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WO2024178298A1 - Conteneur pour l'expédition et l'affichage d'un produit - Google Patents

Conteneur pour l'expédition et l'affichage d'un produit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024178298A1
WO2024178298A1 PCT/US2024/017026 US2024017026W WO2024178298A1 WO 2024178298 A1 WO2024178298 A1 WO 2024178298A1 US 2024017026 W US2024017026 W US 2024017026W WO 2024178298 A1 WO2024178298 A1 WO 2024178298A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
sleeve
tray
thru
wall
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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2024/017026
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Fred Dowd
Roger L. CLEVELAND, Jr.
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.)
Technology Container Corp
Original Assignee
Technology Container Corp
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Technology Container Corp filed Critical Technology Container Corp
Publication of WO2024178298A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024178298A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
    • B65D11/18—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
    • B65D11/1866—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected with detachable components
    • 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
    • B65D21/023—Closed containers provided with local cooperating elements in the top and bottom surfaces, e.g. projection and recess
    • 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
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/28—Handles
    • B65D25/30—Hand holes
    • 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
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
    • B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
    • B65D81/263—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for ventilating the contents
    • 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
    • B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
    • B65D85/34—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for fruit, e.g. apples, oranges or tomatoes

Definitions

  • the present invention claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/447,740, which was filed on February 23, 2023, in the names of Fred Dowd et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to shipping containers and, more particularly, to containers designed principally for use in the shipment and display of food products.
  • Background of the Invention [0003] Containers constructed from corrugated paper boxes are commonly utilized to package and transport food products from a supplier to a retailer where the product is offered for sale.
  • the construction of such containers is of particular significance in not only transporting the food product with adequate physical protection but also ensuring proper ventilation in order to maintain product freshness and quality.
  • shipment of bananas and tropical fruit has been found to be particularly sensitive to physical damage and freshness quality during transport from the plantation where the bananas are grown to the retail store where the bananas are ultimately sold.
  • bananas are shipped in a corrugated paper box comprised of a five- sided box body which is selectively enclosed with a telescoping cover.
  • conventional paper boxes used in the shipment of bananas and tropical fruit have been found to suffer from a number of notable shortcomings.
  • paper boxes are relatively expensive, single-use containers, which significantly increase overall shipment costs, (ii) require the packing and unpacking of the products through a relatively laborious and time-consuming process, and (iii) are limited in structural rigidity and thereby render the product susceptible to physical damage.
  • food shipment containers In response to the aforementioned drawbacks identified with traditional paper boxes, food shipment containers have been recently modified in design to protect the food product throughout its shipment and, in turn, facilitate the labor required to unpack and display the product at its ultimate point-of-sale.
  • the shipping box, or container is designed for multiple uses and is preferably constructed of a rigid and durable material, such as plastic.
  • the container disclosed in the '142 application utilizes a three-piece construction to facilitate the packaging and display of food products therein.
  • the box comprises a four-sided, collapsible sleeve, generally rectangular in cross-section, that is selectively enclosed by opposing, generally planar trays.
  • each tray includes an outer wall, or flange, and an inner wall, or flange, which together define a continuous peripheral groove that is dimensioned to fittingly receive either the open top end or the open bottom end of the sleeve during the assembly process.
  • the continuous nature and depth of the peripheral groove serves to properly position the components during assembly and, in addition, minimizes the risk of any considerable bulging of the sleeve upon the loading of product therewithin.
  • the bottom end of the sleeve is slid down into the peripheral groove in the tray so as to circumscribe the product.
  • the opposing tray is mounted onto the open top end of the sleeve to enclose the product. Straps or additional fastening elements may be used to prevent inadvertent disassociation of the shipping container during transport.
  • the unloading and subsequent display of the product retained within the container of the '142 application can be similarly achieved in a simple and unlaborious process.
  • the container is disposed, right-side-up, at the desired point of sale. Then, by simply removing the straps and lifting the top tray and sleeve, the product is rendered on display on the lower tray.
