US3529531A - Container for head lettuce having internal support - Google Patents

Container for head lettuce having internal support Download PDF

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Publication number
US3529531A
US3529531A US723513A US3529531DA US3529531A US 3529531 A US3529531 A US 3529531A US 723513 A US723513 A US 723513A US 3529531D A US3529531D A US 3529531DA US 3529531 A US3529531 A US 3529531A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
lettuce
container
head
dome
base
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US723513A
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English (en)
Inventor
James B Swett
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dart Industries Inc
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Dart Industries Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dart Industries Inc filed Critical Dart Industries Inc
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3529531A publication Critical patent/US3529531A/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G19/00—Table service
    • A47G19/30—Other containers or devices used as table equipment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
    • A47J47/02—Closed containers for foodstuffs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
    • A47J47/02—Closed containers for foodstuffs
    • A47J47/08—Closed containers for foodstuffs for non-granulated foodstuffs
    • A47J47/10—Closed containers for foodstuffs for non-granulated foodstuffs with arrangements for keeping fresh

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A container particularly suited for the storage of head lettuce in a refrigerator, said container having a support formed in the bottom thereof, said support being adapted to position a head of lettuce in a centered symmetrical relationship with the container walls and inflxed spaced relationship above the container base.
  • a moisture collection zone is formed below and outwardly of the lettuce contacting surfaces of the support whereby water draining from the lettuce will be maintained separately therefrom. Drainage is facilitated by the presence of drainage openings on the upper surface of the support.
  • a tight sealing cover for the container maintains an evenly moist atmosphere around the stored lettuce.
  • This invention generally relates to containers. More specifically, it relates to a container that is uniquely adapted for the storage and preservation of a head of lettce.
  • the containers provided according to this invention have an internal support adapted to position a head of lettuce in centered symmetrical relationship with the container walls and in fixed spaced relationship above the base of the container.
  • Features of the invention include the provision, in such a container, of a moisture collection zone whereby collected moisture will be maintained out of contact with the stored head of lettuce. Drainage openings on the upper surface of the support facilitate the drainage of lettuce positioned thereon.
  • the support is adapted to maintain a head of lettuce in fixed spaced relationship with the container walls so that the possibility of the lettuce contacting the wall is minimized. Limited contact between the support and the lettuce is also provided.
  • Anothei object of t hisinvention is a pro vision of a container for head lettuce or the like wherein the lettuce will be positioned out of contact with collected moisttirein the cont airter.
  • Still another object of the invention is the provision of a container of the foregoing type wherein the lettuce will be positioned in spaced relationship from the walls of a coni'ls l
  • a still further object of the invention is a provision of a storage container for head lettuce or the like that will support the lettuce out of contact with collected moisture by means of a support member, such support member providing limited 7 contact surfaces with the head of lettuce.
  • Another object of the" invention is the rovision sra'ear tainer of the foregoing type that can be formed of plastic materials by conventional fabrication methods such as injection molding.
  • Yet another object of the invention is a provision of a storage container for head lettuce or the like of a relatively compact size.
  • a further object of tainer of the foregoing type that is adapted to fit in a household refrigerator.
  • a still further object of the invention is the provision of a storage container having a support member with open portions to permit drainage of moisture from a head of lettuce supported thereon.
  • FIG. I is a side elevation view of a container accordin gto' the invention with portions thereof broken away for convenience of illustration;
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the container in FIG. 1 with portions broken away to show details of the support portion thereof;
  • FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the container in FIG. 1 with a portion of the cover broken away;
  • FIG. 4 is a side elevation of a container showing an alternative embodiment of the invention with portions thereof broken away for convenience of illustration;
  • FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 4 with portions broken away to show details of the support portion thereof;
  • FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the container as shown in FIG. 4 with a portion of the cover broken away;
  • FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross section taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention with a portion thereof broken away for convenience of illustration;
  • FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of a container of another embodiment of the invention with portions broken away;
  • FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on line 10l0 of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective view of still another embodiment according to this invention with a portion thereof broken away to show interior details of a support member;
  • FIG. 12 is across-sectional view taken on line 12-12 of FIG. 1 1.
  • the storage means for head lettuce or the like as embodied in the containers according to the invention includes a container portion 10 and a cover portion 11.
  • the containers include supports I2, l3, l4, 15, or 16, as shown respectively in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. II.
  • the support member in each case has a protruding portion adapted to position and secure a head of lettuce in a centered symmetrical relationship with container walls 17 and in fixed spaced relationship with base 18.
  • the supporting element 12 is forrned'asan upstanding spike form element 19 and radially disposed rib members 20.
  • Spike form element 19 is adapted to impale a head of lettuce, preferably in a cavity therein formed by the removal of the hard central core portion. Due to the variations in the cavities formed by removal of the core portions of various heads of lettuce, the spike form element may not be large enough to maintain a given head of lettuce in the desired position above the moisture collected in the bottom of the container. However, ribs 20 can provide the necessary spacing function. As shown in FIG. I, the spike form element 19 provides the required centering function. The ribs 20 maintain the head of lettuce in fixed spaced relationship above base 18. Spaces 21 between ribs 20 provide drainage openings.
  • Support 13 as shown in FIG. 4, includes a dome portion 22 formed centrally of base 23.
  • the dome portion has spaced protuberances 24 extending upwardly therefrom.
  • the protuberances are evenly spaced in a peripheral ring radially outwardly from the central axis of said dome.
  • Open portions 25 between protuberances 24 permit drainage of liquids from the head of lettuce.
  • the open portions slant downwardly from the center of dome 22.
  • the protuberances 24 slant downwardly both radially inwardly and outwardly and can be curved to promote drainage and limit surface contact.
  • a peripheral moisture collection zone 26 is provided between the lower sloped wall 27 of dome portion 22 and the wall 17 of the container.
  • Support member 14 as shown in FIG. 8 has a dome section 28 of circular cross section centered on base 29.
  • Raised elongated protuberances 30 are located on top of the dome portion and extend radially outwardly of spike form element 31.
  • the upper surfaces 32 of protuberances 30 can be slanted and/or curved to facilitate drainage and minimize surface contact with the lettuce.
  • the surfaces 33 formed between elements 32 are slanted downwardly to promote drainage of fluid into the peripheral moisture collection zone 34 formed between dome section 28 and the walls 17 of the container.
  • Spike form element 31 is adapted to impale a head of lettuce in the cavity formed by removing the central core portion. The lettuce thus impaled is maintained in centered symmetrical relationship with the container walls.
  • spike form element may also maintain the impaled head of lettuce in fixed spaced relationship above the container base. If the cavity is extremely large, protuberances 30 provide the latter function.
  • support member is formed of, a dome section 35.
  • the dome section is circular in cross section and disposed centrally of base 36.
  • Upstanding protuberances 37 which are mounted on the upper surface of dome 35 extend radially upwardly outwardly from the central axis of said dome.
  • the upper surface of protuberances 37 is slanted upwardly in the direction extending outwardly of the center of the dome portion.
  • the slanted upper surfaces 38 of protuberances 37 maintain a head of lettuce placed on support 15 secured and positioned in centered symmetrical relationship with the container walls.
  • dome 35 and protuberances 37 maintain the head of lettuce in fixed spaced relationship above container base 36.
  • dome portion 35 is slanted downwardly between protuberances 37.
  • support member 16 includes a dome portion 41 and spike form element 42.
  • the upper surface of dome 41 is slanted downwardly to facilitate drainage of a head of lettuce impaled on spike form element 42.
  • a moisture collection zone 44 is provided between dome portions 16 and the walls of the container.
  • spike form element those utilizing a spike form element are particularly well suited for supporting a head of lettuce from which the central core portion has been removed. It would also be possible to impale the head of lettuce on the spike form element without removing the core portion by simply forcing the lettuce on the element.
  • the support members of the foregoing embodiments without spike form elements are suitable for supporting and securing a head of lettuce from which the core has not been removed, as well as providing support for lettuce heads from which the core has been removed.
  • the containers according to the invention can be sized to an individual head of lettuce.
  • walls 17 are outwardly bowed to provide sufficient spacing for a head of lettuce so that such will not come into contact with the walls.
  • the container is circular in cross section.
  • the walls 17 of the container terminate in a peripheral edge portion adapted to form a moisture-tight seal with cover 11.
  • the upper edge of walls 17 is formed as an outwardly flared peripheral flange 45.
  • Cover 11 has a peripheral sealing edge portion 46 adapted to form a seal with said outwardly flared peripheral rim.
