicated at the upper portion by a communication cutout 16. Incidentally, such a shape itself is a rational configuration when forming the carrier net of the papermaking mold due to the fact that the container body 1 is molded as described above.

In the present invention, the storage recess 1 is used.
5, the development of the storage recess 15 is closely related to the form of the storage object. Therefore, before describing the storage recess 15, the shape and the like of the strawberry A, which is the most specific target as an object to be stored, will be described first. First, strawberry A, which is a representative of easily damaged fruits, has an oval shape when viewed in a plan view, as shown in FIG. 3, and usually has a somewhat flat shape. , Strawberry A is gak
A side with a1 is defined as a fruit stalk a2, and the opposite side is defined as a fruit apex a3. In the case of strawberries (in the illustrated example, the seeds and seedlings are akihime varieties), the width dimension near the pericarp part a2 has a substantially constant dimension for each standard dimension, although there is a difference in the shape of other parts. Therefore, this portion is set to the representative dimension a0 in FIG. In addition, the center of gravity G of the strawberry A is often present at a position somewhat closer to the longitudinal stalk a2.

Next, the storage recess 15 will be described. The storage recess 15 has a substantially egg-like shape when viewed in a plan view, and has a shape in which one end of the long axis L is tapered and the other end is tapered. As an example, for example, the maximum width dimension of the width dimension in the direction orthogonal to the long axis L is set as the scale dimension S, and this scale dimension S matches the representative dimension a0 of the strawberry A as the storage item. It exhibits a scale function that allows things to be stored here.

On the other hand, looking at the cross-sectional shape of the storage recess 15 in the depth direction, the maximum depth position of the depth dimension D is formed at a position slightly closer to the taper side than the middle point of the long axis L. It is. The depth D is set to a depth such that, when a strawberry A corresponding to the scale of the storage recess 15 is stored, the center of gravity G is sufficiently accommodated in the storage recess 15.

In the case where the container body 1 is rectangular, the long axis L of the plurality of storage recesses 15 is inclined with respect to the alignment posture determined by the line along the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the container body 1. It is set to Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, it is preferable to set the inclination angle to about 25 ° to 45 °, preferably to 31.5 °, for example, with respect to the line of the short axis in the direction orthogonal to the long axis L. . Of course, the storage recess 15 may be arranged so as not to be inclined in this manner.

Next, the cradle 2 which can be used in combination with the container body 1 will be described. This cradle 2
Is a rational transport especially during distribution, for example, the storage container P
Is used in consideration of the stacking function in the case of stacking a large number of sheets on a distribution pallet and transporting them, and further, in such a state, distributing a storage atmosphere such as cold air to the storage object. Therefore, since the cradle 2 does not come into direct contact with the object to be stored, the cradle 2 itself can be used not only for one-time use but also for circulating at the distribution stage many times.

First, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7, the receiving table 2 has a shape that surrounds the container main body 1 from the bottom to the side periphery thereof. It has a tray-like shape with a substantially rectangular shape. A receiving portion 21 is formed in the center of the container body 1. The receiving portion 21 is formed in a concave shape so that the receiving portion 15 in the container main body 1 and the receiving recess 15 further downward can be sufficiently received. A side wall 22 is formed to be substantially tapered in cross section around the receiving portion 21, and a support plate 23 is horizontally provided at an upper end of the side wall 22. On the other hand, the bottom plate 24 continues below the side wall 22 with the locking step portion 24a partially interposed therebetween.
The side wall 22 is not a simple flat plate, but is configured so that a part thereof is pushed inward.
That is. In this embodiment, two ventilation recesses are formed on the left and right sides in the long side direction and one location is formed at the center in the short side direction.

The container P for storing easily damaged fruits according to the present invention has a specific shape as described above, and is handled as follows. (1) Preparation for work In preparation for work, for example, a strawberry cultivation farmer prepares the container body 1 and the cradle 2 in an appropriate hand-held wagon or the like at a harvesting place such as a horticultural house. Since each of them has a cross-sectional shape which can be easily removed in the vertical direction, it is possible to prepare a large number of these in a stacked state as shown in FIG. In the actual storing operation, the container body 1 prepares at least three types of boxes according to the dimensional standard of the strawberry A, for example, the size of LL, L, M, and the like. Then, the container body 1 from which packing is started is first set in a state where the receiving table 2 is fitted on the lower surface thereof.

(2) Harvesting work After such preparation is completed, each worker sequentially picks up the strawberry A to be harvested, for example, in the case of a right-handed person, holding the gak a1 with his right hand. At this time, the container is preferably housed so that the side of the housing a1 is located on the thick side of the housing recess in the container body 1. And when picking,
Usually, the worker immediately observes the size of each strawberry A from the past experience, and sequentially packs the strawberries A into the storage recesses 15 of the container body 1 of a size corresponding to the dimensions. In other words, the harvesting operation at this time involves all the operations that were conventionally divided into three stages, up to the operation of sorting the size of the strawberry A and the operation of packing the strawberry A. Therefore, the damage to the strawberry A at this stage can be suppressed to a very small range due to the small number of operation steps.

(3) Stacking Then, when such a work is continued and one of the container bodies 1 is filled with the strawberry A, as shown in FIG. Further, it is set so that the next container body 1 is fitted into the receiving table 2 from above. In this case, the container main body 1 is maintained in a floating state from the lower container main body 1 via the receiving stand 2. Specifically, the locking step portion 24a of the receiving table 2
In this case, the upper part of the upper edge plate 13 of the lower container body 1 is superimposed on the upper edge plate 13, and there is no contact that may damage the strawberry A as the object to be stored.

