US20040031716A1

US20040031716A1 - Package container for transport of soft fruit

Info

Publication number: US20040031716A1
Application number: US10/222,011
Authority: US
Inventors: David Slaughter; James Thompson
Original assignee: University of California
Current assignee: University of California
Priority date: 2002-08-14
Filing date: 2002-08-14
Publication date: 2004-02-19
Also published as: AU2003258221A1; CA2495371A1; MXPA05001831A; WO2004016525A1

Abstract

This invention provides a novel packaging system comprising a packaging frame and one or more suspension membrane suspended from the frame, which membrane comprises a flexible membrane material that forms a pocket area shaped to accept an item. The shape of the pocket area allows the area to be self-sizing to accommodate irregularly shaped objects and a variety of sizes in the same package. The flexible pocket area also minimizes pressure points on the packaged item and keeps the item from contacting other items or potentially damaging surfaces.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates primarily to the field of packaging of items subject to vibration induced abrasion, puncture, or other damage caused by contact with neighboring items and/or objects. For example, the invention relates to protective packaging of fruit and/or vegetables (especially ripe, soft, or easily damaged fruit, vegetables, or other produce) for, e.g., transport, storage, and/or display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The food produce industry frequently desires retail display/sale of ripe produce (or ripening of such produce before retail display), since display of riper, and thus less firm produce, improves sales. Typically, produce, e.g., fruit, is ripened by exposure to ethylene. The produce is then held at room temperature until it reaches the desired level of ripeness (typically as determined by firmness). For example, in the case of fruit such as pears, a desired level of ripeness could be indicated by 6 to 10 pounds firmness (as measured with a penetrometer using a {fraction (5/16)} diameter cylindrical pressure probe). Organizations and retailers frequently prefer that the produce be ripened before they receive it, thus avoiding the expense of the ripening procedure. This pre-ripening requires that produce be ripened at a point further upstream in the distribution process, cooled and shipped at a lower firmness than is traditionally done. Thus, such ripening processes, which can take several days, are typically done at distribution centers or at wholesale facilities.

Numerous devices and methods have been developed to package fruit and vegetables in order to prevent damage of these foodstuffs during shipping and handling. For example, various types and styles of molded pulp and plastic trays and cartons have been designed with shaped pockets or receptacles for individual pieces of fruit, etc. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,674,168; 3,695,479; 3,962,469; 3,987,922; 4,195,743; 4,286,715; and 4,682,693, etc. However, the transport/display of ripe, less firm fruit has continued to be problematic, because such riper fruit bruises and damages more easily. Such damage is especially problematic at pressure points, e.g., points where the produce rests against another item of produce, against the container or against neighboring hard surfaces, etc. Vibration and jarring or puncture during transport and handling exacerbate damage at the produce's pressure points. Such damage is detrimental to sale, even if the damage is only cosmetic.

A welcome addition to the art would be a packaging system for transport, storage, and/or display of easily damaged goods, such as food produce (e.g., fruit and/or vegetables) which causes minimal damage to the goods (e.g., the ripe, soft, and easily damaged foodstuffs contained within it). The present invention provides these and other benefits which will be apparent upon examination of the following.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a packaging container system comprising a packaging frame and one or more suspension membrane that is suspended from the frame. The suspension membrane is shaped to accept an item to be packaged within the system (e.g., a fruit or vegetable (or similar foodstuff) or other delicate item such as a pharmaceutical product, etc.) and is comprised of a flexible membrane material. In various embodiments, the system can comprise a single continuous piece of flexible membrane material that includes multiple pocket areas for accepting items to be packaged (e.g., the fruit/vegetable, etc.). In other embodiments, the system can comprise multiple pieces of flexible membrane material (e.g., each one comprising a pocket area for accepting items) that are suspended from the packaging frame and which are not continuous with one another.

In yet other embodiments of the invention, the individual pocket areas for holding the item to be packaged are open at both their top end and their bottom end. However, some embodiments comprise pocket areas that are closed at the bottom end (and open at the top end). In some embodiments of the current invention, the pocket areas are attached to the packaging frame at the top and/or at the bottom end of the pocket areas.

The pocket areas for holding/accepting the item to be packaged can comprise different shapes in different embodiments of the invention (and also different pocket areas within the same packaging system can comprise different shapes). For example, the pocket areas are optionally conical in shape, are optionally cylindrical in shape, or are optionally contoured to mimic or mate with the shape of the item to be packaged (e.g., a fruit/vegetable to be held, such as “pear” shaped pocket areas to hold pears, etc.).

