US20210101739A1

US20210101739A1 - Novel packaging system for produce

Info

Publication number: US20210101739A1
Application number: US16/698,137
Authority: US
Inventors: David Akahoshi; Ibrahim Elnashar
Original assignee: Plan Berries Inc
Current assignee: Plan Berries Inc
Priority date: 2019-10-02
Filing date: 2019-11-27
Publication date: 2021-04-08

Abstract

A packaging system for strawberries includes a box having a tray and two short sidewalls and two long sidewalls extending from the tray to form a cavity. The two short sidewalls have a plurality of slots that open up to the cavity. Containers are disposed within the cavity. Each container has a top lid, a base portion, and a hinged spine connecting the top lid to the base portion. The top lid and the base portion include a plurality of recessed vents, and the top lid and the base portion are configured to be removably attached to one another by a coupling mechanism, in which the top lid and the base portion form windows to allow air therethough while removably attached. The recessed vents of and the windows are configured to align with the slots in the two short sidewalls of the box to improve a precooling process of strawberries.

Description

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to packaging systems. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a packaging system for containing, storing, displaying, and shipping produce items, such as strawberries.

BACKGROUND

An important part of a well-balanced diet comprises the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Despite highly advanced storage and transportation systems, the delivery of superior quality agricultural produce still remains a challenge. Often times, the process of harvesting a fruit (or vegetable) from its initial growing location, and safe delivery of the fruit (or vegetable) to its destination encompasses thousands of miles, and includes journeys that traverse many climates and difficult terrain. The negative consequences of such challenging transport are particularly pronounced when the produce being transported consists of soft or delicate fruit such as berries, cherries, plums, peaches, apricots, grapes and other fruit that can be easily bruised. Often times, farmers are forced to picked fruit early, so that it is harder, and more likely to make it to its destination intact. By prematurely harvesting fruits and vegetables, and depriving them of the opportunity to ripen while still growing, flavor and taste are compromised.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a new and improved packaging system that can be used in containing, shipping, transporting, and storing in a cooled environment produce items that easily can be damaged and/or bruised, such as strawberries. There is a further need in the art for a new and improved packaging system that allow for more rapid and uniform cooling after harvest to remove field and product heat, slowing respiration and providing a longer shelf life.

SUMMARY

A packaging system for produce is described. The packaging system is useful for all types of produce and especially useful for soft fruit including but not limited to berries, cherries, plums, peaches, apricots, grapes and other fruit that can be easily bruised. For some embodiments, the packaging system is particular useful for strawberries. Exemplary embodiments are provided with reference to strawberries; however, the skilled artisan will readily understand and appreciate that the packaging system can be useful for all types of produce.
The packaging system for strawberries, comprises: a box having a tray and two short sidewalls and two long sidewalls extending from a perimeter of the tray to form a cavity, the two short sidewalls having a plurality of slots that open up to the cavity; a plurality of containers configured to be disposed within the cavity, each container having a top lid, a base portion, and a hinged spine connecting the top lid to the base portion, the top lid includes a plurality of recessed vents, the base portion includes a plurality of recessed vents, the top lid and the base portion are configured to be removably attached to one another by a coupling mechanism, in which the top lid and the base portion form windows to allow air therethough while removably attached; the recessed vents of the base portion and the top lid and the windows are configured to align with the plurality of slots in the two short sidewalls of the box to improve a precooling process of strawberries.
For some embodiments, the base portion can include a bottom, four beveled edges extending therefrom, and two short sidewalls and two long sidewalls extending from the beveled edges to form a compartment in the base portion to place strawberries therein.
For some embodiments, the recessed vents can be disposed on the beveled edges of the base portion.
For some embodiments, the beveled edges of the base portion can include two short beveled edges and two long beveled edges.
For some embodiments, the short beveled edges of the base portion can include two to four recessed vents and the long beveled edges can include six to ten recessed vents.
For some embodiments, the top lid can include a cover and four beveled edges extending therefrom.
For some embodiments, the beveled edges of the top lid can include two short beveled edges and two long beveled edges.
For some embodiments, the short beveled edges of the top lid can include two to four recessed vents and the long beveled edges include six to ten recessed vents.
For some embodiments, the cover can be rectangular in shape and have a vent hole disposed at each corner of the cover.
For some embodiments, the cover can include a protrusion at each corner of the cover configured to align with an outer perimeter of the raised bed of the base portion of a second container.
For some embodiments, the coupling mechanism can include button locks.
For some embodiments, the male button locks can be disposed on an interior surface of the top lid and female button locks configured to correspond with the male button locks can be disposed on an upper surface of the base portion
For some embodiments, the upper surface of the base portion can further include a plurality of edge support bars configured to be placed into contact with the interior surface of the top lid when the top lid is removably attached to the bottom portion forming the windows between the top lid and the base portion.
For some embodiments, one of the edge support bars can be centrally disposed on three of the side walls of the base portion
For some embodiments, two additional edge support bars can be disposed on opposite ends of the spine
For some embodiments, the box can include a first layer of four adjacent containers and a second layer of four adjacent containers stacked thereon.
For some embodiments, the plurality of slots disposed on the short side walls of the box can be disposed in three rows: an upper row includes two slots separated by a tab, the upper row configured to align with the windows and vents of the second layer of containers, a middle row includes two slots, the middle row configured to align with the windows and/or vents of the first and second layer of containers, and a lower row includes two slots, the lower row configured to align with the vents of the first layer of containers.
For some embodiments, the packaging system can include a plurality of the boxes stacked on one another.
For some embodiments, each of the plurality of boxes stacked on one another can include a first layer of four adjacent containers and a second layer of four adjacent containers stacked thereon.
Other features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a container in an open state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the container according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the container in a closed state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of two containers stacked on one another according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a box according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the box according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of boxes stacked together according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A packaging system 10 for produce is described. The packaging system is useful for all types of produce and especially useful for soft fruit including but not limited to berries, cherries, plums, peaches, apricots, grapes and other fruit that can be easily bruised. For some embodiments, the packaging system is particular useful for strawberries. Exemplary embodiments are provided with reference to strawberries; however, the skilled artisan will readily understand and appreciate that the packaging system can be useful for all types of produce.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a container 11 is provided. The container 11 is preferably a clamshell container comprising a top lid 12, a base portion 13 and a hinged spine 14 configured to connect the top lid 12 to the base portion 13. Due to its novel features, the container 11 allows for the transport of strawberries of other soft, fragile, and vulnerable produce items that can easily be damaged or bruised during shipping, transportation, and storage, while at the same time keeps the strawberries and other produce items cool and fresh during transportation.