  • the peripheral sealing edge portion 46 is formed as a downwardly directed U-shaped groove having inner wall 47 connecting wall 48 and outer wall 49.
  • dome portion 51 Adjacent to the peripheral edge portion 46 of cover 1 l is an annular flat portion 50 of the upper wall of the cover.
  • An upwardly raised dome section 37 is provided centrally of cover 11 adjacent said annular flat portion 51.
  • dome portion 51 is of a height and configuration to approximate the upward curvature of a head of lettuce.
  • the distance between the support surfaces which maintain the lettuce in fixed spaced relationship above the base thereof and the bottom portion of the center of dome 51 approximates the height of a head of lettuce
  • a dome portion 51 is shown as a preferred form of cover 11, it is not required if the container 10 is sufficiently tall to accommodate a head of lettuce without the extra room provided by the dome. However, even in this case, it may be desirable to utilize a dome since it suggests to the observer that the container is particularly well adapted for the storage ofa head of lettuce.
  • each of the embodiments of the invention is uniquely designed so that the container according to the invention can be formed as an integral structure of thermoplastic materials by injection molding processes. To this end, it should be noted that the containers and supports are free of undercut portions which would prohibit such molding. By forming the container and the components thereof with thermoplastic materials, the sealing characteristics between the cover as described and the container member are enhanced. It is preferable to form the cover of a yieldable locally deformable material such as low density polyethylene.
  • the container can be formed of a relatively rigid thermoplastic material such as linear polyethylene or polypropylene.
  • the base of the container is sufficiently wide to maintain the container in stable resting position during storage.
  • the container can be inserted into a refrigerator and placed on the bars'of common refrigerator shelves. Moreover, as shown, the containers are compact and will fit into the shelf space normally provided in household refrigerators.
  • a storage means for head lettuce or the like comprising a container and lettuce positioning means therefor, and a cover: said container having a base and upwardly and outwardly extending side walls terminating in an opening and a head lettilce positioning support including means projecting inwardly of the container with respect to the base and side walls for securing said head of lettuce;
  • said last means consisting of means formed centrally of the base of said container and extending upwardly therefrom for positioning said head of lettuce against lateral displacement and in symmetrical spaced relationship with the container walls and further in fixed spaced relationship above the base thereof;
  • said centrally formed means having a surface such that water draining from said head of lettuce will be maintained out of contact with said head of lettuce;
  • said cover being adapted to form a seal with said opening to prevent moisture ingress and egress.
  • a storage means for head lettuce or the like comprising a container and lettuce positioning means therefor, and a cover:
  • said container having a base and outwardly bowed side walls terminating in an opening and a head lettuce positioning support including means projecting inwardly of the container with respect to the base and side walls for securing said head of lettuce, said last means consisting of a dome formed centrally of the base of said container,'said dome having positioning means extending upwardly therefrom, said dome and positioning means being arranged for positioning said head of lettuce against lateral displacement and in symmetrical spaced relationship with the container walls and further in fixed spaced relationship above the base thereof, said dome and positioning means defining opened portions to permit water draining from said head of lettuce to pass said support and collect below said head of lettuce; and
  • said cover being adapted to form a seal with said opening to prevent moisture ingress and egress.
  • a storagemeans for head lettuce or the like comprising a container and lettuce positioning means therefor, and a cover:
  • a storage means for head lettuce or the like comprising a container and lettuce positioning means therefor, and a cover:
  • a storage means for head lettuce or the like comprising a container and lettuce positioning means therefor, and a cover:
  • said container having a base and outwardly bowed side walls terminating in an opening and a head lettuce positioning support including means projecting inwardly of the container with respect to the base and side walls for securing said head of lettuce, said last means consisting of a dome formed centrally of the base of said container, said dome having a spike form element extending upwardly therefrom, said dome and spike form element being arranged for positioning said head of lettuce against lateral displacement and in symmetrical spaced relationship with the container walls and further in fixed spaced relationship above the base thereof, said dome being of a shape and configuration such that water draining from said head of lettuce will collect below said head of lettuce; and
  • said cover being adapted to form a seal with said opening to prevent moisture ingress and egress.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
US723513A 1968-04-23 1968-04-23 Container for head lettuce having internal support Expired - Lifetime US3529531A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US72351368A 1968-04-23 1968-04-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3529531A true US3529531A (en) 1970-09-22

Family

ID=24906586

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US723513A Expired - Lifetime US3529531A (en) 1968-04-23 1968-04-23 Container for head lettuce having internal support

Country Status (17)

Country Link
US (1) US3529531A (cs)
JP (1) JPS4812266B1 (cs)
AT (1) AT295071B (cs)
BE (1) BE731741A (cs)
BR (1) BR6908295D0 (cs)
CH (1) CH508384A (cs)
DE (1) DE1919767C3 (cs)
ES (1) ES167426Y (cs)
FI (1) FI56357C (cs)
FR (1) FR1602832A (cs)
GB (1) GB1263123A (cs)
IE (1) IE33279B1 (cs)
MY (1) MY7600012A (cs)
NL (1) NL6906216A (cs)
NO (1) NO125427B (cs)
PL (1) PL79431B1 (cs)
SE (1) SE364024B (cs)

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3752547A (en) * 1971-03-26 1973-08-14 Miller Herman Inc Stackable drawer and cover
USD246026S (en) 1976-02-06 1977-10-11 Ball Corporation Storage bowl lettuce support or like article
USD257930S (en) 1979-08-16 1981-01-20 Dart Industries Inc. Closured container or the like
USD257933S (en) 1979-08-16 1981-01-20 Dart Industries Inc. Container closure or the like
US4556147A (en) * 1985-02-04 1985-12-03 Magnussen Jr Robert O Fresh fruit package
USD285405S (en) 1983-08-20 1986-09-02 Thorn Emi Domestic Appliances Limited Bowl
US4757899A (en) * 1987-09-10 1988-07-19 Magnussen Jr Robert O Cell packaging for fruit
USD309690S (en) 1988-10-26 1990-08-07 The Decor Corporation Pty. Ltd. Combined storage container and lid for lettuce or the like
US5029802A (en) * 1990-02-23 1991-07-09 Athar Ali Soap saving device
US5720389A (en) * 1995-04-07 1998-02-24 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Plastic case for photographic film cassette
US5992679A (en) * 1998-06-25 1999-11-30 S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Container Having a selectively detachable lid including an interrupted reinforcing bead
US20060242897A1 (en) * 2005-05-02 2006-11-02 Paternostre Lilian System and method for displaying and marketing indoor flower bulbs
US20130280395A1 (en) * 2000-06-08 2013-10-24 Sambrailo Packaging, Inc. Produce packaging system enabling improved drainage for hydrocooling
US20150114239A2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2015-04-30 Discovery, Inc. Caps For Fruits and Vegetables
FR3042962A1 (fr) * 2015-11-04 2017-05-05 Caroline Therese Georgette Thebault Boite a salade triple fonction : conservation - egouttoir - plat
USD798720S1 (en) * 2013-10-31 2017-10-03 Clariant Production (France) Sas Container
US10492390B2 (en) 2017-09-29 2019-12-03 Bloomaker USA, Inc. Hydroponic display container for flowering bulbs
US10986965B1 (en) * 2016-03-09 2021-04-27 Veggidome Spc Atmospheric vegetable dish

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3698783A (en) * 1970-01-28 1972-10-17 Dart Ind Inc Storage container for celery or the like
US4383173A (en) * 1980-04-26 1983-05-10 Barr & Stroud Limited Infrared radiation detecting systems
GB2213799A (en) * 1988-01-18 1989-08-23 Graeme John Lupton A container for a living plant
ES2278529B1 (es) * 2006-01-16 2008-06-16 Secur Fruit S.L. Sistema de envasado individual de melocoton, otras frutas y verduras que por su configuracion lo permitan.
AT514213B1 (de) * 2013-04-30 2015-02-15 Franz Bräuer Salatfrischhaltung
DE202014101936U1 (de) 2014-04-24 2014-05-08 Franz Bräuer Salatfrischhaltung

Cited By (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3752547A (en) * 1971-03-26 1973-08-14 Miller Herman Inc Stackable drawer and cover
USD246026S (en) 1976-02-06 1977-10-11 Ball Corporation Storage bowl lettuce support or like article
USD257930S (en) 1979-08-16 1981-01-20 Dart Industries Inc. Closured container or the like
USD257933S (en) 1979-08-16 1981-01-20 Dart Industries Inc. Container closure or the like
USD285405S (en) 1983-08-20 1986-09-02 Thorn Emi Domestic Appliances Limited Bowl
US4556147A (en) * 1985-02-04 1985-12-03 Magnussen Jr Robert O Fresh fruit package
US4605127A (en) * 1985-02-04 1986-08-12 Magnussen Jr Robert O Fresh fruit packaging
US4757899A (en) * 1987-09-10 1988-07-19 Magnussen Jr Robert O Cell packaging for fruit
USD309690S (en) 1988-10-26 1990-08-07 The Decor Corporation Pty. Ltd. Combined storage container and lid for lettuce or the like
US5029802A (en) * 1990-02-23 1991-07-09 Athar Ali Soap saving device
US5720389A (en) * 1995-04-07 1998-02-24 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Plastic case for photographic film cassette
US5992679A (en) * 1998-06-25 1999-11-30 S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Container Having a selectively detachable lid including an interrupted reinforcing bead
US20130280395A1 (en) * 2000-06-08 2013-10-24 Sambrailo Packaging, Inc. Produce packaging system enabling improved drainage for hydrocooling
US20060242897A1 (en) * 2005-05-02 2006-11-02 Paternostre Lilian System and method for displaying and marketing indoor flower bulbs
US7448162B2 (en) * 2005-05-02 2008-11-11 Paternostre Lilian System and method for displaying and marketing indoor flower bulbs
US20150114239A2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2015-04-30 Discovery, Inc. Caps For Fruits and Vegetables
USD798720S1 (en) * 2013-10-31 2017-10-03 Clariant Production (France) Sas Container
USD811226S1 (en) * 2013-10-31 2018-02-27 Clariant Production (France) Sas Container
FR3042962A1 (fr) * 2015-11-04 2017-05-05 Caroline Therese Georgette Thebault Boite a salade triple fonction : conservation - egouttoir - plat
US10986965B1 (en) * 2016-03-09 2021-04-27 Veggidome Spc Atmospheric vegetable dish
US10492390B2 (en) 2017-09-29 2019-12-03 Bloomaker USA, Inc. Hydroponic display container for flowering bulbs

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE364024B (cs) 1974-02-11
FI56357C (fi) 1980-01-10
IE33279L (en) 1969-10-23
JPS4812266B1 (cs) 1973-04-19
BR6908295D0 (pt) 1973-02-01
PL79431B1 (cs) 1975-06-30
DE1919767B2 (de) 1974-12-05
BE731741A (cs) 1969-10-20
FR1602832A (cs) 1971-02-01
MY7600012A (en) 1976-12-31
FI56357B (fi) 1979-09-28
DE1919767A1 (de) 1969-11-06
ES167426Y (es) 1972-02-01
AT295071B (de) 1971-12-27
CH508384A (de) 1971-06-15
NO125427B (cs) 1972-09-11
NL6906216A (cs) 1969-10-27
DE1919767C3 (de) 1975-07-24
ES167426U (es) 1971-08-01
IE33279B1 (en) 1974-05-15
GB1263123A (en) 1972-02-09

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