(4) Protection When such a strawberry A is stored, it is set in such a state that the rag a1 of the strawberry A is slightly sunk into the thick side of the storage recess 15 so that the cushioning action is provided. Strawberry A has a function of preventing its own damage. At that time, the center of gravity G of the strawberry A is
5 is set at a position sufficiently inserted into the storage recess 1
There is almost no swaying or misalignment in 5, and this also sufficiently avoids damage.

(5) Supply of Preserved Cold Air When the next cargo handling is further considered in the storage completed state,
As shown in FIG. 7, the storage containers P for easily damaged fruits are stacked in pallets over multiple stages and are handled as cargo. However, when pre-cooling by the farmer at the time of shipment or supplying cold air to the vehicle during transportation, Is reliably performed by the presence of the ventilation recess 25 in the receiving table. That is, since the ventilation recess 25 is formed as shown in FIG. 7, the space from this portion to the object to be stored in the container body 1 located thereunder is in a state of communicating with the outside, and sufficient for each strawberry A. Cool air, which is a preservation atmosphere, is supplied. Needless to say, the storage atmosphere may be not only cold air but also, for example, humidified air of a constant humidity or an inert gas for enhancing storage, if necessary.

[0026]

The present invention has the above-described configuration and has the following effects. That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the storage recess 15 itself in the container body 1 serving as the distribution container performs the scale function of the strawberry A as the storage object, several stages of the container body 1 are harvested during harvesting. Each time an operator picks up an item to be stored, it can be visually judged for its standard dimensions and stored in the container body 1 that suits it. Harvesting, sorting, and packing are all performed as a single operation. It is completed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the fruit from being damaged due to a reduction in the working time and a decrease in the frequency of the worker touching the fruit.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, this kind of agricultural product is usually a natural product, which causes individual differences in individual fruits. It always has a typical reference dimension, and the dimension of the reference part is suppressed.
As a result, the container type can be maintained at the conventional standard, for example, LL,
L and M sizes can be kept within the variation of about three kinds of dimensional specifications.

Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the object to be stored is stably accommodated in the storage portion 10 and has a sufficient protection function with little shaking or misalignment even in the event of vibration or impact during distribution. Is exhibited.

Further, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the shape of the storage portion 10 is such a specified shape, the function of protecting strawberries and those having a shape similar thereto is sufficiently exhibited. You.

Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the arrangement of the storage unit 10 can be rationally performed, and the workability of the harvesting operation when storing strawberries or the like is good.
Specifically, for example, in a case where the long axis L is tilted to the left, when a right-handed operator picks it with his right hand, the strawberry A and the like can be stored in the storage unit 10 with a very natural operation. .

Further, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, by placing the receiving table 2 downward, it is possible to stack the storage containers P in multiple stages, thereby improving the convenience of handling during cargo handling and the like.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, even when the storage containers P are placed in a distribution process in a stacked state, it is possible to sufficiently spread the storage atmosphere of the storage object such as cool air. .

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the strawberry A is stored in such a state that the side of the stalk a2 is slightly lowered. At this time, the stalk a2 is cushioned by the strawberry A itself. It fulfills its function.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a container for storing easily damaged fruits according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially broken perspective view showing a container main body and a receiving stand in the storage container separately from each other.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a part of the container body.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a part of a receiving table.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where storage containers for easily damaged fruits according to the present invention are stacked.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Container main body 2 Cradle 10 Storage part 11 Side plate 12 Middle part 13 Upper edge plate 14 Outer plate 14a Flap 15 Storage recess 16 Direct cut-out 21 Receiving part 22 Side wall 23 Support plate 24 Bottom plate 24a Locking step 25 Vent recess A Stored object) a0 Representative dimensions a1 Gaku a2 Fruit tip a3 Fruit top D Depth dimension G Center of gravity L Long axis P Storage container S Scale dimension

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hideyuki Matsuura 1 at 3964, found in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture (72) Inventor Hiroshi Arakawa 69136 Term, Nakase 7136 Nakase, Hamakita City, Shizuoka Prefecture (reference) 3E033 AA10 BA10 CA20 DD11 FA10 GA03 3E066 AA03 BA01 CA05 HA04 JA01 KA02 NA53 3E096 AA09 BA27 BB09 CA06 CB03 CC02 DA30 DB06 DC01 EA01X EA01Y FA01 GA20

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A container body having a substantially tray-like shape with a recess formed in a storage portion is formed of mold pulp, and a plurality of storage recesses are provided on the bottom side of the storage portion in the container body. A storage container for easily damaged fruits, characterized in that it has a scale function according to the dimensional standard of stored items. 2. The scale function is obtained by selecting one or more specific representative dimensions of an object to be stored and setting the scale dimensions at corresponding positions in the storage recess. A container for storing easily damaged fruits according to 1. 3. The storage container for easily damaged fruits according to claim 1, wherein the storage recess has a depth such that the center of gravity of the storage object in the storage position is accommodated in the storage recess. 4. The storage recess has a substantially egg-shaped planar shape, one of its long sides in the axial direction is a tapered side, and the other side is a tapered side. 4. The container for easily damaged fruits according to claim 1, wherein the position on the tapered side from the intermediate position of the axis is the deepest part. 5. The storage container for easily damaged fruits according to claim 1, wherein the storage recess is formed such that the direction of the long axis is inclined with respect to the alignment posture of the container body. 6. The container body according to claim 1, further comprising a mold pulp cradle substantially covering a range from a side peripheral edge to a bottom portion thereof. How to use storage containers for damaged fruit. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the cradle has a ventilation recess formed on a side thereof. 8. The object to be stored in the container body according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 is a strawberry, and the stalk of the strawberry is placed on the thick side in the storage recess. A method of using a storage container for easily damaged fruits, characterized in that the storage container is to be stored facing.