JP2975945B2 - Fruit tray - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fruit tray having a plurality of storage recesses.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years,
As wrapping trays used for shipping fruits such as peaches, pears, and apples, trays made of pulp molds and trays made of non-foamed resin sheets may damage the surface of the fruits. There are many trays having a two-layered structure of an outer layer made of a resin sheet having a layer and an inner layer made of a flexible foam sheet having a good touch with fruits (for example, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 2-135421).

However, a normal two-layered tray is composed of a laminated sheet in which an outer layer made of a resin sheet and an inner layer made of a flexible foam sheet or the like are joined over the entire surface. Therefore, it is impossible to expect a cushioning property other than elasticity due to the thickness of the soft inner layer.

For this reason, in this type of tray having a two-layer structure, a proposal has been made to improve the cushioning property by providing a space between the inner and outer layers in the storage recess. For example, Shokai 62
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. -22906 discloses an arrangement in which a bottom portion of an inner layer is floated from an outer layer in a storage recess so as to have a gap. Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 4-50687 discloses a structure in which an inner layer is separated from an outer layer to form a gap from the outer periphery of the bottom of the storage recess to the side wall.

[0005]

However, in any of the above cases, although the buffering property at the lower portion or the bottom portion of the storage recess becomes higher, there is almost no air gap at the upper portion of the inner side wall of the opening, and the inner and outer portions are not formed. Since the layers are in close contact with each other, sufficient cushioning cannot be expected at the inner peripheral portion of the opening. In addition, especially in the former case, the flexible inner layer is suspended in the storage recess, which easily swings up and down due to vibration during transportation, and the stored fruits are easily moved in the storage recess. is there.

[0006] Further, since there is no void in the inner peripheral portion of the opening as described above, there is little correspondence with variations in the shape, diameter, and size of the fruit to be stored. If the diameter is large, the fruit surface will be pressed and it will be easily damaged, and if the fruit diameter is small compared to the opening diameter, a gap will be created in the inner periphery of the opening, making the stored fruit unstable Easy to be.

In particular, when shipping fruits such as peaches, pears, and apples, the standard weight of one box, such as a cardboard box, is determined by the standard, and substantially the same weight selected according to the standard weight. In order to store fruit of the size, the number and opening diameter of the storage recesses of the fruit tray are set,
Even if the fruits have substantially the same weight, the shapes and diameters are not constant, and the diameters vary depending on the type of fruit. For this reason, even in the case of a multi-layer tray using a flexible material on the inside as described above, or a tray provided with a gap on the bottom side of the storage recess, the opening may not be able to absorb the difference in diameter or the like. .

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and even if there is a slight variation in the shape and diameter of the fruit to be stored, the fruit can be stored without difficulty and without creating a gap in the inner peripheral portion of the opening. Another object of the present invention is to provide a fruit tray which can be stably held without fear of movement during transportation and has excellent buffering properties.

[0009]

The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a tray having a large number of storage recesses, the inside of which is made of a flexible layer and the outside of which is made of a resin layer having a relatively good shape-retaining property. The inner flexible layer is joined to the outer resin layer at least at the bottom of the storage recess, and a gap is provided between the two layers from the opening of the storage recess to the upper side wall.

In the above, a soft synthetic resin foam sheet which is softer than fruits, does not damage the fruits, and has a shock-absorbing property is used as the inner flexible layer in contact with the fruits to be stored. Among them, a foam of a polyolefin resin such as a cross-linked polyethylene foam or a cross-linked or non-cross-linked polypropylene foam can be suitably used. In the case of this polyolefin-based resin foam, a cross-linked type is preferable because of good thermoformability from a sheet. In addition to the above, other relatively soft resin foams such as polyurethane resin foams can also be used. Further, a moderately elastic sheet that can be molded, such as a nonwoven fabric made of thermoplastic fibers, can also be used.

The thickness of the flexible layer is, for example, in the case of a foamed sheet, due to its elastic deformation and compression deformation, the above-mentioned variation in the diameter of fruits to be stored such as peaches, pears, apples, etc. 1.0-6.0 mm, preferably 1.0-4.0 mm, for the purpose of absorption.
mm. That is, if the thickness is smaller than the above, sufficient cushioning property cannot be obtained, and if the thickness is larger than the above, it is difficult to form a required number of storage recesses within a certain plane dimension corresponding to the packaging case. .

[0012] The density of the foamed sheet used for the flexible layer varies depending on the material used.
0.05 g / cm ³ , preferably 0.027 to 0.04
A foam having a relatively high foaming weight of 5 g / cm ³ is used. That is, when the density is higher than the above, the elasticity is poor and the buffering property is poor. On the other hand, when the density is lower than the above-mentioned density, the strength is weakened, and breakage is apt to occur.

The outer resin layer is made of a relatively hard and moderately rigid synthetic resin material, for example, a foamed polystyrene resin, from the viewpoint of preventing the movement of fruits during transportation, pressure resistance and shape retention. Sheets, non-foamed sheets, non-foamed sheets of polyvinyl chloride resin, comparatively low-foamed sheets and non-foamed sheets of polypropylene resin are preferably used.

The thickness of the resin layer varies depending on the material, but is 0.5 to 4.0 mm, preferably 0.5 to 2.5 mm.
mm is preferable. That is, if the thickness is too small, the shape retention strength and the pressure resistance are not obtained, which is not preferable in handling at an automatic fruit sorting place, and the stability when stacked and stored in a cardboard box is also inferior.

[0015]

The fruit tray of the present invention is used by storing fruits such as peaches, pears, and apples in the storage recesses.

At this time, since a gap is provided between the inner and outer layers from the opening of the storage recess to the upper part of the side wall, the inner flexible layer can be elastically deformed in the range of the gap, and therefore, the fruit to be stored. Even if there is a slight variation in the diameter of the device, the variation can be absorbed and stored without any problem.

For example, a fruit having a large diameter from among the selected fruits is formed by elastically expanding and deforming the inner flexible layer by utilizing a gap between the inner and outer layers at the inner peripheral portion of the opening. The flexible layer can be stored in a state of being elastically adhered to the fruit. In the fruit having a small diameter, the inner soft layer along the inner peripheral portion of the opening did not have a gap with respect to the peripheral surface of the fruit, and the fruit was held by the inner soft layer. In this state, it can be stored without fear of loosening in the storage recess.

Further, since the inner flexible layer is joined to the outer resin layer at the bottom of the storage recess, the movement of the bottom of the flexible layer in the storage recess is restricted, and the fruit due to vibration during transportation or the like is formed. Can be prevented from floating.

[0019]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fruit tray (A) according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the same, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a part.

This tray (A) has an inner and outer two-layer structure, has a large number of storage recesses (1) formed by molding such as press molding or vacuum molding, and the inner side with which the fruit (B) comes in contact is formed. A flexible layer (2) made of a flexible synthetic resin foam sheet or the like, and a resin layer (3) having a relatively shape-retaining outer side.

The inner flexible layer (2) and the outer resin layer (3)
Means at least the bottom (4) of the storage recess (1) so as to have a gap (7) between both layers from the opening (5) of the storage recess (1) to the upper portion (6a) of the side wall (6). Partially joined by adhesive means or the like.

In the embodiment shown, the flexible layer (2) and the resin layer (3) are joined at the top of the tray and at the bottom (4) of the storage recess (1) to form the opening of the storage recess (1). A gap (7) is provided from the upper surface side of (5) to the upper side wall (6a).

On the upper surface of the tray, as shown in the drawing, the two layers are joined substantially over the entire surface including the periphery of the opening (5) of the storage recess (1). Etc. can be partially joined. Although it is possible to leave the tray on the upper surface, the tray (A)
Is preferable in terms of handling, and the shape retention is also improved.

In particular, when the flexible layer (2) is joined to the resin layer (3) even on the upper surface of the tray as shown in FIG.
The elasticity in the space (7) is increased, and the movement of the flexible layer (2) can be restricted above and below the storage recess (1), and the stored fruit can be held with good stability. Flexible layer (2)
Is not joined to the resin layer (3) on the upper surface of the tray, the responsiveness to the variation in fruit size of the opening (5) of the storage recess (1) is further improved.

In the lower part (6b) of the side wall of the storage recess (1), as shown in the figure, both the flexible layer (2) and the resin layer (3) are simply brought into contact with each other, and also in the lower part (6b) of the side wall. It is possible to have a gap between the layers. In this case, the buffering property at the lower portion (6b) of the side wall is further improved.

The shape of the storage recess (1) may be any shape as long as it has a recess shape suitable for storing fruit. In the drawings, FIGS.
As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 3, the storage recess (31) of the outer resin layer (3) has a curved upper portion (6a) of the side wall (6) and a straight lower portion (6b). In addition, it is formed in a tapered shape continuous with the bottom part (4), and the opening diameter of the storage concave part (21) of the inner flexible layer (2) is slightly smaller than the opening diameter of the resin layer (3) and is substantially the same. Make the corresponding shape,
As described above, the gap (7) is formed between the two layers.

The opening diameter of the storage recess (1) is set in accordance with the approximate average diameter of the fruit (B) to be stored at the standard weight, and is set as three kinds of trays of peach, pear and apple. When used, they are set to match the respective approximate average diameters.

Further, the arrangement and number of the storage recesses (1) are as follows.
Depending on the weight and diameter of the fruits to be stored, for example, those illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, and other various embodiments are possible in addition to FIG. Usually, in order to make the standard weight (10 kg or more) of one box (two-tiered), storage recesses (1) having different sizes (diameters) are packed in the same plane, for example, from 8 to 26 packs. It can be manufactured by changing the arrangement and number.

For example, in the case of 23-packs, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, four rows are arranged in a row in which five rows and three rows are arranged in the longitudinal direction of a substantially rectangular tray. It is desirable to increase the opening diameter of the recess (1).

That is, this kind of fruit tray has a standard according to the inside dimensions of a packaging case such as a cardboard box.
In general, the vertical and horizontal dimensions are 300 x 460 mm for pears, 340 x 470 mm for pears in Tottori Prefecture, and 360 x 430 m for apples.
m. By the way, according to sheet palletization accompanying the recent rationalization of the packaging form, all of the vertical and horizontal dimensions are three.
It has been studied to unify the size to a size close to 30 × 470 mm. In the case where 23 storage recesses (1) are formed in this fixed area, it is said that the opening diameter of the storage recesses (1) can be only about 80 mm at the maximum in the conventional arrangement. Then, it is possible to make the opening diameter that can store the fruit of about 82 mm, and it is possible to store with a sufficient amount of room.

The boundary between the two storage recesses (1) is slightly lowered so as to leave a portion (8) surrounded by three or more storage recesses (1). If the drop size of the drop portion (9) is large, the fruits stored in the adjacent storage recesses (1) may come into contact with each other. Therefore, it is better not to make the drop size too large as shown in the figure. Although it is not always necessary to drop the boundary portion, it is desirable to form the drop as shown in the figure in order to prevent the inner flexible layer (2) from being stretched during molding.

The inner flexible layer (2) and the outer resin layer (3)
As a means for joining the two layers so as to have the gap (7) as described above, for example, both the flexible layer (2) and the resin layer (3) have storage recesses (21) and (31), respectively. They can be separately formed into a form, and they can be fitted together by heat sealing or bonding at least at the bottom (4) so that the two are fitted together to leave a gap (7) between the two layers.

Further, the inner flexible layer (2) and the outer resin layer (3) are overlapped with each other from the opening (5) of the storage recess (1) to the upper side wall (6a) in a state where both layers are superposed. It is also possible to join at least at the bottom at the same time as forming such as vacuum forming or press forming so as to leave a void (7).

According to the fruit tray (A) formed as described above, when storing fruits (B) such as apples,
As shown in FIG. 6, the fruit (B) having a relatively large diameter among the fruits selected according to the standard weight or the like is stored in the storage recess (1).
The inner flexible layer (2) is elastically expanded and deformed in diameter by utilizing the gap (7) in the inner peripheral portion of the opening (5). Good stability is maintained.

As shown in FIG. 7, the relatively small-diameter fruits (B) of the selected fruits are tapered at the lower part of the side wall (6b).
And is held in the housed state. In particular, at this time, the inner flexible layer (2) at the inner peripheral portion of the opening (5) is a fruit (B).
And can be stored in a state of being held elastically without gaps, thereby restricting movement during transportation and maintaining good stability.

Therefore, the above-mentioned gap (7) and the elastically expanding deformation of the inner flexible layer (2) within the gap can absorb a slight variation in the diameter of the fruit (B), It can easily cope with the difference in the shape of.

Moreover, since the inner flexible layer (2) is joined to the resin layer (3) at least at the bottom (4) of the storage recess (1), the inner flexible layer (2) is provided at the inner periphery of the opening (5). Despite possessing the air gap (7), the movement of the flexible layer (2) at the bottom side in the storage recess (1) is regulated, so that the fruits (B) stored by the vibration during transportation are moved up and down. It does not move. Particularly in the case of the figure, since the flexible layer (2) is joined to the resin layer (3) even on the upper surface of the tray, its movement is prevented above and below the storage recess, and the fruit (B) can be held more stably.

Further, when stacked in a packaging case (C) such as a cardboard box or the like, a sufficient pressure resistance can be secured by the resin layer (3) made of a resin sheet having a shape retaining property on the outside, and the fruit can be kept stable. Can hold well. In particular, they can be directly stacked and accommodated without the need for a middle partition. In this case, if the outer surface of the resin layer (3) having a shape-retaining property is made smooth, sliding with the fruit (B) in the lower stage is improved.

Needless to say, the present invention can also be implemented with a three-layer structure in which a flexible layer such as a foam sheet is provided outside the resin layer (3).

[0041]

As described above, according to the fruit tray of the present invention, in addition to the elasticity of the inner flexible layer, the elastic layer is elastically deformed within the gap from the opening to the upper part of the side wall. It can absorb small variations in the diameter and shape of the fruit, and can store large-diameter fruits in the selected ones without difficulty and elasticity. Can be accommodated and held in a state of being elastically held by the flexible layer without causing a shock-absorbing effect.

Further, since the inner flexible layer provided so as to have a gap between the outer shape-retaining layer and the outer shape-retaining layer is bonded to the outer shape-retaining layer at least at the bottom of the storage recess, its movement is restricted. Can hold the stored fruit with good stability,
There is no sloppy movement due to vibration during transportation.

Further, since a gap between the fruits can be absorbed by providing a gap between the two layers from the opening of the storage recess to the upper part of the side wall, the tray can be commonly used as a tray for peach, pear, apple, etc. having the same weight but different diameters. It can also be used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the same.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a part of the above.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an inner surface shape of the outer resin layer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the arrangement of the storage recesses in (a), (b) and (c).

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a stored state of a fruit having a relatively large diameter.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a stored state of a fruit having a slightly smaller diameter.

[Explanation of symbols]

 (A) Fruit tray (B) Fruit (1) Storage recess (2) Flexible layer such as foam sheet (3) Resin layer with shape retention (4) Bottom (5) Opening (6) Side wall (6a) Upper side wall (6b) Lower side wall (7) Void

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A tray having a plurality of storage recesses,
The inner side is made of a flexible layer, and the outer side is made of a resin layer having a relatively good shape-retaining property. The inner flexible layer is joined to the outer resin layer at least at the bottom of the storage recess, and extends from the opening of the storage recess to the upper side wall. A fruit tray comprising voids between layers.