Additionally, in various embodiments of the invention, the major axis of the pocket areas is optionally vertical, horizontal, or a selectable angle (i.e., between vertical and horizontal), thus, allowing control of the lay of the item to be packaged, and therefore allowing for greater control in, e.g., display of the item, control of the position of the item during shipping, etc.

In various embodiments, the flexible membrane material of which the pocket areas are constructed optionally comprises a thin sheet of a flexible (and optionally elastic) material. The flexible membrane material optionally flexes in a manner to allow packaging of different shaped and/or different sized items within a same sized pocket area. In various embodiments, the flexible material comprising, e.g., the pocket areas can comprise one or more of: cellophane, paper, cloth, plastic film (e.g., nylon, PVC film, Tyvek, etc.), bubble plastic, composite material (e.g., mylar, etc.), polyethylene, or any other suitable flexible material comprising the desired characteristics suitable for the item to be packaged and the shipping/display conditions. Additionally, in some embodiments, the flexible membrane material optionally includes such properties as being a radiant barrier (e.g., having a beneficial property such as heat transfer, etc.), may incorporate such components as a time release fungicide, and/or may include properties providing a moisture or volatile barrier. Other beneficial properties are optionally included within the characteristics of the flexible membrane utilized in the current invention.

In another aspect, the current invention comprises a method of packaging one or more items comprising providing a packaging frame, providing one or more suspension membrane suspended from the frame (with the membrane shaped to accept an item and with the membrane comprising a flexible membrane material) and placing at least one item within the suspension membrane. In some embodiments of the methods herein, the packaging comprises a suspension membrane comprising a continuous piece of flexible membrane material having one or more pocket area for accepting the item to be packaged. In yet other embodiments of the methods, herein, the suspension membrane comprises multiple (e.g., a first, a second, etc.) suspension membranes each of which comprises a separate pocket area for receiving the item(s) to be packaged and which areas are not continuous with each other.

In other embodiments of the methods herein, the suspension membranes optionally comprise pocket area(s) comprising a top end and a bottom end with both the top and bottom ends being open. In other embodiments of the methods herein, the pocket areas are optionally closed at the bottom end (while optionally being open at the top end). Furthermore, in some embodiments of the methods, the pocket areas are attached to the packaging frame at the bottom end of the pocket area. In yet other embodiments of the methods herein, the pocket areas are attached to the packaging frame at the top and the bottom ends of the pocket area. While in yet other embodiments, the pocket areas are attached to the packaging frame only at the top end of the pocket area.

In some embodiments of the methods, the suspension membrane of the pocket area optionally comprises a conical shape (i.e., the pocket area is conical), while in other embodiments the pocket area is optionally cylindrical or is shaped to the contours of the item to be packaged. Additionally, in the methods herein, the flexible membrane utilized is optionally cellophane, paper, cloth, plastic film, nylon, PVC film, Tyvek, bubble plastic, a composite material, mylar, polyethylene, or other similar flexible material suitable to the item to be packaged.