  • containers of the type described in the ‘142 application have been found to suffer from a notable drawback. Specifically, it has been found that the process of fittingly inserting each end of the sleeve into the narrow groove formed in each corresponding tray is rather difficult, labor intensive, and time consuming to achieve. Additionally, even after the entire open end of a sleeve is properly inserted into the continuous groove in an associated tray, the components are susceptible to inadvertent disassociation.
  • a container for the shipment and display of a product comprising (a) a sleeve having an open top end and an open bottom end, and (b) a pair of opposing trays releasably mounted on the top and bottom ends of the sleeve, each of the pair of opposing trays comprising a plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral edge, each of the pair of opposing trays additionally comprising a continuous outer wall formed on the inner surface along the entirety of the peripheral edge, (c) wherein the continuous outer wall extends away from the inner surface at an obtuse angle relative thereto.
  • FIGs. 1(a)-1(d) are front perspective, top plan, front, and right-side views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a container for the shipment and display of a product, the container being shown in its fully assembled state and constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;
  • Fig.2 is an exploded top perspective view of the container shown in Fig.1(a);
  • Fig. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary section view of the container shown in Fig. 1(b) taken along lines 3-3; [0025] Figs.
  • FIG. 4(a)-4(d) are top perspective, top plan, front, and right-side views, respectively, of the bottom tray shown in Fig.2;
  • Fig.5 is a section view of the bottom tray shown in Fig.4(b), taken along lines 5-5, the bottom tray being shown with an identical second tray stacked thereon in a nested configuration;
  • Fig. 6 is a top perspective view of the container shown in Fig. 1(a), the container being shown with its top tray exploded away to help illustrate the preferred process for loading and shipping a product therein;
  • Fig. 7 is a left-side perspective view of a pair of the containers shown in Fig.1 arranged in a stacked relationship;
  • FIGS. 8(a)-8(d) are front perspective, top plan, front, and right-side views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a container for the shipment and display of a product, the container being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;
  • Figs. 9(a)-9(d) are top perspective, bottom plan, front, and right-side views of a modified version of the bottom tray shown in Fig. 4(a);
  • Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of a modified version of the sleeve shown in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 11 is a top perspective view of the sleeve shown in Fig. 10, the sleeve being shown collapsed into a flattened condition;
  • Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of the sleeve shown in Fig. 10, the sleeve being shown collapsed into a flattened condition;
  • Fig. 12 is a top perspective view of a custom pallet for retaining a plurality of the sleeves shown in Fig. 11 in a stacked relationship, the custom pallet being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention; and [0034] Fig. 13 is a top perspective view of the custom pallet shown in Fig. 12, the custom pallet being shown retaining a plurality of sleeves in a stacked relationship.
  • FIGs. 1(a)-1(d) there are shown assembled front perspective, top plan, front, and right-side views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a container for use in the shipment and display of a product, the container being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral 11.
  • container 11 is uniquely designed to retain a product therein through a simple and easy assembly process.
  • container 11 is described in connection with the shipment and display of a food product, such as bananas or pineapples. However, it should be noted that container 11 is not limited to use with food products.
  • container 11 could be alternatively utilized for the shipment and display of other types of products, such as floral products, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
  • container 11 is similar in construction to the container disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2020/0102142 to F. Dowd et al., (hereinafter the '142 application). Specifically, container 11 comprises a four- sided sleeve 13 that is selectively enclosed by a pair of opposing trays 15-1 and 15-2. As can be appreciated, the three-piece construction of container 11 serves to facilitate the packaging and display of products retained therein.
  • assembled container 11 has a length L 1 of approximately 19.750 inches, a width W 1 of approximately 15.687 inches, and a height H 1 of approximately 10.780 inches. However, it is to be understood that the dimensions of container 11 could be reconfigured, as needed, based on its intended use.
  • sleeve 13 is similar to the sleeve disclosed in the ‘142 application in that sleeve 13 is constructed as a unitary member with four adjacent panels, or sidewalls, 16-1 thru 16-4 which enable sleeve 13 to be collapsed into a flattened, generally planar configuration prior to use (i.e., for ease of storage and shipment).
  • sleeve 13 is constructed out of corrugated plastic (e.g., a 6 mm, extruded corrugated polypropylene), corrugated paper, or any other suitable malleable material.
  • sleeve 13 yields an open bottom end 17-1 and an open top end 17- 2 that are selectively enclosed by bottom and top trays 15-1 and 15-2, respectively, upon assembly.
  • sleeve 13 Due to its corrugated construction, sleeve 13 can be inexpensively manufactured, yet remain suitably rigid and durable. Preferably, bottom and top ends 17-1 and 17-2 of sleeve 13 are not enclosed, thereby providing access to the flutes within the corrugated material. By exposing the flutes, water, or other sanitizing fluid, can be flushed through the corrugations of sleeve 13. As a result, sleeve 13 can be suitably cleaned, as needed, to allow for its reuse, which is highly desirable.
  • a first set of rectangular alignment tabs 19-1 is formed onto and protrudes outwardly from bottom end 17-1 of sleeve 13, with one tab 19-1 located at the approximate midpoint of each panel 16.
  • a second set of rectangular alignment tabs 19-2 is formed onto and protrudes outwardly from top end 17-2 of sleeve 13, with one tab 19- 2 located at the approximate midpoint of each panel 16.
  • tabs 19 are dimensioned for fitted insertion through corresponding slots in trays 15 to facilitate proper assembly of container 11 and prevent any inadvertent disassociation.
  • Each panel 16 of four-sided sleeve 13 is provided with a horizontal linear slot 21 proximate bottom edge 17-1 in direct alignment with its associated tab 19-1. Similarly, each panel 16 of sleeve 13 is provided with a horizontal linear slot 21 proximate top edge 17- 2 in direct alignment with its associated tab 19-2. As can be appreciated, slots 21 function primarily as finger receptacles that enable the user to pull sleeve 13 into alignment and engagement with trays 17 during the process of assembling container 11, as will be explained further below. [0043] Each panel 16 of four-sided sleeve 13 is additionally provided with a plurality of generally circular thru-holes, or openings, 23.
  • openings 23 allow for the proper ventilation and cooling of food products retained in container 11.
  • openings 23 in opposing panels 16 are preferably aligned in order to promote laminar air flow through the interior of container 11.
  • four circular openings 23 are provided in each panel 16 of sleeve 13.
  • the number, shape, and/or location of openings 23 in sleeve 13 could be readily modified, as deemed necessary, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Construction of Tray 15 [0045] Referring now to Figs.
  • each tray 15 is similar to the trays disclosed in the '142 application in that each tray 15 is constructed as a unitary, generally rectangular, plastic member that is appropriately dimensioned to enclose open ends 17 of sleeve 13, with each tray 15 being represented herein as having a length L 2 of approximately 19.750 inches, a width W 2 of approximately 15.687 inches, and a height H 2 of 3.515 inches.
  • each tray 15 does not rely upon the use of spaced inner and outer walls to define a narrow channel, or gap, dimensioned to receive an end 17 of sleeve 13.
  • each tray 15 is constructed as a generally planar member, or plate, 29 which comprises an inner surface 31, an outer surface 33 and an outer peripheral edge 35.
  • a continuous outer flange, or wall, 37 is formed on inner surface 31 along the entirety of outer peripheral edge 35 and projects out therefrom at a height H 3 of approximately 1.09 inches.
  • height H 3 of outer wall 37 is considerably greater (i.e., approximately 3 times greater) than the outer wall height of trays used in conventional shipping containers, such as the container in the '142 application. Applicant has uniquely recognized that by increasing the height of outer wall 37 and incorporating some additional mating components, which will be described further below, each tray 15 can be constructed in the absence of an inner wall and/or alignment posts. As a result, it has been found that container 11 can be more easily assembled than conventional shipping and display containers. Furthermore, the increased height of outer wall 37 provides additional reinforcement, or support, to panels 16 of sleeve 13 to prevent outward bulging when packed with a food product.
  • Outer wall 37 projects out from outer peripheral edge 35 of plate 29 at an angle A of approximately 97 degrees. This outward taper of wall 37 not only facilitates alignment of open end 17 of sleeve 13 during the assembly process but also enables multiple trays 15 to be stacked together in a space-efficient fashion, as will be explained further below.
  • Outer wall 37 is generally uniform in thickness and includes an inner surface 39, an outer surface 41, and a top edge 43.
  • a handle 45 is formed on top edge 43 at the center of each side of four-sided outer wall 37.
  • handle 45 has the same thickness as outer wall 37 and protrudes relative to plate 29 at the same angle A. As such, each handle 45 is rendered generally coplanar with the portion of outer wall 37 from which it extends.
  • each handle 45 is shaped to define an opening 47 therein that is appropriately dimensioned to receive the fingers of a person transporting container 11. Additionally, it should also be noted that the considerable height of outer wall 37 through each handle 45 provides additional reinforcement, or support, to panels 16 of sleeve 13 to prevent outward bulging when packed with a food product.
  • a linear slot 49 is formed along outer periphery 35 of plate 29 along each of its sides and in direct alignment with opening 47 in its corresponding handle 45. Each linear slot 49 is dimensioned to fittingly receive an alignment tab 19 in sleeve 13. As seen most clearly in Figs.
  • container 11 is designed to be easily assembled by positioning open end 17 of sleeve 13 within outer wall 37 of tray 15, and by pulling tray 15 with handles 45 until alignment tab 19 fittingly protrudes into its corresponding tray slot 49, thereby securing tray 15 in place onto open end 17 of sleeve 13. Disposed as such, opening 47 in each handle 45 generally aligns with a corresponding horizontal slot 21 in sleeve 13.
  • a circular bore 51 is formed in each corner of rectangular plate 29 and extends transversely therethrough.
  • a hollow cylindrical boss, or foot, 53 protrudes out from outer surface 33 in axial alignment with each bore 51.
  • a nub, or post, 55 projects out from each of a single pair of feet 53 on opposite corners of bottom surface 33, post 55 having a cross-sectional diameter which is less than the cross-sectional diameter of bore 51.
  • posts 55 facilitate the stacking of nested trays 15.
  • An array of ribs 57 is formed on inner surface 39 of outer wall 37 in a spaced apart relationship. Each rib 57 extends vertically upward from inner surface 31 of plate 29 to a height slightly beneath top edge 43 of outer wall 37. Each rib 57 gradually tapers away from outer wall 37 as it extends away from plate 29, thereby providing rib 57 with a generally trapezoidal profile in longitudinal cross-section.
  • each trays 15 are designed to be stacked in a stable, space-efficient fashion. Specifically, as seen most clearly in Fig. 5, the outward taper of sidewall 37 enables a first tray 15-1 to readily receive a second tray 15-2 in a nested arrangement. It should be noted that the trapezoidal cross-section of each rib 57 on bottom tray 15-1 provides a horizontal surface at its distal end on which second stacked tray 15-2 rests. Disposed as such, posts 55 on top tray 15-2 are aligned to partially project into corresponding bores 51 in bottom tray 15-1 to secure trays 15-1 and 15-2 in its stacked relationship.
  • container 11 is designed to ship and display a product in the following manner. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, sleeve 13 is oriented with the entirety of bottom end 17-1 disposed inside outer wall 37 of bottom tray 15-1. Due to the outward taper of outer wall 37, the aforementioned registration process is greatly simplified as compared to traditional multi-piece containers (e.g., the container disclosed in the ‘142 application). [0057] Using linear slots 21 in sleeve 13 and/or handles 45 in bottom tray 15-1, sleeve 13 is urged downward until each alignment tab 19 in bottom end 17-1 of sleeve 13 fittingly protrudes into a corresponding slot 49 in bottom tray 15-1.
  • bottom tray 15- 1 is secured in place onto open bottom end 17-1 of sleeve 13, as shown. Thereafter, either immediately prior to and/or after sleeve 13 is mounted on bottom tray 15-1, the desired product is preferably loaded onto inner surface 31 of bottom tray 15-1 and thereby retained within the cavity formed by sleeve 13. As previously referenced, the increased height of outer wall 37, particularly through handle 45, provides structural reinforcement to sleeve 13 with product packaged therein. [0058] Once the packaging process is completed, top tray 15-2 is mounted onto open top end 17-2 of sleeve 13 in a similar fashion.
  • top tray 15-2 is pulled firmly onto sleeve 13 until alignment tabs 19 in top edge 17-2 of sleeve 13 fittingly protrude through corresponding slots 49 in top tray 15-2. Assembled as such, container 11 serves to adequately protect the food product retained therein. To prevent inadvertent disassociation of the three principal components of container 11, straps or similar types of fastening elements may be tightly wrapped around container 11, as needed. [0059] Once shipped to the intended destination, container 11 can be partially disassembled and used to display the product. Namely, container 11 is disposed, right-side- up, at the desired point of sale.
  • containers 11 are disassembled in the manner described above, empty trays 15 are preferably stacked neatly in a nested relationship. Similarly, sleeves 13 are folded flat and stacked on top of one another. As such, empty trays 15 and sleeves 13 can be shipped back to the supplier for sanitization and subsequent reuse. [0061] Referring now to Fig. 7, the construction of container 11 renders it particularly suitable for stacking when in its assembled state.
  • a second assembled container 11-2 can be easily stacked on first container 11-1.
  • posts 55 on bottom tray 15-1 of second container 11-2 are designed to fittingly project into hollow feet 53 in top tray 15-2 of first container 11-1.
  • stacked containers 11-1 and 11-2 are maintained in proper alignment.
  • container 111 is similar to container 11 in that container 111 comprises a four-sided sleeve 113 that is selectively enclosed by a pair of opposing trays 115- 1 and 115-2. Additionally, container 111 has similar overall dimensions as container 11 and is preferably used in the same manner to a package and display of a shipment of products. [0065] Container 111 differs from container 11 primarily in the construction of tray 115.
  • each tray 115 is constructed to include six handles 145 instead of four, with two handles 145 located along each length of tray 115 and one handle 145 located along each width of tray 115.
  • the increased number of handles 145 provides not only additional means for gripping container 111 but also greater reinforcement to sleeve 113.
  • Due to the increase in the number of handles 145 along each length of tray 115 a corresponding number of additional slots 121 is formed in sleeve 113 in alignment therewith. Furthermore, ventilation holes 123 in sleeve 113 are rearranged, as needed, to accommodate the increased number of handles 145.
  • FIGs. 1 As another example, in Figs.
  • each tray 215 is similar to tray 15 in that tray 215 includes a generally planar member, or plate, 229 which comprises an inner surface 231, an outer surface 233 and an outer peripheral edge 235. Also, tray 215 is similar to tray 15 in that tray 215 includes a continuous outer flange, or wall, 237 that is formed on inner surface 231 along the entirety of outer peripheral edge 235.
  • Tray 215 differs from tray 15 in that tray 215 is constructed in the absence of circular bores in rectangular plate 29. Instead, outer surface 233 of tray 215 is constructed to include a circular projection 251 and a cross-shaped projection 253 in each corner of rectangular plate 229. Each of projections 251 and 253 extends orthogonally away from plate 229 a fixed height, thereby providing tray 215 with a planar, or flat, mounting surface for enhanced stability. [0070] Projections 251 and 253 are arranged on tray 215 in order to retain a pair of stacked containers in proper alignment.
  • each X-shaped projection 253 in bottom tray 215-2 of the second container fittingly projects into a corresponding O-shaped projection 251 in top tray 215-1 of the first container.
  • stacked containers are maintained in proper alignment.
  • Fig. 10 there is shown a top perspective view of a variation of sleeve 13 in container 11, the modified sleeve 13 being identified generally by reference numeral 313.
