U.S. patent application number 11/110355 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-20 for asparagus shipping container assembly and method of packing asparagus for transport.
Invention is credited to Riedi, Martin.
Application Number | 20050230464 11/110355 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35095267 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050230464 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Riedi, Martin |
October 20, 2005 |
Asparagus shipping container assembly and method of packing
asparagus for transport
Abstract
An asparagus shipping container assembly and method of packing
asparagus. The asparagus shipping container includes a body,
preferably coated by a fluid impervious material, and a movably
mounted access segment selectively disposable between opened and
closed positions. The access segment, when moved to the open
position defines an access opening in the body that is disposed,
dimensioned and configured to facilitate both visual and physical
access to the interior of the body as well as a laterally directed,
rapid and space saving positioning of the asparagus therethrough
into the interior of the body, while reducing the possibility of
physical damage being done as with vertically directed placement
and removal of the products through an open top of a conventional
container. A closure assembly may then be disposed atop the body to
maintain the access segment in its closed orientation for easy
transport and if desired, passage through a spray wash. Once the
filled asparagus container has arrived at an un-packing location,
the closure assembly may be removed to permit easy movement of the
access segment into its open position, and thereby to allow
facilitated access to the asparagus contained inside the
container.
Inventors: |
Riedi, Martin; (Miami,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MALLOY & MALLOY, P.A.
2800 S.W. Third Avenue
Historic Coral Way
Miami
FL
33129
US
|
Family ID: |
35095267 |
Appl. No.: |
11/110355 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11110355 |
Apr 20, 2005 |
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10430701 |
May 6, 2003 |
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10430701 |
May 6, 2003 |
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09813461 |
Mar 21, 2001 |
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09813461 |
Mar 21, 2001 |
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09808639 |
Mar 13, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/122 ;
229/125.19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/16 20130101; B65D
5/68 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/122 ;
229/125.19 |
International
Class: |
B65D 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An asparagus shipping container comprising: a body having a
hollow interior with an open end and including a sidewall assembly
disposed in at least partially surrounding relation to said hollow
interior, said sidewall assembly including a plurality of
sidewalls, said body further including a base connected to said
sidewall assembly and disposed in covering relation to one end of
said hollow interior, an access segment connected to and at least
partially defining one of said plurality of sidewalls, said access
segment pivotally connected to said body and structured to be
disposable in an opened position and a closed position, an access
opening formed in said sidewall and disposed in communicating
relation between an interior and exterior of said body, said access
opening dimensioned and configured to facilitate lateral passage of
an asparagus bunch therethrough while the asparagus bunch is
maintained in a substantially vertical orientation, and a cover
assembly disposable in overlying relation to said open end and in
retaining relation to said access segment when said access segment
is in said closed position.
2. An asparagus shipping container assembly as recited in claim 1
wherein said access segment includes a pair of oppositely disposed
peripheral edges, said peripheral edges extending in converging
relation to one another from a free end of said access segment
towards said base.
3. An asparagus shipping container assembly as recited in claim 2
wherein said access segment is pivotally connected to said body
adjacent a periphery of said base.
4. An asparagus shipping container assembly as recited in claim 1
wherein said body and said cover assembly include a substantially
fluid impervious outer surface coating.
5. An asparagus shipping container assembly as recited in claim 4
wherein said body comprises a plurality of apertures defined
therein and structured to permit fluid flow therethrough into and
out of said hollow interior.
6. An asparagus shipping container assembly as recited in claim 5
wherein said cover assembly comprises a plurality of apertures
defined therein and structured to permit fluid flow therethrough
into said hollow interior.
7. An asparagus shipping container assembly as recited in claim 6
wherein said fluid impervious coating and said plurality of
apertures in said body and said cover assembly are cooperatively
structured to facilitate washing of asparagus within said hollow
interior without associated damage to said body.
8. An asparagus shipping container assembly comprising: a body
having a hollow interior and including a sidewall assembly disposed
in at least partially surrounding relation to said hollow interior,
said sidewall assembly including a plurality of sidewalls, said
body further including a base connected to said sidewall assembly
and disposed in covering relation to one end of said hollow
interior, an access segment at least partially defining and
pivotally connected to at least one of said sidewalls, said access
segment structured to be disposable between an opened position and
a closed position, an access opening in said one sidewall in
communicating relation with said hollow interior and an exterior of
said body at least when said access segment is in said opened
position, said access opening dimensioned and configured to
facilitate lateral positioning there through of an asparagus bunch,
while in a substantially vertical orientation, into and out of said
hollow interior, a cover assembly structured to maintain said
access segment in said closed position, said body and said cover
assembly comprising a substantially fluid impervious material
exterior coating, and said body and said cover assembly including a
plurality of apertures defined therein and structured to permit
fluid flow therethrough into and out of said hollow interior.