These and other objects and features of the invention will become more fully apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, panels A and B: Display top views of exemplary packaging systems of the invention. [0014]
FIG. 2, panels A and B: Display side cutaway views of exemplary packaging systems of the invention. [0015]
FIG. 3: Displays an exemplary configuration of one embodiment of a pocket area of a packaging system of the invention.[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention comprises a packaging system to store, transport, and optionally display delicate or easily damaged items, such as food produce (e.g., fruit, vegetables, etc.). The system is especially designed to deal with ripe (e.g., soft) food produce and/or easily damaged food produce. It can also be adapted to non-food packaging, e.g., for transport of any easily damaged article of manufacture or commerce. For example, some embodiments herein are concerned with the transport of pharmaceutical materials. The present invention is particularly useful for transport, etc. of items of irregular shape or non-homogeneous sized items (e.g., to be packaged within a single container). Embodiments of the present invention (see, below) allow the pocket areas of the system to be self-sizing, thus, easily accommodating irregularly shaped objects or a variety of differently sized items in the same container. The present invention is useful for transport, display, etc. of items sensitive to vibration damage, e.g., caused by rubbing, puncture (e.g., one pear stem puncturing another pear, etc.), or movement of the item with respect to neighboring products or package surface during transport, storage and/or display. [0017]
Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular configurations, which can, of course, vary (e.g., different arrangements of pocket area types, etc.). It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a pocket area” optionally includes a combination of two or more such areas, and the like. [0018]
Unless defined otherwise, all scientific and technical terms are understood to have the same meaning as commonly used in the art to which they pertain. For the purpose of the present invention, additional specific terms are defined herein. For example, as used herein “produce” or “food produce” is to be understood to include, but not be limited to such things as fruits (e.g., pears, apples, peaches, apricots, figs, kiwis, plum, pluots, tomatoes, nectarines, avocados, etc.), vegetables, and other foodstuffs, e.g., root crops such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc., as well as any other suitable delicate and/or soft food item. Likewise, a pharmaceutical item herein, can optionally include (but is not limited to) such items as, e.g., drugs, drug components (such as adjuvants, precursors, etc.), medical devices and/or components, drug delivery mechanisms, enzymes and other molecules/chemicals and the like. Such pharmaceuticals are optionally stored within vials, tubes, etc. which are in turn packaged within the pocket areas of the current invention. [0019]
In various embodiments, the flexible material comprising, e.g., the pocket areas can be comprised of one or more of (or a combination of): cellophane, polyethylene film, paper, cloth, plastic film (e.g., nylon, PVC film, Tyvek, etc.), bubble plastic, composite material (e.g., mylar, etc.), or any other suitable flexible membrane material selected based upon, e.g., the item to be packaged, the conditions under which transport, etc., occurs and the like (see, below). Additionally, in some embodiments, the flexible membrane material optionally includes such properties/components as a radiant barrier (e.g., having a beneficial property such as heat transfer, etc. to keep the packaged item at a desired temperature or temperature range and/or to minimize or maximize heating and/or cooling). Additionally, the membrane material can incorporate such aspects as a time release fungicide or other chemical, and can include properties providing a moisture or volatile barrier (e.g., to resist moisture accumulation near the item, to wick fluids away from the item, to keep the item moist, to allow gasses to have access to the item, etc.). [0020]
The choice of the flexible material and the shape of the pocket area created from the flexible material (see, below) allow the pocket area to be self-sizing, thus, easily accommodating irregularly shaped items or a variety of different sizes of items in the same type (or similar types) of pocket area. In other words, the pocket area will flex around the item and safely hold it in place so that no damaging pressure points are created (e.g., points at which the pressure on the item would exceed the strength of the item and, thus, cause damage). Furthermore, the choice of flexible membrane material is also optionally determined by specific consumer demands for the items packaged. For example, the flexible membrane material is optionally constructed of transparent material to allow possible consumers to have better visualization of the items packaged. Transparent material is especially suited for display of particular items such as ripe avocados (e.g., produce which is easily damaged and, thus, needs to be examined by consumers prior to purchase) and/or in certain market areas based upon cultural preferences. [0021]
The choice of flexible membrane material is also optionally based upon such factors as the specific type of item to be packaged (e.g., produce that might create excess condensation optionally would require non-paper membrane material), the degree of protection which needs to be afforded to the item (e.g., for riper, and thus more delicate produce, a more flexible membrane can optionally be used), the number of times of reuse of the packaging system (e.g., plastic or plastic derivatives, or other more durable materials can optionally be used), whether the packaging system is to be recycled (e.g., paper, cellulose compounds, or other easily recycled materials are optionally used), etc. Some embodiments include flexible membrane materials that allow easy passage or retention of such components as oxygen, carbon dioxide, ethylene, water vapor, etc. to pass freely through the membrane. In yet other embodiments, very fine weave mesh is optionally used (e.g., beneficial in allowing water vapor to escape, etc.). Additionally, some types of mesh are optionally used to provide additional flexibility in pocket size and/or shape. [0022]