The base portion 13 includes a bottom 36 and four beveled edges 15 that extend from the perimeter of the bottom 36. Sidewalls 16 extend from the beveled edges 15 to form a compartment 15 in the base portion 13 to place strawberries and other produce items. The bottom 36 includes a raised bed 37, which helps prevent and/or minimize bruising of the strawberries and other produce items. The beveled edges 15 includes a plurality of recessed vents 17, which makes it possible to increase the cooling air that travels into the container 11 and improve the cooling mechanism. The recessed vents 17 of the base portion 13 further ensure that condensation and moisture do not build up within the container 11 and any produced water can freely drain through the recessed vents 17.
In some embodiments, the bottom 36, beveled edges 15, and sidewalls 16 form a generally rectangular compartment. The beveled edges 15 include two short beveled edges 18 and two long beveled edges 19. The short beveled edges 21 can include two to four recessed vents 17 and the long beveled edges 19 can include six to ten recessed vents 17. Preferably, the two short beveled edges 18 each include three recessed vents 17 and the long beveled edges 19 each include eight recessed vents 17. The recessed vents 17 preferably are in the shape of a slot configured to have an overall elongated oval or rectangular shape. The recessed vents 17 are positioned on the beveled edges 15 so that they do not contact the container contents, which may cause the contents to be sliced, cut, and/or bruised.
The top lid 12 also includes four beveled edges 20, preferably two short beveled edges 21 and two long beveled edges 22. The beveled edges 20 are integral with a cover 23. The cover 23 is preferably flat to allow for stacking of multiple containers 11. In some embodiments, the short beveled edges 21 can include two to four recessed vents 17 and the long beveled edges 22 can include six to ten recessed vents 17. Preferably, the two short beveled edges 21 each include three recessed vents 17 and the long beveled edges 22 each include eight recessed vents 17. The recessed vents 17 makes it possible to increase the cooling air that travels into the container 11 and improve the cooling mechanism. In addition, the recessed vents 17 are positioned on the beveled edges 20 so that they do not contact the container contents, which may cause the contents to be sliced, cut, and/or bruised. The recessed vents 17 of the top lid 12 further ensure that condensation and moisture do not build up within the container 11.
Preferably, the cover 23 is rectangular in shape and includes four corners 24. The cover 23 can include a plurality of vent holes 25. In some embodiments, the cover 23 includes a vent hole 25 disposed in the vicinity of the corners 25 of the cover 23. The vent holes 25 of the cover 23 further ensure that condensation and moisture do not build up within the container 11. In some embodiments, the cover 23 can further include protrusions 26. The protrusions 26 align with the outer perimeter 26 of the raised bed 37 of the base portion 13 of a second container, which allows for the second container to be stacked on the container 11 more securely. As shown in FIG. 4, a second container 27 is stacked on the container 11 according to some embodiments of the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the top lid 12 is removably attached to the base portion 13 by button locks 28. For some embodiments, male button locks 29 are disposed on an interior surface 30 of the top lid 12. Preferably, two male button locks 29 can be disposed at the far corners 31 of the interior surface 30 away from the spine 14 that pivotably attaches the top lid 12 to the base portion 13.
An upper surface 32 of the base portion 13 can include female button locks 33 configured to correspond with the male button locks 29. Preferably, two female button locks 33 can be disposed at the far corners 34 of the upper surface 32 of the base portion 13 away from the spine 14 that pivotably attaches the top lid 12 to the base portion 13.
The upper surface 33 of the base portion 13 can further include edge support bars 35. The edge support bars 35 are configured to be placed into contact with the interior surface 30 of the top lid 12 when the top lid 12 is removably attached to the bottom portion 13 in a closed state. By being placed into contact with the interior surface 30 of the top lid 12, the container can include windows 38 between the top lid 12 and the base portion 13 in the closed state. The windows 38 allow for flow of continuous cooling air providing an efficient cooling effect to the produce items within the container 11, such as strawberries. The windows 38 further ensure that condensation and moisture do not build up within the container 11
Preferably, the upper surface 33 includes three edge support bars 35 that extend along the side walls 16 of the base portion 13. That is, there is one edge support bar 35 on the upper surface 33 extending along each side wall 16 of the base portion 13, except for the side wall 16 that extends along the spine 14. As seen in FIGS. 1-3, the edge support bars 35 are in a central position along each sidewall 16. For some embodiments, the upper surface further includes two edge support bars 35, in which the two edge support bars 35 are positioned adjacent to the spine 14 and on opposite ends of the spine 14.
Though not wishing to be bound by the following theory, specialized venting as discussed in the present disclosure enables optimization of air flow and evaporation of moisture, as well as reduction of condensation and respiration. The containers 11 also minimize contact between individual so that that the occurrence of bruising, squashing, and other damage is limited.