9. An asparagus shipping container assembly as recited in claim 8
wherein said access segment is disposed outwardly from said one
sidewall when in said opened position and in substantially coplanar
relation to said one sidewall when in said closed position.
10. A method of loading and unloading one or more asparagus bunches
into and out of a container, the method comprising: uncovering an
access opening in a sidewall of the container by pivotally
disposing a sidewall access segment outwardly from the sidewall
into an opened position, dimensioning and configuring the access
opening to facilitate lateral placement of the one or more
asparagus bunches into the container, maintaining a vertical
orientation of each of the asparagus bunches when passing through
the access opening and within the container, covering the access
opening by pivotally positioning the access segment inwardly
towards the container into a closed position, and retaining said
access segment in said closed position.
11. A method as recited in claim 10 comprising positioning a cover
assembly in overlying relation to an open end of the container and
in retaining relation to the access segment when the access segment
is in the closed position.
12. A method as recited in claim 10 comprising unloading the one or
more asparagus bunches from the container by uncovering the access
opening by disposing the access segment in the opened position;
laterally passing the one or more asparagus bunches through the
access opening while maintaining individual ones of the one or more
asparagus bunches in a substantially vertical orientation.
13. A method as recited in claim 10 comprising defining the closed
position of the access segment as being disposed in covering
relation to the access opening and substantially retaining relation
to the contents of the container.
14. A method as recited in claim 13 comprising further defining the
closed position of the access segment as being substantially
coplanar with a corresponding sidewall of the container.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part
application of previously filed, now pending application Ser. No.
10/430,701 which was filed May 6, 2003 and which is a
continuation-in-part of now abandoned application Ser. No.
09/813,461, which was filed on Mar. 21, 2001 and which is a
continuation-in-part of now abandoned application Ser. No.
09/808,639 which was filed on Mar. 13, 2001, all of which are
incorporated herein, in their entirety, by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is directed to the field of produce
containers, and in particular to an asparagus shipping container
assembly structured for the containment of relatively fragile
asparagus stalks, normally grouped in "bunches" during storage,
transportation and display thereof. Moreover, the subject asparagus
shipping container assembly facilitates placement of the asparagus
bunches into and out of the interior thereof in a manner which
eliminates or reduces the possibility of physical damage being done
thereto. The present invention further relates to a method of
packing asparagus for transport.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] It is well known that the prior art is replete with
containers of various sizes and configurations. Typically
containers are used not only for the storage of an immense variety
of different products and contents but also are used to protect the
products during transport and in some instances, the display of the
contained products. The physical characteristics of containers,
including the material from which they are formed is, to a large
extent, dependent on the products being contained therein. Perhaps
the most common material utilized in the construction and formation
of known containers is paperboard or cardboard, which in many
instances includes a substantially corrugated formation to add
strength and stability.
[0006] Also the construction of conventional containers normally
involves a single blank or a plurality of interconnected blank
sections secured together by fasteners, adhesive or the like and
folded along predetermined seam lines so as to define a sidewall
and a base. The sidewall and base collectively define the
boundaries of a hollow interior in which the contents are placed.
Further, the conventional structuring of containers may include the
sidewall assembly comprising a plurality of planar, sidewall
segments relatively oriented into a multi-sided configuration. The
base portion of a typical container structure is folded in
overlying, covering relation to a lower open end of the hollow
interior and is secured in such covering position by conventional
adhesives, fasteners, etc. of the type set forth above.
[0007] A common physical characteristic of the vast majority of
known or conventional containers also includes an open top through
which products are generally loaded into and removed from the
container interior. In many instances a removable or otherwise
displaceable cover or lid structure is used to cover the open top.
As mentioned, when utilizing a conventional box or container
structure, as described above, it is conventional to load and
un-load the contents into and out of the interior of the container
through the open top end. As such, the products or contents are
substantially vertically directed through the open top and into the
hollow interior. Naturally, the precise method and technique of
positioning the contents depend on the various characteristics of
the contents and on whether the contents are loosely filled or
individually packed. If the product or contents are not
particularly fragile, at least in terms of their positioning during
packing or unpacking, the vertical passage of these products
through the open top end is perfectly acceptable. These commonly
applied techniques of packing through the open top end may be most
commonly practiced due to the unavailability of alternative and
more creative container designs and structures.
[0008] Specifically, it is noted that although certain varied box
shapes and configurations may have been developed in a variety of
different fields of art, due in part to the needs to conform to the
shape of a certain product, such modifications have not extensively
entered the filed associated with the shipping of produce. For the
most part, produce is shipped in standard type, open topped boxes,
the articles being loaded through the top and stacked inside atop
one another. While this loading and unloading through the open top
end is acceptable for a large number of the more sturdy products,
there exists a more fragile category of products which suffer from
the commonly used, vertically directed positioning or passage into
and out of the interior of the container. More specifically,
asparagus is a fragile product that has a tendency to become
physically damaged when vertically directed through the open top
end of a container. This is at least partially due to the fact that
the individual asparagus stalks and or the asparagus bunches
physically engage one another or adjacently disposed interior
surface portions of the container. In doing so, the fragile tips of
the asparagus stalks frequently engage one another and/or the
container and/or a hand of the loader as they are lowered into a
tightly packed container.
[0009] Specifically, the traditional technique for packing
asparagus for shipping involves the "dropping" of the bundled
bunches of asparagus stalks in through the top of an open
container, in a vertical orientation. This vertical orientation and
positioning was seen as facilitating the integrity of the fragile
stalks while attempting to maximize the capacity of the container.
It was understood that mere stacking of bundles atop one another
frequently led to uneven distribution of the contents and damage to
underlying bundles. While such standard loading techniques may be
favorable over the other alternatives, there still remained various
drawbacks associated therewith. In particular, as the box becomes
filled, a worker lowering a stalk into the partially full container
will inadvertently, but all too frequently, contact the tips of
other stalks previously positioned in the container. Such
inadvertent contact occurs either with the bases of the stalks
being lowered and/or with their hands or gloves. This naturally can
lead to the damaging of the most desirous part of the asparagus
stalk. In order to minimize this damage, workers must either go
very slowly as the box becomes full, or must avoid filling the box
to its true capacity. As can be appreciated, both such options can
ultimately be quite costly as they relate to labor costs, shipping
costs and materials costs, and perhaps even more costly than the
damage to the actual product.
[0010] Based on the above, there is a significant and long
recognized need for an asparagus shipping container assembly which
is structured to eliminate the physical damage commonly suffered by
asparagus during the loading and un-loading procedure, and which
also maximizes the capacity of the container. Such an improved or
preferred asparagus container assembly should also be capable of
accomplishing efficient, safe and secured packing of the asparagus
in a manner which is acceptable to mass production techniques and
is not overly time consuming. Also, an improved container assembly
of the type set forth above, while overcoming the disadvantages and
problems associated with vertically directing positioning of
products into and out of the container, should be capable of being
produced and manufactured at a competitive cost and should be
structured to effectively protect the packaged products during
storage, shipping, etc. Finally, an improved container assembly
should be structured to enhance not only the physical access to the
container interior and products contained therein, but the visual
access as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is directed to an asparagus shipping
container assembly which is structured to contain, during storage,
transportation and display, a number of bunches of asparagus.
However, it is emphasized that the container assembly of the
present invention is readily adaptable, with little or no
structural modification, for the containment of any number of
relatively sturdy or fragile products. Therefore, the structural
features incorporated in the subject container assembly, as will be
explained in greater detail hereinafter, facilitate the safe,
secure and efficient positioning of asparagus, especially during
the loading and un-loading procedures. More specifically, the
placement within and removal from the container interior is
accomplished in a manner which eliminates or significantly reduces
the possibility of physical damage being done to the asparagus, due
to their engagement or contact with one another or with interior
surface portions of the asparagus shipping container assembly.
[0012] Accordingly, the asparagus shipping container assembly of
the present invention comprises a body having a hollow interior
portion. The body includes a base disposed in covering relation to
one end of the interior. A sidewall assembly is disposed in
substantially surrounding relation and, for the most part, defines
the lateral boundaries of the hollow interior. The base and the
sidewall assembly are integrally or otherwise physically secured to
one another so that the base and sidewall assembly and can be
respectively oriented into the preferred configuration when
assembled.
[0013] The body may include an open top or upper end which is
normally disposed in spaced, opposed relation to the base of the
body. However, in certain embodiments of the container assembly of
the present invention, to be described in greater detail
hereinafter, the open top or upper end of the body may be limited
or eliminated by the provision of a cover or lid type panel
disposed in overlying and/or covering relation to the open upper
end or top. The cover assembly is dimensioned and configured to be
removably disposed in covering relation to the open top or upper
end. As also to be more specifically explained, the cover assembly
comprises a panel or like structure disposed in overlying relation
to the upper end and a peripheral portion which is connected about
the periphery of the panel in depending relation thereto. Moreover,
the peripheral portion defines a substantially depending flange
having a multi-sided configuration which corresponds to the overall
transverse cross-sectional configuration of the sidewall assembly.
As such, the depending flange or peripheral portion extends in
overlying substantially confronting engagement with the exterior
surface of the sidewall assembly adjacent to the open top or upper
end of the body.
[0014] Another feature of the present invention is particularly
directed to the structuring of the body, including the sidewall
assembly and base, in such a manner as to facilitate positioning of
asparagus bunches within and removal from the hollow interior
thereof during packing and un-packing. Moreover, asparagus
positioning may be easily and efficiently performed in a manner
which eliminates or significantly reduces the possibility of
physical damage being done to the asparagus.
[0015] In conventional box or container design it is generally
accepted practice to load and remove the contents into and out of
the interior through the open top end thereof. While such loading
and un-loading procedures are acceptable for a large number of
products, when packing asparagus, which have a tendency to become
physically damaged as they are vertically directed through the open
upper top or end of a container by physical contact or engagement
with one another or with various interior surface portions of the
container. A common characteristic of these fragile-type products
is that they are typically maintained in an "up-right" orientation
and positioned or "packed" in such close proximity to one another
that physical engagement between adjacently disposed products,
during such vertically directed positioning is inevitable.
[0016] Accordingly, the asparagus shipping container assembly of
the present invention, comprises an access segment movably
connected to or mounted on the body and selectively positionable
between an opened position and a closed position. In the opened
position both visual and physical access to the hollow interior of
the body, and the contents contained therein, are facilitated.
Further, when the access segment is disposed at least partially or
completely in the opened position, an access opening is created in
the body. The creation or establishment of the access opening
occurs upon displacement of the access segment, outwardly from the
sidewall of the body or other portion thereof in which it is formed
and with which it is aligned when in its closed position.
Therefore, the periphery of the access opening substantially
corresponds, along at least a significant portion thereof, to the
peripheral edge of the access segment thereby facilitating
re-alignment between the access segment and the access opening when
the access segment is again disposed back into its closed position
in co-planar relation with the sidewall or other portion of the
body from which the access segment is formed.
[0017] When established, the access opening is disposed, configured
and dimensioned to facilitate laterally directed placement of
individual products, or groupings of products, into and out of the
hollow interior of the body. The referred to laterally directed
placement is clearly distinguishable from the vertically directed
placement, such as when the products or contents are placed within
or removed from the hollow interior through a conventionally
disposed opened top end of the body of the container. Further, the
laterally directed placement of the contents is accomplished while
the contents or products are disposed in a preferred up-right
orientation.
[0018] More specifically, the asparagus stalks are capable of being
placed within and removed from the hollow interior of the body in
the same up-right orientation in which they are maintained while
they are being stored or transported within the body. Movable
engagement such as physical sliding, rubbing or abutting contact is
eliminated or reduced, especially during the loading and un-loading
procedure. When loaded or when it is desired to maintain the
contents or products on the interior of the body in segregated
relation from the exterior thereof, such as during storage or
transport, the access segment is positioned into the aforementioned
closed position. The cover assembly is then placed over the open
top or upper end of the body in retaining relation to the upper end
of the access segment.
[0019] As set forth above, a preferred embodiment of the cover
assembly includes a depending flange. As such, the depending flange
serves as a retaining structure such that it overlaps and is
thereby disposed in confronting engagement with the exterior
surface of the upper end of the sidewall assembly. In such a
position the upper end of the access segment is also engaged and
retained, when the access opening is disposed in the closed
position.
[0020] Therefore, the container assembly of the present invention,
including the various embodiments thereof, overcomes significant
and long recognized problems existing in the storage, shipping and
display of asparagus. In addition, physical damage to the products,
especially during the loading and unloading procedures, is
eliminated or significantly reduced by laterally directing, as
versus vertically directing, the positioning of the products into
and out of the hollow interior of the container.
[0021] It is emphasized that the terms "vertically directed" and
"laterally directed" as used herein are meant to describe the
direction of movement of the products, as they are disposed into
and out of the container interior, in a manner more specifically
disclosed in the accompanying drawings. These terms are not
intended and should not be construed in a limiting sense, such as
when either the container assembly or the products are disposed in
an orientation other than that shown in the accompanying
drawings.
[0022] From the preceding, it is also seen that the present
invention is further directed towards a method of packing asparagus
for transport. The method provides that a container be defined and
that an access segment in a side wall of the container be hingedly
moved into an open position so as to define an access opening that
allows access to the open interior of the container through the
side wall. Next one or more bunches of asparagus are laterally
introduced, in a generally vertical orientation into the open
interior of the container through the access opening. Once the
container is sufficiently full with asparagus bunches, the access
segment is hingedly moved to its closed position which covers the
access opening and contains the asparagus inside the container.
Subsequently, a lid is disposed atop the container so as to
generally maintain the access segment in its closed orientation.
With the asparagus packed in the container, the entire container
may be passed through a spray wash or bath (not shown for clarity)
for purposes of disinfecting and/or cleaning, the asparagus being
effectively contained in the container throughout. The container is
then shipped to a desired unpacking location. At the unpacking
location, the lid is removed from the container, and the access
segment is returned to its open position. The asparagus bunches are
then removed from the opening interior of the container through the
access opening, preferably still in their vertical orientation. Of
course, it is noted that a bunch of asparagus may include one or
more asparagus stalks similarly oriented and grouped together for
facilitated manipulation.
[0023] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more clear when the drawings as well as the
detailed description are taken into consideration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view in partial phantom of both
interior and exterior portions of one embodiment of the asparagus
shipping container assembly of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a cover assembly
associated with the asparagus shipping container assembly of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 is an exterior perspective view of the embodiment of
the asparagus shipping container assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a
closed orientation.
[0028] FIG. 4 is front plan view of a blank from which the cover
assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 2 is formed.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing both interior and
exterior portions of another embodiment of the asparagus shipping
container assembly of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention wherein laterally directed placement and removal
of asparagus, relative to the interior of the asparagus shipping
container assembly of the present invention, is schematically
demonstrated.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a front plan view of a blank from which the body
of at least one of the embodiments of the asparagus shipping
container assembly is formed.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment
of the asparagus shipping container assembly of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8
with at least a portion of the access segment removed.
[0034] FIG. 10 is an exterior perspective view of the embodiment of
FIGS. 8 and 9 including a closure for maintaining the container
assembly of the present invention in a closed orientation.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a sidewall section of the
body of the embodiment of FIGS. 8 through 10, with the access
segment disposed in a closed position.
[0036] FIG. 12 is a sectional view in partial cutaway of the
embodiments of FIGS. 8 through 11 with the access segment oriented
in one of a plurality of open positions.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a sectional view in partial cutaway of the
embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 11 with the access segment located
in a different one of a plurality of open positions from that of
FIG. 12.
[0038] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0039] As shown in the accompanying Figures, the asparagus shipping
container assembly of the present invention is generally indicated
as 10 and includes a body 12 comprising a base 14 and a sidewall
assembly generally indicated as 16. The base 14 and the sidewall
assembly 16 collectively and at least partially defining the
boundaries of a hollow interior portion generally indicated as 18.
In conventional fashion, the hollow interior 18 is provided for the
containment of a variety of different products, but preferably
asparagus, generally indicated as 20 in FIG. 6.
[0040] As disclosed in the various Figures, the sidewall assembly
comprises a plurality of sidewall segments 22, 23, 24, and 25 which
collectively comprise a multi-sided configuration. It is emphasized
that the configuration of the sidewall assembly and accordingly the
entire body 12 can of course vary and still be included within the
spirit and scope of the present invention. The configurations of
the body 12 may include a multi-sided configuration, having a
plurality of side segments varying in number and being more or less
than the four side segments 22 through 25 indicated in the various
Figures. Alternatively, the sidewall assembly 12 can be structured
to have a partially or completely continuous, substantially
cylindrical configuration which would vary the overall
configuration of the body 12 accordingly. Naturally, the base 14 is
correspondingly dimensioned and configured to correspond to any of
the possible plurality of multi-sided or cylindrical configurations
which the side assembly 16 may assume. The bottom end of the body
12 would therefore be completely or at least partially closed such
that the contents disposed within the hollow interior 18 are
capable of being adequately supported, preferably in a vertical
orientation.
[0041] As best shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the asparagus shipping
container assembly 10 of the present invention further comprises a
cover assembly generally indicated as 30. The cover assembly 30 is
removably disposed in overlying, covering relation to the open top
end 34 so as to removably close the top end 34 during storage or
shipment of the contents of the container assembly 10 or as
otherwise desired. The cover assembly 30 includes a base panel 32
and at least one, but preferably a plurality of depending
peripheral flanges or like structures 36 extending outwardly from
the base panel 32. When the cover assembly 30 is disposed in
covering relation to the open end 32, as disclosed in FIG. 3, the
depending flanges 36 are positioned to overly and confrontingly
engage the upper exterior portions of the sidewall assembly 16.
More particularly, each of the upper exterior surfaces of the
sidewall segments 22, 23, 24, and 25 are substantially covered. As
such, the depending flange or flange segments 36 comprise a
retaining structure, as will be explained in greater detail
hereinafter.
[0042] With primary reference to FIG. 4, the cover assembly 30,
including the cover panel 32 and the depending flange or flange
segments 36, are preferably formed from a single blank of material
of the type applicable in the construction of the container
assembly 10. The formation of the cover assembly 30 into its
operative configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, is accomplished by
folding the various individual depending flange segments 36 about
predetermined fold lines 39 integrally formed in the blank of FIG.
4. When folded into the desired configuration overlapping portions
of the flange segments 36, such as at the perspective corners
thereof, are secured to one another such as by adhesive commonly
used in the container manufacturing industry. It is emphasized that
with all of the preferred embodiments of the container assembly 10
of the present invention it is preferred that the blank from which
the body and the cover assembly are formed are of an integral or
one piece construction. As such the respective blanks may be folded
into the desired, operative configuration by interlocking flaps or
segments as will be explained in greater detail with regard to
FIGS. 4, 7 and 14. The blanks from which the various structures are
formed are therefore structured to eliminate where possible the use
of staples or other potentially hazardous connectors or fasteners.
It is well recognized in the container industry that such staples
or sharpened connectors frequently cause injury during the loading
and unloading procedures and particularly during repeated physical
access to the interior as when the container products are displayed
and frequently removed for physical examination, purchase, etc.
[0043] Another structural feature of the present invention
comprises the provision of an access segment generally indicated as
40 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 6, and 7. The access segment 40
preferably comprises a panel having a planar or other configuration
which corresponds to the configuration of the individual sidewall
segments, particularly the sidewall segment 25 with which it is
more closely associated. By way of example, if the sidewall
assembly 12 was defined by one or more cylindrical sidewall
segments, the access segment 40 could also have a corresponding and
substantially mating configuration for the reasons which may be
best understood hereinafter.
[0044] Moreover, the access segment 40 is movably connected to the
body 12 and in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 3 and 6 the access
segment 40 is pivotally or otherwise movably connected to a
periphery of the base 14 such as along seam or fold line 42 which
defines a movable connection. By virtue of this movable connection,
the access segment 40 can be selectively disposed between an opened
position, as clearly shown in FIG. 6 and partially represented in
FIG. 1, and a closed position as shown in FIG. 3. Positioning of
the access segment 40 between the opened and closed positions is
schematically represented in FIG. 1 by directional arrow 44.
Further, the fully opened position of the access segment 40 is
represented by it being disposed in substantially coplanar relation
to the base 14. However, the movable connection 42 is constructed
to allow the access segment 40 to be oriented at various angles
relative to the base 14. The access segment 40 may even be oriented
so as to extend beyond or beneath the base 14. Therefore, the
position of the access segment 40 may at least partially depend on
the location and configuration of the support surface on which the
body 12 is disposed, when the access segment 40 is in its opened
position. It should also be noted that the movable connection 42 of
the access segment 40 to the body 12 and in particular to the
sidewall segment 25, may be located other than contiguous to the
base 14 as disclosed on the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 8 through
13. Also, and by way of example only, a longitudinal peripheral
edge 45 could define a hinged connection which allows selective
movement of the access segment 40 between its opened and closed
positions.
[0045] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
5 wherein access segment 40' is also selectively positionable
between an opened position, as shown, or a closed position defined
by the access segment 40' being disposed in substantially coplanar
relation to the sidewall assembly 16' and in particular the
corresponding sidewall segment 25'. As with the embodiment of FIG.
1, the access segment 40' is movably connected to the body such as
along a movable connection 42'. As such, the lower end of the
access segment 40' is pivotally connected to the base 14 such that
it may be selectively oriented between the aforementioned opened
and closed positions.
[0046] The enhancement of both physical and visual access to the
hollow interior 18 is accomplished by the creation or establishment
of an access opening 50 or 50' in the respective embodiments of
FIGS. 1 and 5. The establishment of the access opening 50 or 50' is
of course accomplished by positioning the respective access
segments 40 an 40' into the opened position. The existence of the
access opening 50 or 50' allows direct communication with the
hollow interior 18 from the exterior of the body 12, as should be
evident. Positioning of the products 20 in a lateral direction into
and out of the hollow interior 18 is thereby made possible as well
as the displaying the contents within the interior 18.
[0047] The structural features which distinguish the embodiments of
FIGS. 1 and 5 comprise the relative position and orientations of
the longitudinal, peripheral edges or portions 45, 45 of FIGS. 1
and 45' 45', of FIG. 5. More specifically, in the preferred
embodiment of the container assembly 10 of FIGS. 1, 3, and 6, the
longitudinal peripheral portions or edges 45 are disposed in
substantially equally spaced apart and accordingly parallel
relation to another. Similarly, the access opening 50, being
correspondingly configured to that of the access segment 40, has
its longitudinal peripheral portions or edges 52 also disposed in
substantially parallel relation to one another along their length.
Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the access segment 40'
has its configuration defined at least in part by a relatively
angled orientation of the longitudinal peripheral portions or edges
45'. Therefore, peripheral portions 45' substantially converge as
they extend from an upper or outer most end 47' towards the movable
connection 42'.
[0048] The variations in the structures between the embodiments of
FIGS. 1 and 5 may be attributable to the dimension, configuration
or even the type of product being loaded into the hollow interior
portion 18. In addition, varying amounts of stability may be
attributed to the different structures and configurations of the
respective access segments 40 and 40' as well as the formed access
opening 50 and 50', as described above.
[0049] Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention is
shown in FIGS. 8 through 13 and comprises the asparagus shipping
container assembly generally indicated as 10", having a body 12
which is similarly, while not identically structured, relative to
the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 7. More specifically, the body
12 includes a sidewall assembly comprising a plurality of sidewalls
22, 23, 24 and 25" as well as a hollow interior 18 and a base 14.
The sidewall assembly 16 and the base 14 at least partially define
the boundaries of the hollow interior 18 which is further
characterized by having an opened upper or top end 34. As with the
previous embodiments, a cover assembly 34 including a base panel 32
and one or more depending retaining flanges or segments 36 is
selectively positionable in covering relation to the open end 34
and in an operative, retaining position, as will be described in
greater detailed hereinafter.
[0050] More specifically, the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 8
through 13 comprises an access segment 90 selectively disposable
between a plurality of opened positions and a closed position. The
closed position is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, wherein the access
segment 90 is disposed in co-planar relation to the sidewall
assembly 16 and more particularly the sidewall segment 25". In
addition, the access segment 90 is disposable into anyone of a
plurality of opened positions due to the provision of a plurality
of movable connections 92 and 94. Each of the movable connections
92 and 94 are disposed in spaced relation to one another and each
are disposed in spaced relation to the base 14. Further, as shown
in FIGS. 8 through 10, the movable connections 92 and 94 are
disposed in somewhat parallel orientation relative to the junction
14' between the base 14 and the sidewall as segment 25".
[0051] By virtue of the provision of the plurality of movable
connections 92 and 94 the access segment 90 is selectively movable
outwardly from its normally co-planar relation to the sidewall
segment 25", when in its closed position. Accordingly, either of
the movable connections 92 and 94 may comprise an elongated seam,
crease or fold line about which the remainder or upper portion of
the access segment 50 may pivot or be folded as best shown in FIGS.
12 and 13. Accordingly, when the access segment 90 is folded about
the movable connection 94 the resulting access opening 50" has a
predetermined size and configuration which allows for the lateral
positioning of an object or product 20 into and out of the hollow
interior 18, as set forth above. However, the lower portion of the
sidewall segment 25", indicated as 27, remains in its normally
co-planar relation to the sidewall segment 25". In such position,
the lower sidewall portion 27 serves to aid in maintaining any
number of products, such as the asparagus bunches 20 within the
interior 18.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 13 another one of the plurality of
opened positions in which the access segment 90 may be positioned
is defined when the access segment 90 is folded about the movable
connection 92. As such, the access opening 50" is somewhat enlarged
from that shown in FIG. 12. However, a portion 27' of the sidewall
segment 25" still remains in its normally co-planar position
relative to the remainder of the sidewall section 25". This
remaining portion 27" is also of sufficient dimension to facilitate
the maintenance or containment of any number of products within the
hollow interior 18.
[0053] Another feature of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9
wherein at least one of the plurality of movable connections 92 and
94, and preferably the movable connection 94, is structured so as
to facilitate detachment of at least a portion of the access
segment 90 from the body 12. The detachable portion of the access
segment 90 extends between the movable connection 94 and the upper
peripheral edge of the sidewall segment 25" contiguous to the
perimeter of the open top end 34.
[0054] Accordingly, it is emphasized that the access segment 90 may
be positioned between a plurality of different opened positions
represented in FIGS. 12, 13 and 9. More specifically, when folded
about the movable connection 94 the access segment 90 is in an
opened position wherein the access opening 50" has somewhat of a
smaller dimension. However, when the access segment 90 is in the
opened position demonstrated in FIG. 13 the access opening 50" is
somewhat enlarged from that of FIG. 12. Yet another opened position
of the access segment 90 is shown in FIG. 9 wherein it may be
completely detached along the movable connection 94.
[0055] In order facilitate such detachment, the movable connection
94 is structure to be separable such as by at least partially
perforating or segmenting the elongated fold line defining the
movable connection 94. A similar structure may be utilized to
facilitate separation of the corresponding longitudinal peripheral
edges of the access segment 90 such as at 96 from the corresponding
peripheral edges 96' of the access opening 50".
[0056] By virtue of the above noted structural features of the
embodiment of FIGS. 8 through 13, the container assembly 10' is
structured to store and transport fragile or other products 20 in a
preferred up-right orientation. The laterally directed positioning
of such products 20 into and out of the hollow interior 18 through
the access opening 50" is also facilitated. However, another
feature of this embodiment is the ability to effectively display
any contents located within the hollow interior 18 through the
access opening 50" by positioning the access segment 90 into anyone
of the plurality of opened positions, which are best applicable to
the particular circumstances surrounding the use of the container
assembly 10". By way of example in certain situations, it may be
best to completely detach the access segment 90 from the remainder
of the sidewall assembly 16. However, in other circumstances it may
be best to position the access segment 90 in either one of the
plurality of opened positions shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 so as to
display the contents within the hollow interior 18 and at a later
time completely enclose the contents by virtue of repositioning the
access segment 90 back into the closed position as shown in FIG.
11.
[0057] Regardless of the specific embodiments utilized, the
provision of an access segment 40, 40' or 90 and its selective
positioning from a closed to an opened position, thereby clearly
facilitates the visual access of the hollow interior 18 and any
products 20 contained therein. More importantly, physical
positioning of the products 20 through the access opening 50, 50'
or 50", in a manner which eliminates or significantly reduces the
possibility of damage being done thereto is made possible, during
the loading and un-loading procedure. More specifically, as
demonstrated in FIG. 6, each of the access openings 50, 50' and 50"
are sufficiently configured, dimensioned and disposed to facilitate
a laterally directed movement or positioning of the product 20
either into the hollow interior 18 or outwardly therefrom as
schematically represented by the directional arrows 60. Further,
such lateral directed positioning can be accomplished while the
product 20 is oriented in a preferred orientation, such as the
substantially up-right orientation as also demonstrated in FIG.
6.
[0058] It is emphasized that the product 20 can represent one of a
plurality of "bunches" of asparagus. It is universally recognized
that when dealing with a produce product such as asparagus, the
tips or upper ends thereof, as at 20', are more valued because of
an increased flavor and tenderness. However, the asparagus product
is extremely fragile and most likely to be physically damaged
during the packaging and un-packaging procedure. Utilizing
conventional techniques, asparagus or any of the more fragile
products represented as 20 are loaded and un-loaded through the
open upper end of a conventional container. As such, the products
are vertically directed into and out of the container. However,
because of the unique structural features of the present invention
the individual products 20, whether in the form of asparagus or any
other product, may be laterally directed, as indicated by
directional arrows 60, into and out of the hollow interior 18
through the access opening 50, 50' or 50" when the respective ones
of the access segments 40, 40' or 90 are in the opened positioned.
As also demonstrated in FIGS. 6, 9, 12, and 13 it may be desirable
to display a plurality of products as they are packed within the
hollow interior 18 prior to removing the products 20 individually.
Therefore, the access segment 40, 40' and 90 when disposed in the
opened position, allows clear viewing and thereby facilitates
visual access to the hollow interior 18 and more particularly to
the products contained therein.
[0059] In order to maintain the access segment 40, 40' or 90 in the
closed position the cover assembly 30 includes the one or more
flange segments 36 defining the aforementioned retaining portion as
best pictured in FIG. 3. The retaining portion or flanges 36 are
disposed in overlapping substantially confronting engagement with
the exterior surface of the upper ends of the sidewall segments 22,
23, 24 and 25. The exterior surface adjacent the upper end 47 and
47' of the access segments 40 and 40' are also retained by the
corresponding portion of the peripheral flange or flanges 36 due to
the aforementioned overlapping confronting disposition thereof. In
the closed position the cover assembly 40 thereby maintains either
of the access segment 40 and 40' in substantially coplanar relation
with the correspondingly positioned sidewall segment 25 and 25' as
demonstrated in FIG. 3.
[0060] Another structural feature of the present invention is the
formation of the body 12 from either a single blank or a plurality
of fixedly attached blank segments. The various sidewall segments
22, 23, 24, and 25 are thereby interconnected to one another as
shown in FIG. 7 and foldable into the multi-sided configuration of
FIGS. 1 and 5, along normally vertically oriented fold lines 65.
Overlapping or mating flaps or portions 67 may be affixed to one
another by adhesive or may be integrally formed into a one piece,
unitary construction. Also as shown in FIG. 7, the base 14 may be
formed by interlocking base segments 69 once being folded relative
to an attached, corresponding sidewall segment 23 through 25, along
normally horizontally oriented fold lines 71. Engagement of the
various base segments 69 may occur by interlocking connecting
apertures and tabs as at 73 and 75.
[0061] Yet another structural feature of the present invention is
the provision of a plurality of openings or apertures as at 80
formed in adjacent or oppositely spaced apart segments of the
sidewall assembly 16. Similarly, a plurality of openings or
apertures are formed in the base 14 as at 82 and in the cover
assembly 30 as at 84. These openings or apertures are provided to
facilitate ventilation of the hollow interior 18 as well as the
products or contents 20 contained therein. In addition, when the
products or contents 20 are produce or a variety of other products,
it may be common practice to pass such products, while contained
within the hollow interior 18, through a spray wash or bath for
purposes of disinfecting and/or cleaning. Therefore the plurality
of apertures, 80, 82, 84, etc. serve to allow fluid flow of both
liquid and air through the interior, as well as provide proper
drainage or passage of the fluid from the interior and from the
products or contents 20 contained therein. Also a number of other
apertures 80' and 84' are located in the sidewall assembly 12 and
the cover assembly 30 and may be provided to facilitate the
aforementioned passage of fluid flow through the hollow interior 18
as well as provide means to handle and/or lift the body 12 with the
cover assembly 30 thereon. These apertures or others may be
strategically located to also facilitate viewing of the products
20, to further facilitate display thereof. Naturally, the number,
size, configuration and location of the aforementioned apertures
may vary and/or be non-existent, depended upon a number of
different factors including a type of products or content being
maintained within the hollow interior 18. Also the material from
which both the body 12 and the cover assembly 30 is formed may be
at least partially liquid impervious or "water proof" so as to
resist damage to the material and the integrity of the container
assembly 10 and 10' if subjected to the aforementioned water spray
or bath. For example, a wax type coating may be applied to the
exterior of the container.
[0062] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail
can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention,
it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and
shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative
and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention
should be determined by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
[0063] Now that the invention has been described,
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