US20160176573A1 - Interlocking Stackable Produce Containers And High-Density Packing System Using Same - Google Patents
Interlocking Stackable Produce Containers And High-Density Packing System Using Same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160176573A1 US20160176573A1 US13/831,841 US201313831841A US2016176573A1 US 20160176573 A1 US20160176573 A1 US 20160176573A1 US 201313831841 A US201313831841 A US 201313831841A US 2016176573 A1 US2016176573 A1 US 2016176573A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- stacking
- positioners
- produce
- container
- carrying container
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
- B65D21/0217—Containers with a closure presenting stacking elements
- B65D21/0223—Containers with a closure presenting stacking elements the closure and the bottom presenting local co-operating elements, e.g. projections and recesses
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
- B65D21/0215—Containers with stacking feet or corner elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
- B65D21/0212—Containers presenting local stacking elements protruding from the upper or lower edge of a side wall, e.g. handles, lugs, ribs, grooves
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0233—Nestable containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
- B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
- B65D43/162—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece
Definitions
- This invention relates to containers, and more specifically to produce containers and a system of packing using produce containers.
- the produce is often packed into ventilated containers that will be purchased by the end consumer.
- the containers are typically thin walled clear or semi-clear plastic and are referred to as clamshells. This may be because often the lid of the container is formed integrally to the main volume of the container and the open container gives a visual suggestion of an open clamshell.
- the clamshells are closed after they have been filled with the produce.
- the clamshells are also adapted to facilitate the initial cooling of the produce.
- the clamshells have openings in various locations which allow for forced air cooling to flow through the closed clamshell and cool the produce.
- the clamshells are also typically placed into trays, typically made of cardboard. The trays may also have openings in various locations to facilitate the cooling air flow through the clamshells.
- What is called for is a system that allows for produce containers to interlock such that they are not susceptible to being knocked off of each other when stacked, such as in a retail display context.
- a container for produce adapted to house interlock with a lower and/or upper container while stacked.
- the produce containers have interlocking features such that the likelihood of lateral motion of a stacked container is greatly reduced.
- containers of different volumes may be adapted to stack together and interlock.
- the containers may have a plurality of vents.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the outside of a produce carrying container according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the inside of a produce carrying container according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 2A is a front view of a closed large produce carrying container according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 2B is a side view of a closed produce carrying container according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a top view of an open produce carrying container according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the outer surfaces of a large produce carrying container 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the inner surfaces of a large produce carrying container 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention.
- the produce carrying container 100 may be of unitary construction, that is, constructed into a single piece.
- the container 100 consists of a top 101 and bottom 102 .
- the top 101 of the container 100 may be folded over and clasped using button locks which have a button 103 on the top 101 of the container 100 and a button receptacle 104 on the bottom well 102 of the container.
- the button locks are typically a round extrusion on one side and a mating recess on the mating piece that lock with a mild interference fit.
- the button locks are adapted to be locked with relatively minor force, and to be unlocked with similar force.
- the container 10 is substantially rectangular in nature, and has a long side 105 and a short side 106 .
- a plurality of front vents 110 and side vents 111 are formed along the top/bottom interface when the container 100 is closed. A portion of the vent is due to a recess in the top, and a portion of the vent is due to a recess in the bottom. The vents allow for a significant cross-directional flow of air through the container 100 .
- a first container 100 is adapted to be stacked onto a second container 100 .
- the top 101 may have a feature 121 on each corner adapted to interlock with a mating feature 120 on each corner of the bottom 102 when containers are stacked onto each other.
- a first interlocking feature may protrude up out of the top.
- a second interlocking feature may protrude down out of the bottom of the bottom well.
- the interlocking features may each be of a right angle construction such that a first portion of the feature is along a first direction, and a second portion of the feature is along a second perpendicular direction.
- the first and second portions may each parallel a different side of the rectangular container.
