U.S. patent application number 10/812743 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-16 for system for packaging, storing and transporting agricultural produce.
This patent application is currently assigned to STEPAC L.A., LTD.. Invention is credited to Shapiro, Ariel.
Application Number | 20040178108 10/812743 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25074500 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040178108 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shapiro, Ariel |
September 16, 2004 |
System for packaging, storing and transporting agricultural
produce
Abstract
A system and method for packing agricultural produce including
functionality for: providing a container having at least one
communications aperture formed in a wall thereof; providing at
least one flexible controlled permeability bag within the
container; providing at least one bag aperture in the at least one
flexible controlled permeability bag in general registration with
the at least one communications aperture; sealing the produce
inside the at least one flexible controlled permeability bag within
the container, while leaving the at least one bag aperture and the
at least one communications aperture open; providing atmosphere
treatment within the at least one bag via the at least one bag
aperture and the at least one communications aperture; and sealing
at least one of the at least one bag aperture and the at least one
communications aperture.
Inventors: |
Shapiro, Ariel; (Herzelia,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LADAS & PARRY
26 WEST 61ST STREET
NEW YORK
NY
10023
US
|
Assignee: |
STEPAC L.A., LTD.
|
Family ID: |
25074500 |
Appl. No.: |
10/812743 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10812743 |
Mar 30, 2004 |
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09765794 |
Jan 19, 2001 |
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6740346 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/524 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/20 20130101;
B65B 25/041 20130101; B65D 85/505 20130101; B65D 5/4295 20130101;
B65D 5/60 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/524 |
International
Class: |
B65D 081/24 |
Claims
1. A method for packing agricultural produce comprising the steps
of: providing a container having at least one communications
aperture formed in a wall thereof; providing at least one flexible
controlled permeability bag within said container; providing at
least one bag aperture in said at least one flexible controlled
permeability bag in general registration with said at least one
communications aperture; sealing said produce inside said at least
one flexible controlled permeability bag within said container,
while leaving said at least one bag aperture and said at least one
communications aperture open; providing atmosphere treatment within
said at least one bag via said at least one bag aperture and said
at least one communications aperture; and sealing at least one of
said at least one bag aperture and said at least one communications
aperture.
2. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 1
and wherein said atmosphere treatment comprises vacuum cooling.
3. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 1
and wherein said atmosphere treatment comprises fumigation.
4. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 1
and wherein said atmosphere treatment comprises gas treatment.
5. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 2
and wherein said atmosphere treatment comprises fumigation.
6. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 2
and wherein said atmosphere treatment comprises gas treatment.
7. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 3
and wherein said atmosphere treatment comprises gas treatment.
8. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 1
and wherein said at least one communications aperture formed in a
wall thereof is formed in a sealing layer adhered to a wall of said
carton.
9. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 1
and wherein said flexible controlled vapor selective permeability
bag comprises a gas impermeable bag.
10. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 1
and wherein said flexible controlled vapor selective permeability
bag comprises a gas permeable bag having selected permeability
characteristics adapted to a given type of produce.
11. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 1
and wherein said providing at least one bag aperture in said
flexible controlled permeability bag in general registration with
said at least one communications aperture comprises: inserting said
bag into said container; at least partially filling said bag with
said produce; adhering said bag to said container adjacent said at
least one communications aperture; and aperturing said bag
generally in registration with said at least one communications
aperture.
12. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 8
and wherein said providing at least one bag aperture in said
flexible controlled permeability bag in general registration with
said at least one communications aperture comprises: inserting said
bag into said container; at least partially filling said bag with
said produce; adhering said bag to said container adjacent said at
least one communications aperture; and aperturing said bag and said
sealing layer in a single operation.
13. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 1
and wherein said sealing at least one of said at least one bag
aperture and said at least one communications aperture comprises
attaching an adhesive sticker over said at least one communications
aperture from the outside of said container.
14. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 1
and wherein said flexible controlled gas selective permeability bag
comprises a gas impermeable bag.
15. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 1
and wherein said flexible controlled gas selective permeability bag
permeability bag complises having selected permeability
characteristics adapted to a given type of produce.
16. A method for packing agricultural produce according to claim 1
and wherein said sealing at least one of said at least one bag
aperture and said at least one communications aperture comprises
attaching a cap over said at least one communications aperture from
the outside of said container.
17. A system for packing agricultural produce comprising: at least
one container having at least one communications aperture formed in
a wall thereof; at least one flexible controlled permeability bag
within said container, said at least one bag having an aperture in
general registration with said at least one communications aperture
and being adapted for containing said produce inside said at least
one flexible controlled permeability bag within said container,
while leaving said at least one bag aperture and said at least one
communications aperture open; treatment functionality, operative
for providing atmosphere treatment within said at least one bag via
said at least one bag aperture and said at least one communications
aperture; and sealing functionality for sealing at least one of
said at least one bag aperture and said at least one communications
aperture.
18. A system for packing agricultural produce according to claim 17
and wherein said atmosphere treatment comprises vacuum cooling.
19. A system for packing agricultural produce according to claim 17
and wherein said atmosphere treatment comprises fumigation.
20. A system for packing agricultural produce according to claim 17
and wherein said atmosphere treatment comprises gas treatment.
21. A system for packing agricultural produce according to claim 18
and wherein said atmosphere treatment also comprises
fumigation.
22. A system for packing agricultural produce according to claim 18
and wherein said atmosphere treatment also comprises gas
treatment.
23. A system for packing agricultural produce according to claim 19
and wherein said atmosphere treatment also comprises gas
treatment.
24. A system for packing agricultural produce according to claim 17
and wherein said at least one communications aperture formed in a
wall thereof is formed in a sealing layer adhered to a wall of said
carton.
25. A system for packing agricultural produce according to claim 17
and wherein said flexible controlled permeability bag comprises a
modified atmosphere bag.
26. A system for packing agricultural produce according to claim 17
and wherein said flexible controlled permeability bag comprises a
gas permeable bag having selected permeability characteristics
adapted to a given type of produce.
27. A system for packing agricultural produce according to claim 17
and wherein said at least one bag aperture is formed in said
flexible controlled permeability bag in general registration with
said at least one communications aperture by the following
functionality: inserting sald bag into said container; at least
partially filling said bag with said produce; adhering said bag to
said container adjacent said at least one communications aperture;
and aperturing said bag generally in registration with said at
least one communications aperture.
28. A system for packing agricultural produce according to claim 26
and wherein said at least one bag aperture is formed in said
flexible controlled permeability bag in general registration with
said at least one communications aperture by the following
functionality: inserting said bag into said container; at least
partially filling said bag with said produce; adhering said bag to
said container adjacent said at least one communications aperture;
and aperturing said bag generally in registration with said at
least one communications aperture.
29. A system for packing agricultural produce according to claim 17
and wherein said sealing at least one of said at least one bag
aperture and said at least one communications aperture is effected
by the following functionality: attachment of an adhesive sticker
over said at least one communications aperture from the outside of
said container.
30. A method for loading a refrigerated container having a
refrigeration unit producing a flow of forced air and a flow of
return air under negative pressure in order to provide maximum
loading and cooling efficiency, the method comprising: loading
palletized ventilated cartons having ventilating apertures formed
in walls thereof into a refrigerated shipping container in a manner
such that there is defined a central plenum between rows of loaded
pallets; and selectively blocking air passages inside said
container such that said forced air flow is directed principally
through said plenum and through interstices between ones of said
ventilated containers and thus generally horizontally through said
ventilating apertures.