In some embodiments, the current invention comprises a configuration of a packaging frame and one or more suspension membrane as illustrated in the non-limiting examples as seen in the Figures herein. For example, as seen in FIG. 1[0023] b (a top view of an exemplary packaging system of the invention) packaging frame walls 100 surround top plate (or top layer) 102, which is optionally attached to the side walls, 100. In most embodiments, the packaging frame (e.g., side walls, top layer, bottom layer, any internal supports, etc.) is composed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as molded paper pulp, folded cardboard, plastic, wood, metal, etc., depending upon, e.g., the items to be packaged (e.g., the weight, moisture content, etc.), the shipping conditions expected, etc. Some embodiments comprise a transparent or semi-transparent packaging frame, thus allowing visualization of the items packaged. Such material choice is optionally used for items such as delicate foodstuffs such as avocados, figs, etc. where consumer inspection is especially crucial. For example, some embodiments of the current invention comprise packaging frames of a rigid clear material, thus allowing inspection (e.g., by a consumer) of the entire item packaged, but preventing actual touching of the item, which might cause damage. Additionally, in yet some further embodiments (not pictured) a similar clear layer or cover (optionally hinged to the packaging frame, e.g., in a clam-shell fashion) is optionally placed over the top of the packaging frame, thus, enclosing the items from all sides, yet still allowing easy examination of the items. Use of transparent material for the packaging frame is typically paired with use of transparent flexible membrane material for the pocket areas, thus allowing better view of the items packaged.
In typical embodiments the packaging frame is configured so that multiple packaging frames can be stacked on top of one another without harming the produce within them. Thus, some embodiments include such features as, e.g., tabs and slots, etc. which allow the packaging frames to stack easily (e.g., the tab on one packaging frame is designed to insert into a corresponding slot on another packaging frame, etc.). Numerous configurations, styles, and types of packaging frames are available and amenable to utilization in the methods and devices of the current invention. Appropriate packaging frames and appropriate packaging frame parameters (e.g., construction material, strength, dimensions, etc.) are well known to those of skill in the art. For example, the height of the frame (e.g., the distance between a top layer such as [0024] 102 in FIG. 1 and a bottom layer such as 210 in FIG. 2) is optionally based upon the height of the item to be packaged. Additionally, the construction material used in the frame is based upon such concerns as the weight of the item to be packaged, whether the frames are to be stacked upon one another, etc.
Within [0025] top layer 102 of the packaging frame in FIGS. 1a and 1 b are one or more openings 104, through which the pocket areas (see, e.g., FIGS. 2a and 2 b below), comprising flexible membrane, are suspended. In FIGS. 1a and 1 b, the flexible membrane material is denoted by cross-hatching. The openings are optionally circular as in FIGS. 1 and 2, but can also comprise different shapes, e.g., ovoid, square, triangular, rhomboid, multi-sided polyhedral, etc. depending upon such things as the specific type of item to be packaged. Additionally, different openings within the same packaging system are optionally of different shapes. For example, some openings are optionally circular, while other openings in the same packaging system are optionally ovoid, etc. Furthermore, in different embodiments, the openings are optionally of different size, or different openings in the same packaging system are of different size, again depending upon, e.g., the type and/or size of the item(s) to be packaged.
In some embodiments, the individual pocket areas (e.g., the areas of flexible membrane for accepting items and which are suspended from [0026] openings 104, see, e.g., 200 in FIG. 2), are formed from (or are optionally attached to) one continuous sheet or layer of flexible material. In other words, as in FIG. 1b, a continuous sheet of flexible material (as indicated by cross-hatching in FIG. 1b) covers all or part of top layer 102, and has one or more pocket area of flexible material suspended from it. Cf., FIG. 1b and FIG. 2b. Such continuous sheet is optionally formed from one single piece of flexible membrane material or, in some embodiments, is optionally pieced together from smaller pieces to form one continuous flexible membrane (e.g., the pocket areas are optionally of one or more flexible membrane type, while the non-pocket area is of a different membrane type, etc.). The continuous sheet is optionally attached to the packaging frame at one or more points (e.g., only at the intersection of a top layer and a wall or at all contact points between the top layer and the continuous sheet of flexible membrane, etc.) depending upon such parameters as the weight of the packaged items, etc. The flexible membrane material is attached to the packaging frame via any convenient means. Such means are well known to those of skill in the art. See, below for examples.