Abstract
A container for produce adapted to house interlock with a lower and/or upper container while stacked. The produce containers have interlocking features such that the likelihood of lateral motion of a stacked container is greatly reduced. In some aspects, containers of different volumes may be adapted to stack together and interlock. The containers may have a plurality of vents.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/657,892 to Baum, filed Jun. 11, 2012.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to containers, and more specifically to produce containers and a system of packing using produce containers.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Today, many produce products are both harvested and packaged in the field. These produce products include, but are not limited to, berries, grapes, tomatoes, mushrooms, and other fruits and vegetables.
- The produce is often packed into ventilated containers that will be purchased by the end consumer. The containers are typically thin walled clear or semi-clear plastic and are referred to as clamshells. This may be because often the lid of the container is formed integrally to the main volume of the container and the open container gives a visual suggestion of an open clamshell. The clamshells are closed after they have been filled with the produce.
- The clamshells are also adapted to facilitate the initial cooling of the produce. To this end, the clamshells have openings in various locations which allow for forced air cooling to flow through the closed clamshell and cool the produce. The clamshells are also typically placed into trays, typically made of cardboard. The trays may also have openings in various locations to facilitate the cooling air flow through the clamshells.
- Currently, there are a variety of sizes of trays that may be used for different types of produce, with the different trays adapted to hold differing numbers of different size clamshells, depending upon the produce type and the intended market. However, many large retailers stack the produce containers onto refrigerated shelves.
- What is called for is a system that allows for produce containers to interlock such that they are not susceptible to being knocked off of each other when stacked, such as in a retail display context.
- A container for produce adapted to house interlock with a lower and/or upper container while stacked. The produce containers have interlocking features such that the likelihood of lateral motion of a stacked container is greatly reduced. In some aspects, containers of different volumes may be adapted to stack together and interlock. The containers may have a plurality of vents.
-
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the outside of a produce carrying container according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the inside of a produce carrying container according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 2A is a front view of a closed large produce carrying container according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 2B is a side view of a closed produce carrying container according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a top view of an open produce carrying container according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the outer surfaces of a largeproduce carrying container 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the inner surfaces of a largeproduce carrying container 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Theproduce carrying container 100 may be of unitary construction, that is, constructed into a single piece. Thecontainer 100 consists of atop 101 andbottom 102. Thetop 101 of thecontainer 100 may be folded over and clasped using button locks which have abutton 103 on thetop 101 of thecontainer 100 and abutton receptacle 104 on the bottom well 102 of the container. The button locks are typically a round extrusion on one side and a mating recess on the mating piece that lock with a mild interference fit. The button locks are adapted to be locked with relatively minor force, and to be unlocked with similar force. The container 10 is substantially rectangular in nature, and has along side 105 and ashort side 106. The container is hinged with ahinge 107. - As seen in
FIGS. 2A and 2B , a plurality offront vents 110 andside vents 111 are formed along the top/bottom interface when thecontainer 100 is closed. A portion of the vent is due to a recess in the top, and a portion of the vent is due to a recess in the bottom. The vents allow for a significant cross-directional flow of air through thecontainer 100. - In some embodiments, a
first container 100 is adapted to be stacked onto asecond container 100. The top 101 may have afeature 121 on each corner adapted to interlock with amating feature 120 on each corner of thebottom 102 when containers are stacked onto each other. A first interlocking feature may protrude up out of the top. A second interlocking feature may protrude down out of the bottom of the bottom well. - The interlocking features may each be of a right angle construction such that a first portion of the feature is along a first direction, and a second portion of the feature is along a second perpendicular direction. For example, the first and second portions may each parallel a different side of the rectangular container. With the use of these right angle features at each corner, good and sufficient interlocking may be achieved such that a stack of the containers will remain stable even when subjected to some lateral forces.
- As evident from the above description, a wide variety of embodiments may be configured from the description given herein and additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is, therefore, not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general invention.