  • sleeve 313 is similar to sleeve 13 in that sleeve 313 is preferably constructed out of corrugated plastic as a unitary member with four adjacent panels, or sidewalls, 316-1 thru 316-4 which enable sleeve 313 to be collapsed into a flattened, generally planar configuration when not in use.
  • sleeve 313 includes an open bottom end 317-1 and an open top end 317-2 that are selectively enclosed upon assembly.
  • sleeve 313 is similar to sleeve 13 in that sleeve 313 includes a first set of rectangular alignment tabs 319-1 formed onto and protruding outwardly from bottom end 317-1 of sleeve 313, with one tab 319-1 located at the approximate midpoint of each panel 316. Similarly, a second set of rectangular alignment tabs 319-2 is formed onto and protrudes outwardly from top end 317-2 of sleeve 313, with one tab 319-2 located at the approximate midpoint of each panel 316.
  • Sleeve 313 is also similar to sleeve 13 in that sleeve 313 is provided with a plurality of horizontal linear slots 321 along both bottom edge 317-1 and top edge 317-2.
  • the number and location of slots 321 has been modified to facilitate use of sleeve 313 with tray 115.
  • each of panels 316-1 and 316-3 is provided a single, central, horizontal linear slot 321 along both bottom edge 317-1 and top edge 317-2.
  • each of panels 316-2 and 316-4 includes a pair of horizontal linear slots 321 along both bottom edge 317-1 and top edge 317-2, the slots 321 in panels 316-2 and 316-4 preferably aligning with handles 145 in tray 115 when coupled to sleeve 313.
  • each of panels 316-1 and 316-3 includes a first set of four thru- holes 323-1, with one thru-hole 323-1 located within each corner of its respective panel 316.
  • Each of panels 316-1 and 316-3 additionally includes a second set of two thru-holes 323-2 which are located within the first set of thru-holes 323-1 in a more central location within its respective panel 316.
  • each of panels 316-2 and 316-4 includes a third set of two thru-holes 323-3 of a slightly larger diameter than thru-holes 321-1 and 321-2.
  • thru-holes 323-3 in panels 316-2 and 316-4 are positioned to axially align with corresponding thru-holes 323-2 in panels 316-1 and 316-3 when sleeve 313 is collapsed into a folded condition, as shown in Fig. 11.
  • this alignment of select thru-holes 321 enables a plurality of sleeves 313 to be collapsed, collected, and potentially transported as a secure and compact stack.
  • a custom pallet for holding a plurality of sleeves 313, the custom pallet being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral 411.
  • pallet 411 is uniquely designed to retain a plurality of sleeves 313 in a secure and compact fashion, thereby facilitating the collection of sleeves 313 for subsequent cleaning and reuse.
  • pallet 411 comprises a generally rectangular base, or block, 413 which includes a flat top surface 415 and a flat bottom surface 417.
  • a plurality of cylindrical posts, or pegs, 419 project orthogonally out from top surface 415.
  • Posts 419 are arranged on block 413 in a configuration that enables a plurality of sleeves 313 to be easily disposed and retained as stacks on top surface 415. More specifically, a first pair of posts 419-1 is arranged along one side of top surface 415 with limited spacing therebetween and a second pair of posts 419-2 is arranged along the opposite side of top surface 415 with greater spacing therebetween.
  • custom pallet 411 is designed to retain a plurality of sleeves 313 on top surface 415 as a pair of side-by-side stacks. More specifically, as shown in Fig.
  • first pair of posts 419-1 is arranged to fittingly protrude through an inner pair of aligned openings 323 in sleeve 313.
  • second pair of posts 419-2 is arranged to fittingly protrude through an outer pair of aligned openings 323 in sleeve 313.
  • custom pallet 411 enables used sleeves 313 to be readily collected and organized at the point of sale after use. Due to the optimized design of pallet 411, a large number of sleeves 313 can be maintained in uniform, stable, and compact stacks. Thereafter, sleeves 313 can be cleaned and sterilized, either at the point of collection or remotely through a third-party logistics provider. Once treated, sleeves 313 can be returned to a plantation or other similar facility for reuse. In this manner, the present invention provides a product and process that is more environmentally friendly than conventional means for shipping tropical fruit.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)

Abstract

Un conteneur pour l'expédition et l'affichage d'un produit inclut un manchon ondulé à quatre côtés qui est sélectivement enfermé par une paire de plateaux en plastique opposés. Le manchon comprend quatre panneaux adjacents qui définissent ensemble des extrémités supérieure et inférieure ouvertes. Des languettes d'alignement sont formées sur les extrémités supérieure et inférieure du manchon et font saillie de manière ajustée dans des fentes complémentaires dans chaque plateau pour aider à retenir le récipient dans un état assemblé. Chaque plateau comprend une plaque rectangulaire et une paroi continue externe qui fait saillie à partir du bord périphérique de la plaque à un angle obtus, ce qui permet à de multiples plateaux d'être agencés sous la forme d'une pile imbriquée. Une pluralité de trous traversants est disposée dans le manchon pour la ventilation et est agencée de telle sorte que des trous traversants sélectionnés dans des panneaux adjacents s'alignent axialement lorsque le manchon est plié dans un état aplati, ce qui facilite l'empilement de manchons utilisés sur des montants pour un nettoyage ultérieur.
PCT/US2024/017026 2023-02-23 2024-02-23 Conteneur pour l'expédition et l'affichage d'un produit Ceased WO2024178298A1 (fr)

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US202363447740P 2023-02-23 2023-02-23
US63/447,740 2023-02-23

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WO2024178298A1 true WO2024178298A1 (fr) 2024-08-29

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Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4626794A1 (fr) * 2022-12-12 2025-10-08 Yum Connect, LLC Bac de stockage et couvercle

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4765252A (en) * 1986-04-23 1988-08-23 Shuert Lyle H Container with sleeve interlocking latch
US5332088A (en) * 1991-12-19 1994-07-26 Schreiber Harry A Fruit display box with hand holes
US5651463A (en) * 1996-04-18 1997-07-29 Formall Inc Enclosed pallet system
US6024223A (en) * 1999-02-04 2000-02-15 Technology Container Corporation Storage container including a mounting clip an associated mounting clip, and an associated method
WO2001076957A1 (fr) * 2000-04-06 2001-10-18 C.G. Paxton Ltd. Contenant avec poignee et couvercle
US20100224625A1 (en) * 2006-08-30 2010-09-09 Uno Akinobu Knockdown container
US20200102142A1 (en) * 2018-09-27 2020-04-02 Technology Container Corp. Container for the shipment and display of a product
US20230182969A1 (en) * 2021-12-15 2023-06-15 Technology Container Corp. Container for the shipment and display of a product

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2038278A (en) * 1978-12-27 1980-07-23 Transit Packaging Ltd Pallet and retaining wall combination
US4801077A (en) * 1988-01-19 1989-01-31 General Mills, Inc. Combined tray and cover for use in the delivery of food items

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4765252A (en) * 1986-04-23 1988-08-23 Shuert Lyle H Container with sleeve interlocking latch
US5332088A (en) * 1991-12-19 1994-07-26 Schreiber Harry A Fruit display box with hand holes
US5651463A (en) * 1996-04-18 1997-07-29 Formall Inc Enclosed pallet system
US6024223A (en) * 1999-02-04 2000-02-15 Technology Container Corporation Storage container including a mounting clip an associated mounting clip, and an associated method
WO2001076957A1 (fr) * 2000-04-06 2001-10-18 C.G. Paxton Ltd. Contenant avec poignee et couvercle
US20100224625A1 (en) * 2006-08-30 2010-09-09 Uno Akinobu Knockdown container
US20200102142A1 (en) * 2018-09-27 2020-04-02 Technology Container Corp. Container for the shipment and display of a product
US20230182969A1 (en) * 2021-12-15 2023-06-15 Technology Container Corp. Container for the shipment and display of a product

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