31. A method according to claim 46 and wherein: a forced air flow
from said refrigeration unit is supplied along channels formed in a
floor of the container and extending parallel to a longitudinal
axis thereof; at least a portion of said forced air output rises
through spaces between adjacent floor elements in the floor of the
shipping container, except where physically blocked and relatively
unimpeded from a channel underlying said plenum; and at least a
portion of said forced air output rises relatively unimpeded from
open ends of said channels at a back end of the container into back
plenum defined rearwardly of said rows of pallets
32. A loaded refrigerated container having a refrigeration unit
producing a flow of forced air and a flow of return air under
negative pressure in order to provide maximum loading and cooling
efficiency, the loaded container also comprising: palletized
ventilated cartons having ventilating apertures formed in walls
thereof positioned in said refrigerated shipping container in a
manner such that there is defined a central plenum between rows of
loaded pallets and wherein air passages inside said container are
selectively blocked, such that said forced air flow is directed
principally through said plenum, through interstices between ones
of said ventilated containers and thus generally horizontally
through said ventilating apertures.
33. A loaded refrigerated container according to claim 32 and
wherein: a forced air flow from said refrigeration unit is supplied
along channels formed in a floor of the container and extending
parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof; at least a portion of said
forced air output rises through spaces between adjacent floor
elements in the floor of the shipping container, except where
physically blocked and relatively unimpeded from a channel
underlying said plenum; and at least a portion of said forced air
output rises relatively unimpeded from open ends of said channels
at a back end of the container into back plenum defined rearwardly
of said rows of pallets
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to methodologies and systems
for packaging, storing and transporting agricultural produce
generally.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are known various techniques and systems for
packaging, storing and transporting agricultural produce. The
following U.S. patents are believed to represent the state of the
art: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,421,138; 4,535,586; 4,981,007; 4,899,517. The
known conventional techniques have significant limitations and
disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention seeks to provide improved
methodologies and systems for packaging, storing and transporting
agricultural produce, which result in significant efficiencies and
cost savings, without sacrificing product quality.
[0004] In the present specification and claims, the following terms
are used: "bag" which relates to a container for agricultural
produce in which a "Modified Atmosphere" condition is established
by controlling the amounts and relationships of the appropriate gas
components, which are required for extending the storage and shelf
life of the agricultural product, for example agricultural produce,
flowers and bulbs.
[0005] "vapor" relates to liquids in the form of a gas or a gas
with free floating water droplets, as for example, in
condensation.
[0006] "carton" relates to containers or boxes constructed from
materials such as plastic, wood or metal, for storing agricultural
products.
[0007] "adhesive" relates to a sealing element for a venting
closure system, by using such devices as a latch, cap-locking
system or an adhesive sticker.
[0008] There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention a method for packing
agricultural produce including the steps of:
[0009] providing a container having at least one communications
aperture formed in a wall thereof;
[0010] providing at least one flexible controlled permeability bag
within the container;
[0011] providing at least one bag aperture in the at least one
flexible controlled permeability bag in general registration with
the at least one communications aperture;
[0012] sealing the produce inside the at least one flexible
controlled permeability bag within the container, while leaving the
at least one bag aperture and the at least one communications
aperture open;
[0013] providing atmosphere treatment within the at least one bag
via the at least one bag aperture and the at least one
communications aperture; and
[0014] sealing at least one of the at least one bag aperture and
the at least one communications aperture.
[0015] There is also provided in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, a system for packing
agricultural produce including:
[0016] at least one container having at least one communications
aperture formed in a wall thereof;
[0017] at least one flexible controlled permeability bag within the
container, the at least one bag having an aperture in general
registration with the at least one communications aperture and
being adapted for containing the produce inside the at least one
flexible controlled permeability bag within the container, while
leaving the at least one bag aperture and the at least one
communications aperture open;
[0018] treatment functionality, operative for providing atmosphere
treatment within the at least one bag via the at least one bag
aperture and the at least one communications aperture; and
[0019] sealing functionality for sealing at least one of the at
least one bag aperture and the at least one communications
aperture.
[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the atmosphere treatment includes vacuum cooling.
[0021] Additionally or alternatively, the atmosphere treatment
includes at least one of fumigation or other gas treatment, such as
ripening treatment.
[0022] Preferably, the at least one communications aperture formed
in a wall thereof is formed in a sealing layer adhered to a wall of
the carton.
[0023] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the flexible controlled vapor and gas selective
permeability bag includes a gas impermeable bag, preferably a gas
permeable bag having selected permeability characteristics adapted
to a given type of produce.
[0024] Preferably, the methodology of providing at least one bag
aperture in the flexible controlled permeability bag in general
registration with the at least one communications aperture
includes:
[0025] inserting the bag into the container;
[0026] at least partially filling the bag with the produce;
[0027] adhering the bag to the container adjacent the at least one
communications aperture; and
[0028] aperturing the bag generally in registration with the at
least one communications aperture.
[0029] Where the at least one communications aperture formed in a
wall thereof is formed in a sealing layer adhered to a wall of the
carton, the functionality of providing at least one bag aperture in
the flexible controlled permeability bag in general registration
with the at least one communications aperture includes:
[0030] inserting the bag into the container;
[0031] at least partially filling the bag with the produce;
[0032] adhering the bag to the container adjacent the at least one
communications aperture; and
[0033] aperturing the bag and the sealing layer in a single
operation.
[0034] Preferably, the sealing at least one of the at least one bag
aperture and the at least one communications aperture includes
attaching an adhesive sticker or a cap over the at least one
communications aperture from the outside of the container.
[0035] There is also provided in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention a box suitable for packing
agricultural produce and including at least one sealable localized
atmosphere communication aperture formed in a wall thereof.
[0036] Preferably, the carton also includes a plurality of
ventilation apertures formed in at least one wall thereof.
[0037] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the carton also includes a gas impervious layer arranged
for sealing engagement with the at least one sealable localized
atmosphere communication aperture.
[0038] Preferably, the box includes an interiorly disposed bag,
which is preferably a modified atmosphere bag.
[0039] Preferably, the sealing layer is an adhesive-coated plastic
sticker and the bag is adhered to the adhesive-coated plastic
sticker. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the bag and the adhesive-coated plastic sticker are both
apertured adjacent the sealable localized atmosphere communication
aperture, thereby to provide a fluid communication pathway between
the interior of the bag and the exterior of the carton. A further
gas impervious sealing layer may be employed for subsequently
sealingly engaging the adhesive-coated plastic sticker, thereby
sealing the interior of the bag from the exterior of the
carton.
[0040] Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, there is provided a method for loading a
refrigerated container having a refrigeration unit producing a flow
of forced air and a flow of return air under negative pressure in
order to provide maximum loading and cooling efficiency, the method
including:
[0041] loading palletized ventilated cartons having ventilating
apertures formed in walls thereof into a refrigerated shipping
container in a manner such that there is defined a central plenum
between rows of loaded pallets; and
[0042] selectively blocking air passages inside the container such
that the forced air flow is directed principally through the plenum
and through interstices between ones of the ventilated containers
and thus generally horizontally through the ventilating
apertures.
[0043] There is additionally provided in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, a loaded
refrigerated container having a refrigeration unit producing a flow
of forced air and a flow of return air under negative pressure in
order to provide maximum loading and cooling efficiency, the loaded
container also including:
[0044] palletized ventilated cartons having ventilating apertures
formed in walls thereof positioned in the refrigerated shipping
container in a manner such that there is defined a central plenum
between rows of loaded pallets and wherein
[0045] air passages inside the container are selectively blocked,
such that the forced air flow is directed principally through the
plenum, through interstices between ones of the ventilated
containers and thus generally horizontally through the ventilating
apertures.
[0046] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a forced air flow from the refrigeration unit is
supplied along channels formed in a floor of the container and
extending parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof; at least a
portion of the forced air output rises through spaces between
adjacent floor elements in the floor of the shipping container,
except where physically blocked and relatively unimpeded from a
channel underlying the plenum; and at least a portion of the forced
air output rises relatively unimpeded from open ends of the
channels at a back end of the container into back plenum defined
rearwardly of the rows of pallets
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] The present invention will be understood and appreciated
more fully from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0048] FIGS. 1A-1G are simplified pictorial illustrations of seven
initial stages in packaging produce in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIGS. 2A-2C are simplified pictorial illustrations of three
stages in treating produce packaged in accordance with the
embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1G;
[0050] FIGS. 3A-3C are simplified pictorial illustrations of a
methodology for loading a refrigerated container to provide maximum
loading and cooling efficiency;
[0051] FIG. 3D is a simplified cross-sectional view, taken along
lines IIID-IIID in FIG. 3A, showing the location of a blocking
element, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0052] FIG. 4A is a simplified illustration of a sealing element
for packaging produce, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0053] FIG. 4B is a simplified illustration of another type of
sealing element for packaging produce, in accordance with another
preferred embodiment of the invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0054] Reference is made to FIGS. 1A-1G, which are simplified
pictorial illustrations of seven initial stages in packaging
produce in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0055] As seen in FIG. 1A, a packing carton 10 is provided,
preferably having side apertures 12 and end apertures 14 as well as
at least one sealable localized atmosphere communication aperture
16, preferably formed in an end 18 of carton 10, near the top
thereof. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
invention, packing carton 10 need not be liquid impervious, such as
a waxed container, and may thus be a relatively inexpensive
uncoated and unwaxed cardboard box.
[0056] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
as shown in FIG. 1B, the sealable localized atmosphere
communication aperture 16 preferably is sealed by attaching
thereover a gas impervious sealing layer 20, typically a self
adhesive-coated plastic sticker. Sealing of aperture 16 may take
place at any suitable time or location. Typically it is carried out
during manufacture of the carton. Normally it is carried out prior
to filling of the carton.
[0057] FIG. 1C shows insertion of a flexible bag 22, such as a
plastic bag, as a liner within carton 10. The bag 22 is preferably
a modified atmosphere bag, such as that described in assignee's
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/918,584 to Moira M. Nir et al,
assigned to StePac L. A., Ltd., Tefen Industrial Park, Tefen
Western Galilee, Israel, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference. The bag 22, and thus the carton 10, is
then filled with produce, as seen in FIG. 1D.
[0058] As seen in FIG. 1E, subsequent to or concurrently with
filling the bag 22 with produce and prior to sealing of bag 22, the
portion of the bag 22 which lies adjacent aperture 16, when the
carton is filled with produce, is adhered to sealing layer 20.
[0059] In the illustrated preferred embodiment of the present
invention, where sealing layer 20 is an adhesive-coated plastic
sticker, the adherence of bag 22 thereto may be achieved by
manually pressing a suitable area of the bag 22 onto an
adhesive-coated inside facing surface of sealing layer 20, as shown
in FIG. 1E.
[0060] It is appreciated that if sealing layer 20 is adhered to
carton 10 during manufacture of the carton or at any stage prior to
filling of the carton with produce, the adhesive-coated surface
thereof which overlies aperture 16 must be protected, as by a
removable release layer (not shown), which can be readily removed
prior to the stage shown in FIG. 1E, preferably following the stage
shown in FIG. 1C, so as to avoid inadvertent, undesired adherence
between the layer 20 and a location on the bag 22 which is not the
desired location.
[0061] Following adherence of the bag 22 to sealing layer 20, or
any equivalent adherence of the bag 22 to the carton 10 in the
region of aperture 16, the bag 22 and sealing layer 20 are
apertured at aperture 16, thereby defining an atmosphere
communication pathway therethrough. One example of this
functionality is illustrated in FIG. 1F, wherein a heated,
preferably generally cylindrical aperturing element 24, is inserted
via aperture 16, thus defining an aperture 25 through sealing layer
20 and the bag 22. The aperture 25 is surrounded by an annular zone
26 of the sealing layer 20. The bag 22 is sealed to sealing layer
20 at annular zone 26.
[0062] It is appreciated that there may exist a large variety of
techniques for defining the aperture 25 in the sealing layer 20 and
the bag 22 in registration with aperture 16. While it is believed
that the technique described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.
1A-1F is preferred, the scope present invention need not be limited
thereto.
[0063] Following completion of the stage shown in FIG. 1F, the bag
22 is sealed, as shown in FIG. 1G, and the carton 10 is closed.
[0064] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-2D, which are simplified
pictorial illustrations of four stages in treating produce packaged
in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1G.
[0065] As seen in FIG. 2A, the filled cartons 10, each having an
open aperture communicating with the interior of bag 22, are
preferably palletized and inserted into a treatment chamber 30,
such as a vacuum cooling chamber, a fumigation chamber, a gas
treatment chamber or a chamber providing multiple functions, such
as vacuum cooling and gas treatment. The arrangement of the cartons
10 within treatment chamber 30 is such that apertures 16 and thus
the interiors of bags 22 within cartons 10 are all in fluid
communication with the interior of treatment chamber 30. In such a
way, the contents of the bags 22 within cartons 10 are exposed to
the environment of the interior of the treatment chamber 30, as
seen in FIG. 2B for a vacuum cooling application.
[0066] Following vacuum cooling and/or other treatment as shown in
FIGS. 2A & 2B, but without requiring repalletization, the
apertures 16 are preferably sealed by attaching a gas impermeable
layer 40 onto the outside of the carton 10, preferably over layer
20, as shown in FIG. 2C. This seals the interior of the bag 22 from
the outside atmosphere, thereby enabling maintenance of a modified
atmosphere within bag 22.
[0067] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-3C, which are simplified
pictorial illustrations of a methodology for loading a refrigerated
container to provide maximum loading and cooling efficiency. As
seen in FIGS. 3A-3C, pallets 100, having loaded thereon ventilated
cartons 102, having ventilating apertures 104 formed in walls
thereof, are loaded into a container 106 in a manner such that
there is defined a central plenum 108 between two rows of loaded
pallets 100.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the interior
width of the refrigerated container 106 is approximately 2.3
meters, the interior length of the container is approximately 11.6
meters and the pallets preferably have dimensions of 1 meter by 1.2
meters. The pallets 100 are preferably arranged in touching
engagement with each other to define rows 110 and 112, as seen in
FIGS. 3A and 3B. Additionally, the pallets 110 and 112 are in
touching engagement with the side walls of the container 106 (FIGS.
3A and 3B). The pallets in row 110 being arranged to have their
relatively smaller dimension parallel to the longitudinal axis 114
of the container 106, and the pallets in row 112 being arranged to
have their relatively greater dimension parallel to the
longitudinal axis 114 of the container 106 (FIGS. 3A and 3B).
[0069] Forced air output from a refrigeration unit 116 is supplied
along channels 120 (FIGS. 3A and 3C) formed in a floor 130 of the
container 106 and extending parallel to longitudinal axis 114
thereof, as illustrated by arrows 122. This forced air rises
through spaces 124 between adjacent floor elements 126 in the floor
of the container 106, except where physically blocked.
[0070] Thus, it may be appreciated that a major portion of the
forced air rises relatively unimpeded from the channels 120,
underlying the rows 110 and 112, through plenum 108 via elongate
longitudinal openings 124 interconnecting channels 120 with plenum
108, as indicated by arrows 134.
[0071] Forced air also rises relatively unimpeded from the open
ends 140 of channels 120 at the back end of the container into a
plenum 142 defined rearwardly of rows 110 and 112 of pallets 110.
Plenums 108 and 142 communicate with a plenum 144 at the top of the
container above palletized cartons 102, and which serves as an air
return plenum communicating with the refrigeration unit 116, as
indicated by arrows 146. Typically air in air return plenum 144 is
sucked into the refrigeration unit 116 under negative pressure.
[0072] Forced air also rises from various channels 120 via spaces
124 in a somewhat impeded manner via the interstices between
adjacent palletized cartons 102 and eventually reaches air return
plenum 144.
[0073] Additionally forced air rises alongside outer facing
surfaces of palletized cartons 102 in vertical channels 150
typically formed by corrugations in the walls of the container 106
and reaches air return plenum 144. This flow preferably is not
allowed to extend directly from channels 120 but rather is a
negative pressure flow which draws cooled air via the interstices
between cartons 102.
[0074] It is a particular feature of the present invention that
generally horizontal air movement is provided through the
ventilation openings 104 in the cartons 102 for efficient cooling
of the contents thereof. This is true both in the atmosphere
treatment described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C and
in the refrigerated container loading and cooling arrangements
described herein with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C. In the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the horizontal air movement is provided by
suitable arrangement of the palletized cartons as described
hereinabove and the definition of a plenum between rows of
palletized cartons. Both the arrangement of the cartons on the
pallets and the arrangement of the pallets in the container are
important in this regard.
[0075] The various forced air flows described hereinabove cause air
to penetrate through ventilating apertures 104 in palletized
cartons 102 and thus to communicate with the interior of the
cartons 102. In an embodiment where the cartons 102 contain a
sealed bag therewithin, such as that shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the
exterior of the sealed bags is exposed to cooled air, for providing
suitable cooling of the interior of the bags.
[0076] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, spaces 124 which do not underlie pallets 100 are
preferably blocked, as by provision of a flexible self-retaining
blocking element, such as a closed cell sponge 160. Similarly, the
end of plenum 108 is blocked as by provision of a sponge 160 and
the exposed edges of the most rearward positioned pallets 100 in
rows 110 and 112 are similarly blocked by sponges 160. This
blocking and the above-described arrangement of pallets in the
container 106 provides enhanced contact between air flows and the
interiors of cartons 102 via apertures 104.
[0077] Reference is now made to FIG. 3D, which is a cross-sectional
view of the container 106 and the pallets 100, taken along lines
IIID-IIID in FIG. 3A. In FIG. 3D it is seen that blocking elements
170 are attached to side walls 172 of the upper deck of the pallet
100. On inserting the pallet 100 into the container 106, the
blocking elements 170 form tight seals between the pallets 100 and
side walls 174 of the container 106. The blocking elements 170
prevent the escape of the cooling air around the sides of the
container 106 and ensures that the cooling air flows through the
plenum 108 and the vertical channels 150 in order to provide
efficient cooling to the produce contained within the cartons 102,
as described hereinabove.
[0078] It is appreciated that the blocking elements 170 are
preferably constructed of resilient material so as to provide
adequate sealing between the carton rows 110 and 112 and the side
walls 174 of the container 106, as illustrated in FIG. 3D.
[0079] Reference is now made to FIG. 4A, which shows a sealing
element 50 for packaging produce in the carton 10, in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The sealing
element 50 comprises a sealing device 52, preferably in the shape
of a ring. The sealing device 52 typically comprises locking
elements 54 and 56 for sealing the bag 22 to the carton 10, as
shown in FIG. 4A. A plug member 58 with sealing member 60, is
pushed into the aperture 25, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, to seal the
inside of the carton 10 from the outside environment.
[0080] Reference is now made to FIG. 4B, which shows another type
of sealing element 70 for packaging produce in the carton 10, in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention. The
sealing element 70 comprises a clasp 72, with a screw head 74,
which is inserted into the aperture 25. A ring 76 is screwed onto
the clasp 72 thus sealing the bag 22 to the carton 10, as shown in
FIG. 4B. A cover member 78 with a sealing member 80 is pushed into
the aperture 25, thereby sealing the inside of the carton 10 from
the outside enviromnent.
[0081] It is appreciated that the shapes of the sealing elements
described hereinabove are constructed so as to conform to the shape
and dimensions of the carton 10.
[0082] It is also appreciated that the embodiments described
hereinabove, for sealing the bag 22 to the carton 10, are suitable
for any type of receptacle, such as corrugated carton, plastic
boxes or any type of agricultural storage container, which is used
for packaging agricultural produce, as is known in the art.
[0083] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly
shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present
invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the
various features described hereinabove as well as variations and
modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon
reading the specification and which are not in the prior art.
* * * * *