In some embodiments, the container 11 is a 16 oz. container for 12-18 strawberries provided in one layer. Consumers gain a greater level of confidence in purchasing the strawberries contained in the container 11 over conventional containers because they can see every strawberry in the container 11. Conventional containers for most fruits including strawberries do not permit consumers to view each individual fruit and rotting and/or bruised fruits are embedded in the middle and hidden from view
In an open state (where the top lid 12 is not attached to the base portion 13), the container 11 can form a rectangular shape having a dimension of 10.91 inches by 9.35 inches. In a closed state (where the top lid 12 is attached to the base portion 13), the container 11 can have an internal height of 1.73 inches. The vents 11 can have a length of 0.44 inches and a width of 0.19 inches. The windows 38 can have an opening of 0.22 inches between the top lid 12 and the base portion 13. For some embodiments, two containers 11 that are stacked on one another would have an overall stack height of 3.92 inches.
The skilled artisan will readily understand and appreciate that the mentioned sizes of the dimension of the individual containers are not solely limited to these values, as they are merely shown as examples of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the container 11 can also have longer or shorter longitudinal lengths, as well as longer or shorter widths, as long as the key structure features are preserved. The container can also be heavier or lighter than 16 oz.
As best seen in FIGS. 5-6, the packaging system 10 further includes a box 50. The box 50 includes a tray 51 and four sidewalls 54 extending from the perimeter of the tray 51 to form a cavity 52. The box 50, tray 51, and cavity 52 are preferably rectangular in shape. The cavity 52 is configured to receive and store eight containers 11. The containers 11 are preferably positioned such that there is a first layer of four containers 11 placed on the tray 51 and a second layer of four containers 11 that is stacked on the first layer of four containers 11.
To prevent any potential bruising of the produce items contained in the containers 11, the box 50 is configured to store the containers 11 within the cavity 52 such that the containers 11 are flush against the inner walls 53 of the box 50 forming the cavity 52. In this way, there is minimal movement of the containers 11 during transport of the produce items.
In some embodiments, the four sidewalls 54 include two short sidewalls 55 and two long sidewalls 56. The short side walls 55 include a plurality of slots 57. Preferably, the slots 57 are configured such that there is an upper row 58 of slots 57, a middle row 59 of slots 57, and a lower row 60 of slots 57. More preferably, the slots 57 are centrally located on the two short side walls 55. The upper row 58 preferably has two slots 57 separated by a tab 61. Such configuration aligns the windows 38 and vents 17 of the upper layer of containers 11 with the slots 57 for improved sheetline venting. In addition, the configuration with two slots 57 separated by a tab 61 streamlines cooling air that travels into the container 11 and improves the cooling mechanism during a precooling process.
The middle row 59 preferably also has two slots 57. The middle row 59 of slots 57 align with the windows 38 and vents 17 of the lower layer of containers and the recessed vents 17 of the base portion 13 of the containers 11 of an upper layer stacked on the lower layer of containers. Such configuration aligns the windows 38 and/or vents 17 of the upper and lower layers of containers with the slots 57 of the box 50 for improved sheetline venting. The middle row 59 of two slots 57 also streamlines cooling air that travels into the container 11 and improves the cooling mechanism during a precooling process.
The lower row 60 preferably has two slots 57. The lower row 60 of slots 57 align with the recessed vents 17 of the base portion 13 of the containers 11 of the lower layer of containers llfor improved sheetline venting. This configuration further streamlines cooling air that travels into the container 11 and improves the cooling mechanism during a precooling process.
As best seen in FIG. 7, the boxes 50 can be stacked on one another for precooling, storing, shipping, and transporting the produce items therein. The packaging system 10 allows for the stabilization of strawberries making it more suitable for transit across long distances and over extended periods of time. The packaging system 10 also allows for a much faster precooling process compared to conventional packaging systems for strawberries. For, the packaging system 10 allows for the precooling process to be performed in 45 minutes. In sharp contrast, the precooling process for strawberries that are packaged with conventional packaging systems take two to three hours to complete. Relative to conventional packaging systems for strawberries, the packaging system 10 also better helps prevent and/or minimize damage and bruising of the strawberries. Farmers are then able to pack softer and more ripe fruit, rather than having to pick under-ripe fruit that is hard and picked early so that it can better survive transport.
The packaging system 10 is particularly suited for hydroponically farmed strawberries. One reason for this is that hydroponically farmed strawberries are picked by pickers in a standing position. The strawberries are picked, and directly placed in the containers 11. The packaging system 10 provided enables the transportation of just-picked strawberries to pre-cooling facilities in a rapid fashion compared to traditional picking and packing. By arriving quickly to the pre-cooling facility, the strawberries reach a point of stasis (akin to hibernation) in an accelerated fashion thereby maximizing quality as discussed above.
Although described in connection with these embodiments, those of skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A packaging system for strawberries, comprising:

a box having a tray and two short sidewalls and two long sidewalls extending from a perimeter of the tray to form a cavity, the two short sidewalls having a plurality of slots that open up to the cavity;

a plurality of containers configured to be disposed within the cavity, each container having a top lid, a base portion, and a hinged spine connecting the top lid to the base portion, the top lid includes a plurality of recessed vents, the base portion includes a plurality of recessed vents, the top lid and the base portion are configured to be removably attached to one another by a coupling mechanism, in which the top lid and the base portion form windows to allow air therethough while removably attached; and

the recessed vents of the base portion and the top lid and the windows are configured to align with the plurality of slots in the two short sidewalls of the box to improve a precooling process of strawberries.

2. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the base portion includes a bottom, four beveled edges extending therefrom, and two short sidewalls and two long sidewalls extending from the beveled edges to form a compartment in the base portion to place strawberries therein.

3. The packaging system according to claim 2, wherein the bottom includes a raised bed.

4. The packaging system according to claim 2, wherein the recessed vents are disposed on the beveled edges of the base portion.

5. The packaging system according to claim 2, wherein the beveled edges of the base portion include two short beveled edges and two long beveled edges.

6. The packaging system according to claim 5, wherein the short beveled edges of the base portion include two to four recessed vents and the long beveled edges include six to ten recessed vents.

7. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the top lid includes a cover and four beveled edges extending therefrom.

8. The packaging system according to claim 7, wherein the beveled edges of the top lid includes two short beveled edges and two long beveled edges.

9. The packaging system according to claim 8, wherein the short beveled edges of the top lid includes two to four recessed vents and the long beveled edges include six to ten recessed vents.

10. The packaging system according to claim 7, wherein the cover is rectangular in shape and has a vent hole disposed at each corner of the cover.

11. The packaging system according to claim 7, wherein the cover includes a protrusion at each corner of the cover configured to align with an outer perimeter of the raised bed of the base portion of a second container.

12. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism is button locks.

13. The packaging system according to claim 12, wherein male button locks are disposed on an interior surface of the top lid and female button locks configured to correspond with the male button locks are disposed on an upper surface of the base portion.

14. The packaging system according to claim 13, wherein the upper surface of the base portion further includes a plurality of edge support bars configured to be placed into contact with the interior surface of the top lid when the top lid is removably attached to the bottom portion forming the windows between the top lid and the base portion.

15. The packaging system according to claim 14, wherein one of the edge support bars is centrally disposed on three of the side walls of the base portion.

16. The packaging system according to claim 15, wherein two additional edge support bars are disposed on opposite ends of the spine.

17. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the box includes a first layer of four adjacent containers and a second layer of four adjacent containers stacked thereon.

18. The packaging system according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of slots disposed on the short side walls of the box are disposed in three rows, an upper row includes two slots separated by a tab, the upper row configured to align with the windows and vents of the second layer of containers, a middle row includes two slots, the middle row configured to align with the windows and/or vents of the first and second layer of containers, and a lower row includes two slots, the lower row configured to align with the vents of the first layer of containers.

19. The packaging system according to claim 17, wherein the packaging system includes a plurality of the boxes stacked on one another.

20. The packaging system according to claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of boxes stacked on one another includes a first layer of four adjacent containers and a second layer of four adjacent containers stacked thereon.