In other embodiments, the individual pocket areas are formed from different sheets of flexible material. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1[0027] a, each opening 104 is paired with a different sheet of flexible membrane material, which forms the pocket area. Such non-continuous pieces optionally resemble the one illustrated in FIG. 3 (see, below). As seen in FIG. 1a, some embodiments comprising non-continuous pocket areas have areas of flexible membrane material that optionally overlap onto the top layer of the packaging frame (e.g., area 106 overlaps onto 102). In different embodiments, the overlap (e.g., 106) is of varying width depending upon, e.g., the weight of the produce suspended in the pocket area, etc. The non-continuous pocket areas suspended from the packaging frame are optionally attached to the top layer of the packaging frame by any convenient means, e.g., glue, heat sealing, staples, etc. Such attachment method is variable depending upon such things as the specific material comprising the flexible membrane, the specific material of the packaging frame layer, the conditions under which the packaging system is to be used (e.g., humidity levels), the number of times the packaging system is to be reused, etc. In yet other embodiments, the non-continuous pocket areas are attached to the packaging frame by being sandwiched between two layers. For example, overlap area 106 in FIG. 1a is optionally sandwiched between the packaging frame top layer 102 and another layer, similar to layer 102 which is optionally overlaid on layer 102. See, e.g., layer 208 in FIG. 2a. Furthermore, such sandwiching effect, e.g., placement of flexible membrane between rigid or semi-rigid layers is also optionally used with the continuous flexible membrane configurations as illustrated in FIGS. 1b and 2 b, etc. Also illustrated in FIG. 1a and 1 b are two common (but not limiting) embodiments of pocket areas: open ended (as illustrated by the middle column of pocket areas) and closed ended (as illustrated by the right hand column of pocket areas). As explained herein, open-ended versus closed-ended pocket areas are optionally utilized for packaging of different items and/or for packaging under different transport conditions, etc. The left hand column of pocket area openings in FIGS. 1a and 1 b are illustrated as filled with an item (in this illustration, a piece of fruit such as a pear, packaged stem end down in the pocket areas).
FIGS. 2[0028] a and 2 b represent side views of exemplary packaging systems of the invention. As in FIGS. 1a and 1 b, packaging frame wall 100 and packaging frame top layer 102, along with packaging frame bottom layer 210 define space 220 within which the pocket areas, e.g., 200 and 240 are suspended. Pocket areas, thus, can optionally have top ends and bottom ends corresponding to whether the end is nearest the top layer of the packaging frame or the bottom layer of the packaging frame. Additionally, in some embodiments, various support devices (e.g., 260) are present to help ensure rigidity of the packaging frame and to help prevent collapse of the top and/or bottom packaging frame layer. Such support devices often take the form of posts, which are often evenly or symmetrically placed throughout the packaging frame. In yet other embodiments, grids of internal supporting walls are optionally placed between the top and bottom layers of the packaging frame, thus forming discrete volumes (e.g., cubicles) between the top and bottom layers and into which one or more pocket area is suspended. In typical embodiments, the support devices are optionally composed of the same or similar material(s) as is the rest of the packaging frame.
The pocket areas that are comprised of flexible membrane material and which are suspended from the packaging frame can optionally be of myriad shapes and/or conformations. Thus, a pocket area shaped to accept an item can optionally comprise many different shapes, depending upon the specific needs of the item to be packaged. For example, as seen in FIGS. 2[0029] a and 2 b, two common embodiments of the pocket areas include closed bottom and open bottom versions (i.e., 200 and 240). The use of open versus closed bottom pocket areas is optionally based upon, e.g., the type and/or condition of the item to be held within the pocket. For example, in order to facilitate prevention of condensation or fluid accumulation or to facilitate forced air cooling, an open bottomed pocket area is optionally used. Optionally, and/or in addition to open or closed bottomed pockets, the pocket areas are optionally of different shapes. For example, the shape of the pocket area (e.g., the cut of the flexible membrane material) optionally comprises a conical shape. In various embodiments, the conical shape is of different diameter, has a different degree of slope of its sides, and is of different length. See, e.g., FIG. 3 below and its accompanying discussion. Such variability in diameter, slope, etc. is also true for embodiments comprising other possible pocket area shapes of the invention (e.g., cylindrical, pyramidal (either 3 sided or 4 sided), specific-item-contoured, etc.).
In yet other embodiments, the shape of the pocket area is configured to contour to the shape of the particular item (e.g., fruit or vegetable) to be held within the pocket. For example, if the pocket area were intended to hold pears, then the flexible membrane comprising the pocket area is optionally configured to a pear shape. Furthermore, pocket areas are also optionally shaped so as to contour to specific varieties of particular fruit or vegetable, e.g., bosc pears as opposed to Bartlett pears, etc. As explained above, the flexibility of pocket areas allows for conformation of the pocket area to the shape of the individual item in each pocket area. Thus, each item, even if it is larger than the other items (e.g., a larger pear than other packaged pears) will still fit securely within the pocket area without the creation of, or with minimized creation of, pressure points at specific areas on the item which would damage that item (such as bruising on a larger than average pear). [0030]
In some embodiments of the invention, pocket areas are optionally tethered or attached to the packaging frame via the bottom and/or top and/or sides of the pocket area. Alternatively, the pocket areas are optionally attached or tethered to the packaging frame via an alternative means. For example, in FIGS. 2[0031] a and 2 b, pocket areas 200 and 240 are attached to bottom layer 210 of the packaging form via tethers 222 and 242. Such attachment devices or tethers are optionally composed of the same flexible material as is the pocket area. See, above. Other tethering methods can optionally comprise, e.g., “wings” of material from the pocket area (e.g., comprised of the same or of different material as the pocket areas) which bridge the distance between the pocket area and, e.g., a side wall of the packaging frame and/or an internal support of the packaging frame, etc. Other possible tethering configurations are optionally included herein and the above examples are not to be construed as limiting.
Additionally, in various embodiments, the major axis of the pocket areas can optionally be, e.g., vertical, horizontal, or at a desired angle. Thus, the major axis of the pocket area is selected depending upon, e.g., the specific item to be packaged, the need to have the item be clearly and pleasantly displayed for a consumer, etc. For example, a packaged item such as a pear is optionally placed in a pocket area which has a vertical axis (e.g., the pear is in a vertical position such as illustrated in the figures herein) with either stem-end up or stem-end down depending upon the shape of the pocket area. Alternatively, a packaged item such as a pear is optionally placed in a pocket area which has a horizontal axis (e.g., the item is in a horizontal position, thus allowing a broader side-view of the item for inspection by, e.g., a consumer). Other embodiments include wherein a packaged item such as a pear is optionally placed in a pocket area which has an angled axis (e.g., the item is neither vertical nor horizontal, but is at a selectable angle or slight incline). Again, thus, allowing consumer (or inspector) view of the side of the item and of a greater area of the item. Additionally, various items are optionally packaged within the pocket areas in various orientations. For example, again, a pear is optionally packaged stem side down or stem side up within the pocket area. [0032]
FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a possible non-limiting configuration of a pocket area. The exemplary pocket area as seen in FIG. 3 comprises an embodiment similar to those seen in FIGS. 1[0033] a and 2 a (i.e., individual non-continuous pocket areas). In FIG. 3, the flexible membrane comprising the pocket area has been flattened out for illustrative purposes. Thus, area 314 corresponds to area 240 in FIG. 2a. The flexible membrane is optionally folded over onto the top layer of a packaging form in order to secure the pocket area within the packaging frame. Thus, overlap area 304 can optionally be overlaid and attached to a top layer of a packaging frame (e.g., similar to 106 in FIGS. 1a and 2 a). The areas 308 and 316 in FIG. 3 are optionally overlapped one on another and sealed together (e.g., with glue, via heat, etc.) in order to secure the pocket together.
As a non-limiting example of a packaging system of the invention, a selection of ripe pears were packed into a packaging system of the invention. The pears used were extremely ripe Bartlett pears (e.g., between 2 and 4 pounds firmness which could easily be bruised by being handheld). The fruit was subjected to ASTM assurance level I random vibration testing which resulted in no damage to the fruit. ASTM assurance vibration testing is described in Slaughter et al., [0034] Transactions of the ASAE, (1998) 41(1): 107-114 which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
The pocket areas of the packaging system were similar in detail to that illustrated in FIG. 3. The pocket areas of the packaging system used in the experiment were constructed from cellophane and had dimensions of 11.0000 inches for horizontal width of the entire pocket area (e.g., similar to [0035] 300 in FIG. 3), a radius of 9.0000 inches for the outer overlap area which attached the pocket area to the packaging frame (e.g., similar to 302 in FIG. 3), a radius of 8.1875 inches of the actual top end opening of the pocket area (e.g., similar to 306 in FIG. 3), a radius of 4.0000 inches of the bottom end opening of the pocket area (e.g., similar to 312 in FIG. 3), a height of 5.0000 inches of the pocket area and the overlap area (e.g., similar to 310 in FIG. 3), and an overlap area of 0.6250 inches corresponding to the overlap areas 308 and 316 in FIG. 3.
The ripe pears were packed stem end down into the pocket areas of the packaging system. As can be seen from the attached figures, typical conical embodiments of the invention, allow fruit such as pears, etc. to fit securely into the pocket areas. Additionally, since many embodiments of pocket areas of the invention are larger in diameter at the top end than they are at the bottom end, a variety of different produce sizes can fit into the same size pocket area. For example, a taller or wider item (e.g., a pear) would still be able to satisfactorily fit into the same size pocket area as a smaller or narrower item. The packed ripe pears were subjected to an ASTM assurance level [0036] 1 transit vibration test (e.g., equivalent to a cross-country trip from California to Maryland). See, Slaughter et al., Transactions of the ASAE, supra. Briefly, the pears were packaged in a packaging system of the invention utilizing non-continuous pocket areas similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3. The pears were then subjected to a continuous range of vibration frequencies (e.g., between 2 Hz and 30 Hz) on a vibration table using an accelerometer mounted to the table. The fruit was then held at room temperature after vibration to allow any injuries present to become visible and was graded accordingly. No damage was discernable on the fruit packaged using the methods and devices of the invention.
While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be clear to one skilled in the art from a reading of this disclosure that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention. For example, all the techniques and apparatus described above can be used in various combinations. All publications, patents, patent applications, or other documents cited in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, patent application, or other document were individually indicated to be incorporated by reference for all purposes. [0037]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A packaging container system, comprising:

a packaging frame; and,

one or more suspension membrane suspended from the frame, which membrane is shaped to accept an item and which membrane comprises a flexible membrane material.

2. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises a continuous piece of flexible membrane material which piece comprises one or more pocket area for accepting the item.

3. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises a first suspension membrane and at least a second suspension membrane each comprising separate pocket areas, and wherein the first and at least second suspension membranes are not continuous with each other.

4. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises one or more pocket area comprising a top end and a bottom end, and which pocket area is open at both top and bottom ends.

5. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises one or more pocket area comprising a top end and a bottom end, and which pocket area is closed at the bottom end.

6. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises one or more pocket area comprising a top end and a bottom end and wherein the one or more pocket area is attached to the packaging frame at the bottom end of the pocket area.

7. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises one or more pocket area and wherein the pocket area is conical.

8. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises one or more pocket area and wherein the pocket area is cylindrical.

9. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises one or more pocket area wherein the pocket area is shaped to contours of the item.

10. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane material is chosen from the group consisting of: cellophane, paper, cloth, plastic film, nylon, PVC film, Tyvek, bubble plastic, a composite material, mylar, and polyethylene.

11. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the item comprises a fruit or a vegetable.

12. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the item comprises a pharmaceutical.

13. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane material flexes to allow accommodation of items of different sizes into the pocket area.

14. A method of packaging of one or more item, the method comprising:

providing a packaging frame;

providing one or more suspension membrane suspended from the frame, which membrane is shaped to accept an item and which membrane comprises a flexible membrane material; and,

placing at least one item within the one or more suspension membrane.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises a continuous piece of flexible membrane material which piece comprises one or more pocket area for accepting the item.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises a first suspension membrane and at least a second suspension membrane each comprising separate pocket areas, and wherein the first and at least second suspension membranes are not continuous with each other.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises one or more pocket area comprising a top end and a bottom end, and which pocket area is open at both top and bottom ends.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises one or more pocket area comprising a top end and a bottom end, and which pocket area is closed at the bottom end.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises one or more pocket area comprising a top end and a bottom end and wherein the one or more pocket area is attached to the packaging frame at the bottom end of the pocket area.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises one or more pocket area and wherein the pocket area is conical.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises one or more pocket area and wherein the pocket area is cylindrical.

22. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more suspension membrane comprises one or more pocket area wherein the pocket area is shaped to contours of the item.

23. The method of claim 14, wherein the flexible membrane material is chosen from the group consisting of: cellophane, paper, cloth, plastic film, nylon, PVC film, Tyvek, bubble plastic, a composite material, mylar, and polyethylene.

24. The method of claim 14, wherein the item comprises a fruit or a vegetable.

25. The method of claim 14, wherein the item comprises a pharmaceutical.