Claims (9)
1. A produce carrying container comprising:
a bottom well, said bottom well substantially rectangular;
a top, said top comprising a raised internal portion, said top bendably attached to said bottom well along a first edge, said top adapted to be folded over said bottom well into a closed position;
a plurality of first stacking positioners on the top surface of said top; and
a plurality of second stacking positioners on the bottom surface of said bottom well,
wherein said first stacking positioners are sized such that they interlock with said second stacking positioners to provide lateral gripping between stacked produce carrying containers.
2. The produce carrying container of claim 1 wherein said first stacking positioners comprise features raised above the top surface of said top.
3. The produce carrying container of claim 2 wherein said second stacking positioners comprise features extending from the bottom of said bottom well.
4. The produce carrying container of claim 1 wherein said plurality of first stacking positioners comprise a stacking positioner at each corner of said top.
5. The produce carrying container of claim 4 wherein said plurality of first stacking positioners comprise a stacking positioner at each corner of said bottom well.
6. The produce carrying container of claim 3 wherein said plurality of first stacking positioners comprise a stacking positioner at each corner of said top.
7. The produce carrying container of claim 6 wherein said plurality of first stacking positioners comprise a stacking positioner at each corner of said bottom well.
8. The produce carrying container of claim 7 wherein said first stacking positioners comprise a raised feature, said raised feature comprising a first raised portion and a second raised portion, said first raised portion perpendicular to said second raised portion.
9. The produce carrying container of claim 8 wherein said second stacking positioners comprise a raised feature, said raised feature comprising a first raised portion and a second raised portion, said first raised portion perpendicular to said second raised portion.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/831,841 US20160176573A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2013-03-15 | Interlocking Stackable Produce Containers And High-Density Packing System Using Same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/831,841 US20160176573A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2013-03-15 | Interlocking Stackable Produce Containers And High-Density Packing System Using Same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160176573A1 true US20160176573A1 (en) | 2016-06-23 |
Family
ID=56128590
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/831,841 Abandoned US20160176573A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2013-03-15 | Interlocking Stackable Produce Containers And High-Density Packing System Using Same |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20160176573A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD824249S1 (en) * | 2016-10-12 | 2018-07-31 | Taishan Runcheng Plastics Co., Ltd | Lunch box |
US20210101739A1 (en) * | 2019-10-02 | 2021-04-08 | Plan Berries Inc. | Novel packaging system for produce |
US11434048B2 (en) | 2019-06-19 | 2022-09-06 | Genpak, Llc | Nestable containers |
USD989619S1 (en) | 2019-06-19 | 2023-06-20 | Genpak, Llc | Food container |
US11738907B2 (en) * | 2019-06-19 | 2023-08-29 | Genpak, Llc | Stackable and ventable containers |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050098469A1 (en) * | 2003-11-10 | 2005-05-12 | Armik Agakanian | Display package and shipping system |
-
2013
- 2013-03-15 US US13/831,841 patent/US20160176573A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050098469A1 (en) * | 2003-11-10 | 2005-05-12 | Armik Agakanian | Display package and shipping system |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD824249S1 (en) * | 2016-10-12 | 2018-07-31 | Taishan Runcheng Plastics Co., Ltd | Lunch box |
US11434048B2 (en) | 2019-06-19 | 2022-09-06 | Genpak, Llc | Nestable containers |
USD989619S1 (en) | 2019-06-19 | 2023-06-20 | Genpak, Llc | Food container |
US11738907B2 (en) * | 2019-06-19 | 2023-08-29 | Genpak, Llc | Stackable and ventable containers |
US20210101739A1 (en) * | 2019-10-02 | 2021-04-08 | Plan Berries Inc. | Novel packaging system for produce |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PACIFIC AGRICULTURAL PACKAGING, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BAUM, DAVID FRANZ;REEL/FRAME:037791/0853 Effective date: 20160222 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |