U.S. patent application number 13/491457 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-13 for produce and fruit packaging containers and assemblies.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMBRAILO PACKAGING, INC.. Invention is credited to Anthony M. CADIENTE.
Application Number | 20120312820 13/491457 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47292273 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120312820 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CADIENTE; Anthony M. |
December 13, 2012 |
PRODUCE AND FRUIT PACKAGING CONTAINERS AND ASSEMBLIES
Abstract
A packaging technology including a packaging cup and lid
configured as a packaging container. In one approach the containers
can have a frustro-conical shape having a lid with a securing rib
and groove. The container can be arranged within a packaging sleeve
apparatus suitable for shipping, secure storage, and easy cooling.
Additionally, the packaging assembly can include a packaging tray
configured to receive a plurality of containers arranged in a
sleeve such that the sleeve is in registry with side vents of the
tray.
Inventors: |
CADIENTE; Anthony M.;
(Salinas, CA) |
Assignee: |
SAMBRAILO PACKAGING, INC.
Watsonville
CA
|
Family ID: |
47292273 |
Appl. No.: |
13/491457 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61496505 |
Jun 13, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/367.1 ;
220/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2205/02 20130101;
B65D 51/1611 20130101; B65D 2543/00685 20130101; B65D 2543/00796
20130101; B65D 43/162 20130101; B65D 2543/00731 20130101; B65D
21/0219 20130101; B65D 71/46 20130101; B65D 2543/0062 20130101;
B65D 2543/00694 20130101; B65D 2543/00805 20130101; B65D 2543/00537
20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D 2543/00351 20130101; B65D
2543/00842 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/367.1 ;
220/200 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/16 20060101
B65D051/16; B65D 51/00 20060101 B65D051/00 |
Claims
1. A packaging container comprising: a cup, the cup comprising a
cup sidewall, a bottom, and a rim about an annular top opening; a
lid joined to the cup by a flexible hinge, the lid having lid side
wall, the lid sidewall being configured to receive the rim wherein
the lid further comprises a finger grip extending from and edge of
the cup sidewall; and a first engagement feature configured to nest
with a second complementary engagement feature between the cup
sidewall proximate the rim and the lid sidewall near a distal edge
of the lid while the lid is in a closed configuration.
2. A packaging container as recited in claim 1 wherein the lid
includes and elongate ventilation slot arranged on the lid.
3. A packaging container as recited in claim 2 wherein the elongate
slot includes a major axis and a minor axis, a longer dimension of
the slot extends coextensively with the major axis with a short
dimension of the slot extending coextensively along the minor axis,
the slot arranged such that the major axis is generally parallel
with an upper surface of the cup rim.
4. A packaging container as recited in claim 1 wherein the cup is
sized such that it can be arranged snuggly in an automobile cup
holder.
5. A packaging container as recited in claim 1 wherein the first
engagement feature comprises an annular groove that extends around
an inner surface of the lid sidewall and the second complementary
engagement feature comprises an annular protrusion that extends
around the rim arranged such that when the lid is closed the
annular protrusion is nested with the annular groove to assist in
maintaining the lid in a closed configuration.
6. A packaging container as recited in claim 1 wherein the first
engagement feature comprises an annular protrusion that extends
around an inner surface of the lid sidewall and the second
complementary engagement feature comprises an annular protrusion
that extends around the rim arranged such that when the lid is
closed the annular protrusion is nested with the annular groove to
assist in maintaining the lid in a closed configuration.
7. A packaging container as recited in claim 1 wherein the cup has
a bottom and wherein the bottom has formed therein at least one
ventilation aperture suitable for enabling at least one of fluid
drainage out the bottom or ventilation of the contents of the
container.
8. A packaging container as recited in claim 7 wherein indentations
are formed in the cup arranged such that a ventilation aperture is
arranged between a pair of said indentations.
9. A packaging container as recited in claim 1 wherein the cup has
a protruding bottom that extends downward from a lower portion of
the cup such that a step is formed between the cup sidewall and the
protruding bottom.
10. A packaging container as recited in claim 1 wherein the cup has
a protruding bottom that extends downward from a lower portion of
the cup such that a step is formed between the cup sidewall and the
protruding bottom.
11. A packaging container as recited in claim 10 wherein an edge of
the step has a rounded contour suitable for reducing damage to
produce items contained within the container.
12. A packaging assembly comprising: a plurality of packaging
containers, each container comprising, a cup, the cup comprising a
cup sidewall, a bottom and a rim about a top opening of the cup, an
upper portion of the cup having a larger outer dimension than an
outer dimension of the cup bottom, the container further
comprising, a lid, the lid having a top and a sidewall, the lid
sidewall being configured to receive the rim of the cup and the lid
sidewall including at least one at least one vent opening therein;
and a carrier sleeve, the carrier sleeve comprising a base having
at least two container holes, each of the at least two container
holes configured to receive the cup bottom but not the outer
dimension of the cup top opening, whereby a cup received in one of
the at least two holes can be inserted into the hole without the
cup top opening passing through the hole and with the lid receiving
the rim of the cup the at least one lid vent opening resides above
the carrier sleeve base, the carrier sleeve further comprising a
top opposite the base spaced from the base a distance sufficient to
receive the container lid therebetween.
13. A packaging assembly comprising, a carrier sleeve having a
base, a top and two sidewalls arranged between the top and base to
form a plenum with a space defined by the base, the top and the two
sidewalls, the sleeve having a pair of open ends arranged at
opposite sides of the sleeve, the base comprising at least two
container holes arranged between the two open ends; and a plurality
of packaging containers arranged in the container holes of the
sleeve.
14. A packaging assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein, the
plurality of packaging containers are configured such that each
container comprises, a cup, the cup comprising a cup sidewall, a
bottom and a rim about a top opening of the cup, the container
further comprising, a lid, the lid having a top and a sidewall, the
lid sidewall being configured to receive the rim of the cup and the
lid sidewall including at least one at least one vent opening
therein; the cups are arranged in the container holes of the
carrier sleeve: and wherein the at least two container holes of the
base are configured to receive the cup bottom such that a cup
received in a corresponding hole enables the cup to be inserted
into the hole without the lid passing through the hole and with the
lid receiving the rim of the cup such that said at least one lid
vent opening resides above the carrier sleeve base.
15. The packaging assembly recited in claim 14, wherein, the cup of
the packaging containers are configured such that an upper portion
of the cup has a larger outer dimension than an outer dimension of
the cup bottom; and the container holes of the carrier sleeve are
configured to receive the cup bottom but not the larger outer
dimension of the upper portion of the cup such that when the cup is
received into the hole, the lid does not pass through the hole.
16. The packaging assembly recited in claim 15, wherein the lid of
the cup is arranged within the plenum of the carrier sleeve.
17. The packaging assembly recited in claim 16, further comprising
a packaging tray, the tray comprising a bottom and first, second,
third, and fourth sidewalls with the first and third sidewalls
arranged on opposite sides from one another, the first and third
sides having elongate slots formed therein, the sleeve arranged in
the tray such that the open ends of the sleeve are substantially
aligned with the elongate slots of the tray enabling an airflow to
pass through the plenum of the sleeve.
18. The packaging assembly recited in claim 17, wherein at least
two sleeves are arranged side by side in the tray, the first and
third sides having supplementary holes formed therein, said holes
arranged to enable another air flow through the tray outside the
plenums and between sleeves.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/496,505,
filed on Jun. 13, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference
for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to an improved method and
apparatus used produce and fruit packaging. In particular, aspects
of the invention describe novel packaging containers and
configurations enabling the improved packing, storage, and shipping
of produce and fruit. More particularly, the present invention has
shipping management and customer access properties as well as a
convenient range of sizes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the field of produce and fruit packaging and shipping
certain types of fruit containers are used. Such are generally
large and attain a regular and generally box-like shape. Although
these larger containers are generally well suited for the shipping
and transmission of larger quantities of fruit, they are unsuited
to smaller amounts of fruit. Additionally, existing containers
demonstrate a certain degree of functional limitations when it is
desired that such containers be used to provide single serving
amounts. Additionally, some types of known containers are
vulnerable to a certain amount of movement during shipping that can
result in damaging to the delicate fruit and produce contents of
the container. Additionally, when existing containers are displayed
in stores or when moved through distribution channels they can be
mishandled, dropped, or otherwise subject to breakage. In the
ordinary course of use, a broken container can spill its contents
throughout the immediate area. This spillage can dirty floors and
also pose a slipping and tripping risk to people and machines near
the spilled product. This poses particular risks to retailers when
such containers are dropped and spilled throughout crowded customer
environments. This is problematic for a number of reasons, not the
least of which is the substantial litigation risks imposed upon a
retailer when a spilled and the frequently resulting slippery
surface cover consumer areas. It would be helpful to have resilient
and yet low cost container and associated packaging systems to
prevent such spillage.
[0004] Thus, while existing systems and methods work well for many
applications, there is an increasing demand for improved fruit and
produce packaging and containers. This disclosure addresses some of
those needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In a first aspect, a packaging assembly comprises a
plurality of packaging containers, each container comprising a cup
having a cup sidewall, a bottom and a rim about a top opening. The
cup top opening has a larger outer dimension than an outer
dimension of the cup bottom. The container further comprises a lid,
the lid having a top and a lid sidewall with the lid sidewall being
configured to receive the rim of the cup and the lid sidewall
including at least one vent opening therein. The packaging assembly
further includes a carrier sleeve comprising a base having at least
two container holes, with each of the at least two container holes
being sized to receive the cup bottom but configured to not receive
the outer dimension of the cup top opening, whereby a cup received
in one of the at least two holes can be inserted into the hole
without the cup top opening passing through the hole. Further, with
the lid receiving the rim of the cup, at least one lid vent opening
resides above the carrier sleeve base. The container sleeve further
includes a top opposite the base spaced from the base a distance
sufficient to receive the container lid therebetween. Moreover,
containers having elongate lid vents are contemplated as are
packaging assemblies suitable for enabling a cooling flow to pass
through a first tray opening into a tray, through a first opening
in a sleeve, then into the aligned elongate slots of the packaging
containers, and then out of a second opening in the sleeve on an
opposite side of the sleeve as the first opening and then out of
the tray through another tray opening.
[0006] General aspects of the invention include, but are not
limited to methods, systems, and apparatus for enabling improved
fruit and produce packaging and containers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The invention and the advantages thereof may best be
understood by reference to the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging container in
accordance with the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the packaging container
of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an opened packaging
container such as shown in FIG. 1;
[0011] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are cross-section views of a bottom
portion of two cup embodiments;
[0012] FIGS. 4(c) and 4(d) are cross-section views of an upper
portion of a cup and associate portion of a lid as characterized by
two packaging container embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 4(e) is a partial cross-section of an upper portion of
the packaging container of FIG. 1 showing the lid fully engaged
with the cup;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two fruit containers of FIG.
1 stacked one upon the other;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of three fruit containers of
FIG. 1 being received within a carrier sleeve, with the carrier
sleeve shown cut-away in part to reveal the fruit containers;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a number of sleeves
containing fruit containers received in a carton in accordance with
the present invention; and
[0017] FIGS. 8(a)-8(c) are perspective views of various elongate
slot packaging container embodiments.
[0018] In the drawings, like reference numerals are sometimes used
to designate like structural elements. It should also be
appreciated that the depictions in the figures are diagrammatic and
not to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Reference is made to particular embodiments of the
invention. Examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with
particular embodiments, it will be understood that it is not
intended to limit the invention to the described embodiments. To
contrary, the disclosure is intended to extend to cover
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
[0020] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
quantities of ingredients, dimensions reaction conditions and so
forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as
being modified in all instances by the term "about".
[0021] In this application and the claims, the use of the singular
includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. In
addition, use of "or" means both "and" and also, "or", unless
stated otherwise. Moreover, the use of the term "including", as
well as other forms, such as "includes" and "included", is not
limiting. Also, terms such as "element" or "component" encompass
both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and
components that comprise more than one unit unless specifically
stated otherwise.
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts a produce or fruit container 10 shown in
perspective view. In this embodiment the fruit container 10
comprises a cup 12 and a lid 11 joined by a flexible hinge 15.
Another common embodiment contemplates a lid 11 secured to the cup
12 without a hinge.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the cup 12 comprises a cup sidewall
18 that has a larger outer diameter near its top than near its
bottom thereby comprising a frusto-conical shape. The cup 12 can
include a round bottom 20. Although depicted and described here as
generally round, the lid and bottom can comprise ellipsoid shapes
as well as polygons, and other conformations. The circular
configuration shown here being but one example of a suitable
configuration. The cup bottom and a lower portion of the cup
sidewall can comprise a step 22 and a portion of the cup bottom
that extends below the cup 12. The details of some aspects of the
cup bottom are discussed elsewhere in this patent.
[0024] Embodiments of the containers can have cup openings or vents
arranged in the cup. In this embodiment the cup vents 25 are formed
in the cup sidewall 18 and the cup bottom 20 below the step 22. The
patent contemplates vents 25 at numerous cup locations and is not
limited to any of them. In one particular embodiment, it is
contemplated that the vent openings 25 can also be made in the step
22. In the depicted embodiment, five evenly spaced cup vent
openings 25 are arranged in a spaced apart configuration about the
bottom portion of the cup. In the illustrated embodiment, the
placement of the openings allows for ready drainage and the escape
of substantially all of a fluid introduced into the container 10.
In particular, the vent openings 25 enable drainage of water used
for rinsing fruit within the container.
[0025] With particular reference to FIG. 3, a top lip portion 26 of
the cup 12 is shown and described. The top lip portion 26 is formed
at a top opening 30 of the cup 12. The top edge portion of the lip
26 comprises a rim 27. In the embodiment shown, the rim 27 is
formed by a top portion of the cup sidewall 18. In this depiction,
the lip 26 is folded over an upper portion of the exterior of the
cup sidewall 18 with the folded over portion of the cup sidewall 18
being spaced from the unfolded portion of the cup sidewall 18 thus,
in one embodiment, forming the lip 26. Accordingly, a
circumferential lip 26 is formed in the folded over portion of the
cup sidewall 18. At the bottom of the folded over portion of the
cup sidewall 18 is a circumferential flange 29. Such a flange 29
can add rigidity to the cup 12 and also provide another supporting
surface for a closed lid 11.
[0026] With further reference to FIGS. 1-3, 4(c), 4(d), & 4(e),
the lid 11 depicted here is generally circular in configuration.
The lid 11 has a top 31 having a generally annular lid side wall 32
and having a lower portion of sidewall defining a lid lower wall 33
(See, FIGS. 1 & 2). As discussed above, the lower wall 33 of
the lid can include an engagement feature 35 suited to nesting with
a complementary feature of the cup lip.
[0027] Additionally, a lid annular flange 34 extends from lower
portion 33 of the lid 12. The flange 34 can be sized to align with
the annular flange 26 of the cup 12. Also, the lid 11 can include a
finger grip 38 extends from the annular flange 35 opposite the
hinge 15. The finger grip 38 can include an indentation 39
configured to facilitate grasping by human fingers. In an
embodiment, the hinge portion 15 of the container is configured
such that it is arranged on a tab that extends away from the cup
12, the lid lower sidewall 32, and the engagement features 28, 35.
In some embodiments, the hinge is an extension of the ribs 29, 34.
The hinge is simple folded over to achieve closure.
[0028] Also, the top of the lid 11 can include top recess 36. The
lid recess 36 can be sized to receive a bottom 20 of a container as
best illustrated in FIG. 5. In this way, the engagement of a top
recess 36 of a first container with the bottom 20 of a stacked
second container provides a degree of stability to lateral movement
that and aids in alignment and stacking. FIG. 4(c) shows one such
embodiment configured such that the engagement feature 35 is
arranged with a groove 35' arranged to engage the outward facing
protrusion 28' of the cup 12.
[0029] In describing some container embodiments enabling a secure
closure of lid with cup reference to FIGS. 4(c) and 4(d) is made.
The depicted embodiments comprise engagement features proximal to
the lip 26 of the cup. A lip engagement feature 28 is configured to
engage with a complementary engagement feature 35 of the cup lid 12
to secure the lid 11 with the cup 12 in a closed configuration.
[0030] In one example embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the lip
engagement feature 28 comprises an outward facing protrusion 28'
arranged in a folded over portion of the cup and configured to
engage a complementary groove 35' or other suitable complementary
feature in the lid 11. In this embodiment, the outward facing
protrusion 28' comprises an annular protrusion that circumscribes
the entire outer circumference of the cup lip 26.
[0031] In another embodiment, the outward facing protrusion 28' can
comprise a stacked plurality a number of annular protrusions
arranged one above the other each circumscribing the outer
circumference of the cup lip 26 one above the other. These
protrusions are further configured to engage with a complementary
number of annular grooves 35 of the lid.
[0032] In another embodiment, the engagement feature comprises a
number of outward facing protrusions 28' arranged about an outer
circumference of the cup lip 26 arranged to engage a complementary
set of recesses 35' in the lid. In one implementation spaced apart
protrusions 28' are spaced equidistant from each other as they are
arranged radially about the outer circumference of the cup lip 26.
These protrusions are further configured to engage with
complementary depression(s) or groove(s) 35' of the lid to secure
the cup 12 and lid 11 in closed configuration. It is also worth
pointing out that embodiments of the invention can include
circumferential ribs (29, 34) that can extend about the edge of the
lid 11 and the cup 12 to enable added rigidity and/or increase ease
of manufacturability and loading.
[0033] The view of FIG. 4(e) helps define a positional context for
the lip 26 and the associated features thereof. An outward facing
protrusion 28' is configured to engage a complementary groove 35'
or other indented feature in the lid 11. In this embodiment, the
outward facing protrusion 28' comprises an annular protrusion that
circumscribes the outer circumference of the cup lip 26. Also shown
in this view are the upper lid vents 37 and the top of the lid. As
is the finger grip 38 and an associated depression 39 formed
therein. Opposite the finger grip 38 is the hinge 15.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4(d), another embodiment of the
engagement feature 28 comprises an inward groove or indentation
28'' on the cup 12. The groove 28'' is configured to engage a
complementary protrusion 35'' or other protruding feature in the
lid 11 to help secure a closed lid. The feature 28'' comprises a
recess or groove with its opening facing outward with the depressed
portion extending inward toward the center of the cup 12. Here, the
engagement feature 28'' comprises an annular groove that
circumscribes the outer circumference of the cup lip 26. In another
embodiment, the outward facing indentation 28'' can comprise a
number of annular indentations arranged, one above the other, each
circumscribing the outer circumference of the cup lip 26. These
indentations 28'' engage with complementary annular inward annular
protrusions 35'' of the lid. In another embodiment, the feature
28'' comprises a number of spaced apart indentations arranged about
the outer circumference of the cup lip 26. In one implementation,
the spaced apart indentations are spaced equidistant from each
other as they are arranged radially about the outer circumference
of the cup lip 26. These indentations are further configured to
engage with complementary protrusions 35'' of the lid to secure the
cup 12 and lid 11 in closed configuration. As with the embodiment
described in FIG. 4(c) above, some embodiments can include
circumferential ribs (29, 34) that can extend about the edge of the
lid 11 and the cup 12 to enable added rigidity and/or increase ease
of manufacturability and loading.
[0035] It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, the lid
can be configured such that a portion of the lid extends inside the
opening of the cup to engage an inner surface of the cup.
[0036] Additionally, in many embodiments, a plurality of
circumferentially spaced lid vent holes 37 can be provided in the
lid sidewall 32 to assist in ventilation of the contents of the
container. In the illustrated embodiment, five evenly spaced vent
holes 37 are provided. Further embodiments of this approach will be
discussed elsewhere in this specification.
[0037] In use, a hinged lid can be readily fitted to the cup 12 by
pivoting it down about the flexible hinge 15 and pressing on the
lid 12 top which causes the engagement features (e.g., 28, 35) to
secure the cup 12 and lid 11 in a closed configuration. A user may
then quickly and easily open the lid 11 simply by grasping the
finger grip 39 and lifting it upward.
[0038] Some embodiments of the container are configured such that
the bottom portion of the cup can have specialized can include a
step and a portion that extends downward below the step or contains
a recess having an outer edge defined by the step.
[0039] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) can be used to illustrate a cup
embodiment having a particular type of bottom configuration. In
this embodiment the bottom of one container can be nested into the
top of a container arranged below it. For example, a cup sidewall
18 can include a sidewall lower portion 18' proximal to the cup
bottom 20. The sidewall lower portion 18' can include an annular
circumferential step 22 that extends around the circumference of
the cup 12. In one implementation, the cup sidewall 18 comprises an
annular step 22 comprising a portion of the cup sidewall 18 near
the cup bottom 20. The step 22 defines a generally circular
narrowed portion of the cup 12 that has a diameter that is less
than a diameter of the lower portion 18' of the sidewall
immediately above the step 22. As such, the step defines a lower
cup rim 24 having a lesser diameter than the sidewall lower portion
18' diameter immediately above the step 22.
[0040] The annular step 22 and lower cup rim 24 can be sized and
configured to nest into a recess formed in the lid of a container
arranged below the lower cup rim such as depicted in FIG. 5.
[0041] Additionally, annular steps 22 can be sized and configured
to prevent fruit contained in the cup 12 from becoming wedged
between the cup sidewall lower portion 18' and the circular bottom
20 of the cup 12. Additionally, with added reference to FIGS. 4(a)
and 4(b), the step 22 includes a step edge 23 arranged at the
interface between the step 22 and the lower cup rim 24. In one
embodiment (that of FIG. 4(a)), the step edge 23 forms a relatively
sharp edge 23' that can ease manufacturing. Additionally, another
embodiment (that of FIG. 4(b)) is configured such that the step
edge 23'' has a more rounded configuration that is less likely to
bruise, cut, or otherwise damage a produce or fruit products
located inside the cup 12.
[0042] In one particular embodiment of a container, the cup
sidewall has a circular cross-section and the cup can be
dimensioned to be received bottom first into a conventional cup
holder. For example, an automobile cup holder sized to hold a
standard 12 ounce soda can having a diameter of about 2 5/8 inch.
In another embodiment the cup sidewall may be embossed. The
embossed sidewall may include indicia such as a trademark or other
design features. In addition or alternatively, the embossed
sidewall may provide an easily gripped or held surface. It should
be understood that both larger and smaller sized containers are
contemplated. Two ounce cups and 8 ounce cups are also specifically
contemplated by this disclosure.
[0043] The container 10 is preferably integrally blow molded in a
single operation from a suitable thermoplastic such as polyethylene
terephthalate (PET). Other suitable materials may include
polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) and recycled
polyethylene terephthalate (RPET). For example, in one embodiment,
the container 10 is formed of a PET material such as Copolyester
9921, available from Eastman Kodak. In addition to the above,
alternative materials include, but are not limited to, various
polymeric and monomeric plastics including, but not limited to,
styrenes, polyethylenes (including HDPE and LPDE), polyesters, and
polyurethanes; metals and foils thereof; waterproofed paper
products may also be employed. Alternative manufacturing
technologies include, but are not limited to, thermocasting;
casting, including die-casting; thermosetting; extrusion;
sintering; lamination; the use of built-up structures as well as
many other processes well known to those of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates a carrier sleeve 60 receiving a number of
fruit containers 10 as part of a packaging assembly. In this
embodiment, the carrier sleeve 60 defines a plenum having open ends
61 and a plurality of containers arranged such that that top
portions of the containers are arranged within the plenum.
[0045] The sleeve 60 includes a base 67 having three container
holes, each of which is sized to receive the cup bottom but of an
inner diameter less than an outer diameter of a top portion of the
cup. Thus, a cup received in one of the holes can be inserted into
the hole without the cup passing entirely through the hole or
opening the container lid. As mentioned above and illustrated in
FIG. 6, the containers are arranged in the openings of the carrier
base 67. The holes can be sized to catch the rim at the top of the
cup 10 to prevent it from dropping through the base. Alternatively,
they can be sized such that the bottom of the cup passes through
the opening but the diameter of the opening is less that of the
container sidewall thus the catching the container on the sidewall
preventing the container from passing through the sleeve.
[0046] The carrier sleeve 60 further includes a top 64 opposite the
base. The top 64 spaced from the base a distance sufficient to
receive the container lid 11 therebetween. The carrier sleeve 60
further includes sidewalls 66, 63 and open ends 61, 65. In the
illustrated embodiment, the carrier sleeve 60 is formed from a
relatively stiff sheet material, such as cardboard, which is folded
in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6 and can include an overlap
portion joined by an adhesive or any other suitable means. In this
manner, the carrier sleeve 60 defines a plenum about the lid vents
37. For the sake of further clarity, in one embodiment, the open
ends 61, 65 of the sleeve 60 can obtain an elongate shape. In one
embodiment, the elongate open ends 61, 65 have a substantially
horizontal major axis running substantially parallel to the wider
portion of the open ends 61, 65. Moreover, the open ends 61, 65
also have a substantially vertical minor axis associated with the
narrower portion of the open ends 61, 65. In general, the major
axis is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and the
minor axis is substantially parallel to a vertical plane of the
sleeve 60. Although the invention is not limited to such
embodiments, this configuration his can have advantages when
container embodiments of a type such as described below with
respect to FIGS. 8(a)-8(c). In such embodiments, a major axis of
the elongate slot 91 of the container 10 can be substantially
aligned with a major axis of the open ends 61, 65 of a container
sleeve 60 when the containers 10 are arranged in the sleeve 60.
[0047] A tray 70 is shown in FIG. 7 receiving a number of carrier
sleeves 60 containing fruit containers 10, which further comprises
a packaging assembly. The tray 70 includes a bottom 72, front and
back walls 74, 76 and sidewalls 78, 80. The front and back walls
74, 76 are spaced a distance sufficient to receive a carrier sleeve
60 containing fruit containers 10 with the open ends abutting the
front and back walls 74, 76. Three lower elongate holes 82 with
diamond shaped holes 84 therebetween are provided in the front and
back walls 74, 76. The holes 82, 84 are configured to align with
the open ends 61, 65 of a carrier sleeve 60 with the fruit
containers 10 sitting on the carton bottom 72 to communicate
outside air with the open ends of a carrier sleeve 60 received
therebetween, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In the illustrated
embodiment, the holes 82, 84 align in part with the open ends 61,
65 and with the top 64 of the carrier sleeves 60 intermediate the
openings 82, 84 to allow for circulation of air from the holes 82,
84 over the carrier sleeve top 64. This will allow air to circulate
into cup vent holes 25 of stacked carrier sleeves containing fruit
containers. The tray 70 further includes a number of elongate upper
carton openings 86 which are configured to align with the open ends
61, 65 of a carrier sleeve 60 containing fruit containers 10
stacked upon a lower carrier sleeve 60 containing fruit containers
10. These upper carton openings 86 therefore communicate outside
air with the open ends 61, 65 of the stacked carrier sleeves 60
received between the carton sidewalls 78, 80.
[0048] The tray 70 preferably has a sufficient distance between the
carton sidewalls 78, 80 to snuggly receive a select number of side
by side carrier sleeves containing fruit containers, for example,
four carrier sleeves containing fruit containers. "Snuggly receive"
means adjacent sleeves abut to prevent lateral shifting during
shipping and handling. Regardless, the holes 82, 84 and 86 should
be configured to provide communication of outside air with the open
ends of the carrier sleeves as illustrated in FIG. 7 and as
described above.
[0049] The tray 70 may further include bottom holes 88 to allow air
to circulate to the cup vent openings 25. The tray 70 may further
include locking tabs 90 configured to be received in the alignment
holes 92 (one shown in FIG. 7) when cartons are stacked one upon
another.
[0050] As should be apparent, the tray 70 is configured to provide
front and back holes which communicate outside air with the open
ends 61, 65 of the carrier sleeves 60 which in turn allows outside
air to circulate into the lid vent holes 37. In addition, the front
and back holes are configured to allow for circulation of air to
the cup vent openings 25. This packaging assembly allows
circulation of air to help dissipate moisture, thus extending the
usable life of fruit received in the containers by helping prevent
formation of molds and rapid decay of the contained fruit. The
packing assembly further protects the fruit contained therein from
bruising and crushing during transport.
[0051] This patent also describes other container embodiments that
may have improved cooling properties when in storage or when cooled
air is passed into the containers 10. In one such embodiment,
depicted in FIG. 8(a), the lid 11 is further augmented by the
presence of a large elongate cooling slot 91 matched by another
complementary cooling slot 92 arranged on the other side of the lid
11 to enable a cooling air flow to pass through the upper portions
of the contents. Additionally, the lid 11 can be embossed or
otherwise marked with designs, decoration, trademarks, logos, or
other desired indicia. Additionally, bottom 20 and/or the step
portions can have a bottom aperture 95 enabling cooling and/or
fluid drainage. In one approach the apertures 95 are generally
circular and do not extend appreciably up the sidewall 18. Also,
the lower portion of the cup sidewall 18 can include further
indented features 94. In this case, the indented features 94 can
define an improved and more manufacturable surface for the forming
of the apertures 95. In one example, a region between a pair of
such features 94 can be used to define a suitable surface for the
formation of aperture 95 (or vents such as 25). For the sake of
clarity, in one embodiment, the elongate cooling slot has a
substantially horizontal major axis running substantially parallel
to the wider portion of the elongate slot 91. The slot 91 has a
substantially vertical minor axis associated with the narrower
portion of the elongate slot 91. In general, the major axis is
substantially parallel to the horizontal portion of the cup rim
(e.g., a rim 27 similar to that FIG. 1). Other slot orientations
can be employed, however, this is the preferred orientation.
[0052] With returning reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6,
when the containers having elongate cooling slots are used, the
elongate cooling slots 91 are aligned with the open ends 61, 65 of
the carrier sleeve 60. Thus an air flow through the sleeve 60
passes in through a first open end 61 and then through the aligned
elongate cooling slots 91 of the containers 10 and then out by the
second open end of the sleeve 60.
[0053] In another embodiment such as shown in FIG. 8(b), the lid 11
comprises another large elongate cooling slot 96 (which can be
paired with another elongate slot 96 arranged on the opposite side
of the lid 11 to facilitate a cooling air flow through the
container). Additionally, in this embodiment, the lid 11 includes a
cooling slot flange 97 arranged proximal to the slot 96. And
advantage of this configuration is that the bottom surfaces 98 of
the flange 97 comprise the lower edge of the lid 11 in the regions
of the lid 11 defined by the slot 96. Accordingly, punching out of
an elongate slot is not required, thereby simplifying
manufacturing.
[0054] FIG. 8(c) depicts another embodiment of the container 10
showing some additional features. In the depicted embodiment, the
container cup 12 includes a bulge 98 proximal to a finger grip 38.
Such a bulge 98 can further support the grip 38 during opening and
closing. Also, the cup 12 can include further indented features 94
that are arranged in closely spaced pairs about the bottom of the
cup 12 to provide strength in regions having cup openings or vents
25. In particular, the vents 25 can be formed at the bottom areas
of the cup 12 between the indented features 94. As with earlier
embodiments, elongate slots 91 can be arranged in the container
11.
[0055] Moreover, these lid mounted slots can be used to enhance the
cooling attributes in entire packaging systems. For example,
referring to previously discussed FIG. 7 wherein the tray 70 is
with a number of carrier sleeves 60 containing fruit containers 10
arranged inside the tray 70. The sleeves 60 are arranged such that
the open ends 61, 65 of the sleeve are aligned with lower elongate
holes 82 and with the cutouts 86 such that a cooling airflow can
pass into the sleeves through 82, 86. Accordingly, the holes and
cutouts 82, 86 are configured to align with the open ends 61, 65 of
a carrier sleeve 60 with the fruit containers 10 stacked one
another in the tray 70. Additionally, the elongate slots 91 of the
containers 10 shown in FIG. 8(a) and 8(b) (as well as other
suitably configured containers) are arranged in registry with the
sleeve ends 61, 65 so that air flowing through the ends 61, 65
passes through the elongate slots 91 of the containers 10. Thus,
using the elongate openings, cooling air can pass into the tray 70
through the holes and cutouts 82, 86, through the sleeve ends ends
61, 65, through the elongate slots 91 of the container lids, and
out through the through the holes and cutouts 82, 86 at the
opposite end of the tray. Additionally, in some embodiments, air
flow can pass through the intermediate holes 82, 84 enabling
further cooling flow within the tray 70.
[0056] Various embodiments of the disclosure could also include
permutations of the various elements recited in the claims as if
each dependent claim was a multiple dependent claim incorporating
the limitations of each of the preceding dependent claims as well
as the independent claims. Such permutations are expressly within
the scope of this disclosure.
[0057] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used
specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the
invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art
that the specific details are not required in order to practice the
invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments
of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and
variations are possible in view of the above teachings.
[0058] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best
explain the principles of the invention and its practical
applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *