U.S. patent application number 16/677384 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-07 for reusable container assembly for modified atmosphere packaging of goods.
The applicant listed for this patent is IFOOD HOLDINGS, INC.. Invention is credited to Perry Lidster.
Application Number | 20200140143 16/677384 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70458275 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200140143 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lidster; Perry |
May 7, 2020 |
REUSABLE CONTAINER ASSEMBLY FOR MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING OF
GOODS
Abstract
A reusable container assembly including, a container having a
plurality of tapered sidewalls extending substantially upwardly
from a bottom surface forming an opening and an interior space. The
bottom surface includes a plurality of feet extending substantially
downwardly from the bottom surface. The assembly also includes a
lid having a plurality of tapered sidewalls extending substantially
downwardly from a top surface, the tapered sidewalls of the lid
being configured to receive the tapered sidewalls of the container,
such that the lid seals the opening of the container. The top
surface of the lid also includes a plurality of raised corners
extending substantially upwardly from the top surface, and the feet
of the container are configured to receive the raised corners of
the lid, when the lid is positioned beneath the container in a
stacked configuration.
Inventors: |
Lidster; Perry; (Summerland,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IFOOD HOLDINGS, INC. |
Kinnelon |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
70458275 |
Appl. No.: |
16/677384 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62757049 |
Nov 7, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/263 20130101;
B65D 85/505 20130101; B65D 85/50 20130101; B65D 85/52 20130101;
B65D 21/0223 20130101; Y02W 30/80 20150501; B65D 81/24 20130101;
B65D 1/22 20130101; B65D 25/24 20130101; B65D 25/205 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02; B65D 25/24 20060101 B65D025/24; B65D 81/26 20060101
B65D081/26; B65D 1/22 20060101 B65D001/22; B65D 85/50 20060101
B65D085/50 |
Claims
1. A reusable container assembly, comprising: a container having a
plurality of tapered sidewalls extending substantially upwardly
from a bottom surface forming an opening and an interior space,
wherein the bottom surface includes a plurality of feet extending
substantially downwardly from the bottom surface; and a cover
extending over the opening, the cover sealing the opening of the
container to the environment while selectively controlling
transmission of water vapor, carbon dioxide and oxygen into and out
of the container.
2. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a
lid having a plurality of tapered sidewalls extending substantially
downwardly from a top surface, wherein the tapered sidewalls of the
lid are configured to receive the tapered sidewalls of the
container, such that the lid seals the opening of the container,
and the top surface further includes a plurality of raised corners
extending substantially upwardly from the top surface.
3. The container assembly of claim 2, wherein the feet of the
container are configured to receive the raised corners of the lid,
when the lid is positioned beneath the container in a stacked
configuration.
4. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality
of feet comprise a first raised portion extending below a bottom
surface of the container and a second raised portion extending
below the first raised portion.
5. The container assembly of claim 4, wherein each of the second
raised portions of the plurality of feet have an L-shaped
configuration with outer surfaces coextensive with corresponding
outer surface of tapered side walls of the container.
6. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein when the feet of the
container receive the raised corners of a lid of an adjacent
container such that the lid of the adjacent container is positioned
beneath the container in a stacked configuration, an air gap is
formed between the bottom surface of the container and a top
surface of the lid of the adjacent container.
7. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein when a plurality of
containers are arranged in a stacked and side-by-side arrangement,
a plurality of air gaps are formed between adjacent containers
along the tapered sides of the containers.
8. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the top surface of
the lid defines a recess configured for retaining an antimicrobial
substance, the recess having a plurality of holes therein in fluid
communication with an interior of the lid.
9. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a
semipermeable sheet of material disposed over the opening and
sealed to the top surface of the container around a perimeter
thereof.
10. The container assembly of claim 8, further comprising a
semipermeable sheet of material disposed over the recess and sealed
to the top surface of the container around a perimeter of the
recess, the semipermeable sheet of material limiting passage of
oxygen and carbon dioxide while allowing water vapor to pass
through the semipermeable sheet of material.
11. A reusable container assembly, comprising: an molded plastic
container having a plurality of tapered sidewalls extending
substantially upwardly from a bottom surface forming an opening and
an interior space; an molded plastic lid having a plurality of
tapered sidewalls extending substantially downwardly from a top
surface, wherein the tapered sidewalls of the lid are configured to
receive the tapered sidewalls of the container, such that the lid
seals the opening of the container, and the top surface further
includes a plurality of raised corners extending substantially
upwardly from the top surface, the top surface of the lid defining
a recess configured for retaining an antimicrobial substance, the
recess having a plurality of holes therein in fluid communication
with an interior of the lid; and a plurality of feet extending
substantially downwardly from the bottom surface of the container,
the plurality of feet of the container configured to receive the
raised corners of the lid, when the lid is positioned beneath the
container in a stacked configuration.
12. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of
tapered sidewalls define a plurality of spaced apart grooves,
horizontally oriented and circumscribing the plurality of tapered
sidewalls, the plurality of spaced apart grooves configured to
direct air flow around the container.
13. The container assembly of claim 12, wherein each of the
plurality of feet comprise a first raised portion extending below a
bottom surface of the container and a second raised portion
extending below the first raised portion, wherein each of the
second raised portions of the plurality of feet have an L-shaped
configuration with outer surfaces coextensive with corresponding
outer surface of tapered side walls of the container.
14. The container assembly of claim 13, wherein when the feet of
the container receive the raised corners of a lid of an adjacent
container, when the lid of the adjacent container is positioned
beneath the one container in a stacked configuration, an air gap is
formed between the bottom surface of the container and a top
surface of the lid of the adjacent container.
15. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein when a plurality of
containers are arranged in a stacked and side-by-side arrangement,
a plurality of air gaps are formed between adjacent containers
along the tapered sides of the containers.
16. The container assembly of claim 11, further comprising a
semipermeable sheet of material disposed over the recess and sealed
to the top surface of the lid around a perimeter of the recess,
wherein the semipermeable sheet of material limiting passage of
oxygen and carbon dioxide while allowing water vapor to pass
through the semipermeable sheet of material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/757,049, filed on Nov. 7, 2018 for REUSABLE
CONTAINER ASSEMBLY FOR MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING OF GOODS, the
entirety of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to reusable
containers used to transport goods in modified atmospheric
conditions, specifically goods such as produce, flowers and
plants.
State of the Related Art
[0003] The use and manufacture of containers to transport produce,
flowers and plants is an old and well-known art. Reusable Plastic
Containers (RPC) have been used to transport produce in ambient
atmospheres. RPC conventionally rely extensively on a porous
construction to provide cooling of the goods housed therein, such
as produce, which often desiccates the produce, resulting in shrink
and loss of postharvest distribution and shelf life of the
produce.
[0004] As an alternative to RPC, Modified Active Atmosphere
Packaging (MAAP) has been used in an attempt to better prevent
produce loss by reducing water loss, produce respiration, and in
some cases decay, through the application and utilization of active
antimicrobials.
[0005] In conventionally used RPC and MAAP products, container
damage is also often a chief concern, as during shipping, transit,
and/or storage, these products are often stacked one on top of
another, on pallets or on floors. In these situations the container
products endure, sometimes significant, structural stresses that
can cause failure of the containers, which can result in a total
loss of goods stored within the damaged containers.
[0006] Thus, there exists a need in the art to provide a reusable
container which utilizes modified atmospheric packaging to better
preserve the quality goods, such as, produce, flowers and plants,
after transport. The present application provides for the
manufacture of beneficial modified atmospheres in an RPC packaging
format.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a reusable
container assembly includes: a container having a plurality of
tapered sidewalls extending substantially upwardly from a bottom
surface forming an opening and an interior space. The bottom
surface includes a plurality of tabs or feet extending
substantially downwardly from the bottom surface. The assembly also
includes a lid having a plurality of tapered sidewalls extending
substantially downwardly from a top surface, the tapered sidewalls
of the lid being configured to receive the tapered sidewalls of the
container, such that the lid seals the opening of the container.
The top surface of the lid also includes a plurality of raised
corners extending substantially upwardly from the top surface, and
the tabs of the container are configured to receive the raised
corners of the lid, when the lid is positioned beneath the
container in a stacked configuration.
[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, the container is
formed as a single unitary piece of molded plastic as by injection
molded.
[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the lid is formed as
a single unitary piece of molded plastic as by injection
molded.
[0010] In another embodiment, each of the plurality of feet
comprise a first raised portion extending below a bottom surface of
the container and a second raised portion extending below the first
raised portion.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, each of the second raised
portions of the plurality of feet have an L-shaped configuration
with outer surfaces coextensive with corresponding outer surface of
tapered side walls of the container.
[0012] In still another embodiment, when the feet of the container
receive the raised corners of a lid of an adjacent container such
that the lid of the adjacent container is positioned beneath the
container in a stacked configuration, an air gap is formed between
the bottom surface of the container and a top surface of the lid of
the adjacent container.
[0013] In another embodiment, when a plurality of containers are
arranged in a stacked and side-by-side arrangement, a plurality of
air gaps are formed between adjacent containers along the tapered
sides of the containers.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the top surface of the lid
defines a recess configured for retaining an antimicrobial
substance, the recess having a plurality of holes therein in fluid
communication with an interior of the lid. A semipermeable sheet of
material disposed over the recess and sealed to the top surface of
the lid around a perimeter of the recess. The semipermeable sheet
of material limits the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide while
allowing water vapor to pass through the semipermeable sheet of
material.
[0015] In another embodiment, the plurality of tapered sidewalls of
the container define a plurality of spaced apart grooves,
horizontally oriented and circumscribing the plurality of tapered
sidewalls, the plurality of spaced apart grooves configured to
direct air flow around the container.
[0016] These and other aspects of the present invention may be
realized in an improved reusable container assembly as shown and
described in the following figures and related description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] When considered in connection with the following
illustrative figures, a more complete understanding of the present
invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description.
In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or
acts throughout the figures. Various embodiments of the present
invention are shown and described in reference to the numbered
drawings.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a bottom view the container shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lid for the container
shown in FIG. 1, made of opaque material;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lid for the container
shown in FIG. 1, made of transparent material;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a top view of the lid shown in FIG. 4;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a container assembly,
including a container and a lid;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a side view of the container assembly shown in
FIG. 7;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a side view of two stacked container assemblies;
and
[0027] FIG. 10 is a side view of four stacked container assemblies
in a side-by-side arrangement.
[0028] It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative
and not limiting of the scope of the invention, which is defined by
the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various
aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is
not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the
invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are
presented to separately illustrate the various details of the
invention in greater clarity. Similarly, not every embodiment need
accomplish all advantages of the present invention. Elements and
acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not
necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The invention and accompanying drawings will now be
discussed in reference to the numerals provided therein so as to
enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention.
The drawings and descriptions are exemplary of various aspects of
the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the
appended claims. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the
words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given
their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary
skill in the applicable arts. It is noted that the inventor can be
his own lexicographer. The inventor expressly elects, as his own
lexicographer, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms
in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise
and then further, expressly set forth the "special" definition of
that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary
meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a
"special" definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that
the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to
the interpretation of the specification and claims.
[0030] The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of
English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be
further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then
such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional
adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance
with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such
adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that
such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary
English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set
forth above.
[0031] Further, the inventors fully informed of the standards and
application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f).
Thus, the use of the words "function," "means" or "step" in the
Detailed Description of the Invention or claims is not intended to
somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if
the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f) are sought to be invoked
to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and
expressly state the exact phrases "means for" or "step for" and the
specific function (e.g., "means for filtering"), without also
reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support
of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a "means for . .
. " or "step for . . . " if the claims also recite any structure,
material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform
the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the
inventor not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f).
Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f) are
invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the
inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material
or acts that are described in the illustrated embodiments, but in
addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that
perform the claimed function as described in alternative
embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known
present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts
for performing the claimed function.
[0032] In the following description, and for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the
invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the
relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without
these specific details. In other instances, known structures and
devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid
obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the
operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various
forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be
implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many
different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies
to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. Thus, the full
scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are
described below.
[0033] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a reusable container 100 having a
bottom surface 102, providing a base, and four side walls 104, 106,
108 and 110, connected to one another and extending substantially
upwardly from the bottom surface 102 forming a substantially
enclosed interior space 112. Each of the sidewalls 104, 106, 108
and 110 are formed in an inverted tapered shape having a greater
width immediately adjacent to the bottom surface 102, with width
tapering as the side walls 104, 106, 108, and 110 extend upwardly
from the bottom surface 102.
[0034] Due to the tapered shape of each of the sidewalls 104, 106,
108, and 110, the container 100 has a distinctly pyramid shape
having four corners 114, 116, 118 and 120, formed by corresponding,
immediately adjacent sidewalls, 104, 106, 108 and 110. Each corner
114, 116, 118 and 120 is tapered such that each corner forms an
angle A with the bottom surface 102 that is less than 90 degrees.
For example, the angle formed by each corner 114, 116, 118 and 120
can be 1-5 degrees less than 90 degrees, or another desired angle
that is less than 90 degrees.
[0035] The container 100 also includes an opening 122 having a
substantially square shape, formed by the sidewalls 104, 106, 108
and 110, although alternative desired shapes can be used. The
opening 122 enables a user to access the interior space 112 in
order to store desired goods. The opening 122 may be closed by the
use of a lid, to be described in more detail below, or a
semi-permeable membrane that can regulate the passable of oxygen,
carbon dioxide and water vapor between the interior space 112 of
the container 100 and the external environment surrounding the
container 100, thus creating a modified atmosphere within the
container 100. This modified atmosphere can be customized for
specific produce or goods through the selection of the lidding
material or by semi-permeable patches that may be formed or
disposed on the container and/or the lidding materials.
[0036] While the container 100 is further described herein below
for use in conjunction with a lid, it is also contemplated that the
opening 122 of the container 100 may be sealed with a cover
comprising a sheet 111 of a semipermeable membrane or material that
is sealed to the top surface of the lip 125 around the perimeter of
the opening 122 and extends over the opening 122. The sheet 111 may
be transparent so that the contents of the container 100 can be
viewed. The sheet is configured to allow flow of water molecules
through the material 284 while limiting, thus providing a barrier
to, the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules. Due to the
configuration of the feet 124, 126, 128 and 130 (as shown in FIG.
2), the containers 100 can be stacked one on top of the other with
the feet 124, 126, 128 and 130 providing lateral stability to the
stacked arrangement as will be described in more detail below.
[0037] The bottom surface 102 of the container 100 includes four
tabs or feet 124, 126, 128 and 130 that extend downward from
surface 102, protruding from the bottom surface 1/4'' to 1/2'' (or
another desired distance), at each of the corresponding corners
114, 116, 118 and 120. The tabs 124, 126, 128 and 130 can provide
an elevated position for the container 100, enabling air flow to
pass beneath the container 100 which can aide in regulating the
modified atmosphere within the container 100. The tabs 124, 126,
128 and 130 can be shaped and configured to receive a top surface
of a lid of an adjacent container (to be described in more detail
below), if multiple containers are stacked on top of each other in
a substantially vertical orientation.
[0038] The container 100 can be manufactured as a single unitary
structure, using an injection mold process. Alternatively, the
container be formed in multiple pieces that can be assembled and
secured to one another by fasteners, adhesive or welding, for
example. The container 100 can be manufactured from a range of high
density plastic material, for example, a range of polyethylene,
polypropylene, nylon and nylon blends or other forming materials.
The container 100 may also be opaque or transparent, and may be
made of any desired color or absent any color. The high
compressibility of the injected molded container 100 increases the
strength and integrity of the container 100 to resist collapse due
to the extended shipping times and, external, lateral and vertical
stresses that may occur during transport of the container 100,
particularly when multiple containers 100 are stacked on top of
each other, which would be typical in the transportation of various
goods.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the outer surfaces of the side walls
104, 106, 108 and 110 define a plurality of spaced apart lateral
(i.e., horizontally extending) grooves (such as grooves 121 and
123) extending from corner 114 to corner 116, from corner 116 to
corner 118 and from corner 118 to corner 120. Each groove, such as
grooves 121 and 123 circumscribe the perimeter of the container 100
as they each extend from corner 114 to corner 116, from corner 116
to corner 118 and from corner 118 to corner 120. The grooves, such
as grooves 121 and 123 are evenly spaced along the height of the
container 100 from proximate the top lip 125 to proximate the top
of the feet 124, 126, 128 and 130. The plurality of grooves, such
as grooves 121 and 123 provide lateral or horizontally extending
channels through which air can circulate and encourages directional
air flow around the containers 100. In addition, the grooves 121
and 123 could be replaced with a plurality of raised ribs with
corresponding channels formed between the ribs to provide a similar
air flow effect. This is particularly beneficial when a plurality
of containers 100 are stacked and arranged in a side-by-side manner
(as shown in FIG. 10).
[0040] The top lip 125 circumscribes and defines the top surface
127 of the container 100. The lip 125 has a thickness that is wider
than the thickness of the side walls 104, 106, 108 and 110. As a
result, the lip 125 strengthens the top of the container 100 to
prevent the top edges of side walls 104, 106, 108 and 110 from
collapsing or bending when the containers 100 are stacked one upon
another.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, an added feature to the container 100
may be a plurality of handles (two handles 131 and 133 of which are
visible), with one handle 131 provided in side wall 104 and one
handle 133 provided in side wall 106. Similarly configured handles
may also be provided in side walls 108 and 110. The handles may be
comprised of protrusions or recesses formed in the side walls. For
example, handle 131 is formed from an angled protrusion formed on
the outer surfaces of the side wall 104, thus providing a
respective protruding gripping surface 131'. Similarly, handles may
be formed as recesses, such as handle 133 in the side wall 106.
Handle 133 is formed from an angled recess formed in the outer
surfaces of the side wall 106, thus providing a respective recessed
gripping surface 133'.
[0042] As further shown in FIG. 2, each of the feet 124, 126, 128
and 130 are comprised of first raised surfaces 124', 126', 128' and
130', each having a generally rectangular shape and raised above
the bottom surface 102 of the container 100. Each of the feet 124,
126, 128 and 130 are also comprised of second raised surfaces
124'', 126'', 128'' and 130'', each having a generally L-shaped
configuration and raised above a respective top surface of the
first raised surfaces 124', 126', 128' and 130'. The second raised
surfaces 124'', 126'', 128'' and 130'' have outer surfaces that are
coextensive with the outer surfaces of the side walls 104, 106, 108
and 110. The inner surfaces of the second raised surfaces 124'',
126'', 128'' and 130'' provide abutment surfaces for engaging with
outer surfaces of the top of the lid that is attached to the top of
the container 100 as shown and described in more detail herein.
That is, the second raised surfaces 124'', 126'', 128'' and 130''
of the feet 124, 126, 128 and 130 overlap the outer surfaces of the
top of the lid to secure the container in lateral arrangement with
a lid of an adjacent container when stacked on upon the other. The
first raised surfaces 124', 126', 128' and 130' then space the top
surface of the lid from the bottom surface 102 of the container 100
to allow for air to circulate between stacked containers 100.
[0043] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a lid 200, having a top surface 202 and
four side walls 204, 206, 208 and 210, connected to one another and
extending substantially downwardly from the top surface 202 forming
a substantially enclosed interior space to receive the container
100, although alternative shapes and number of sidewalls can also
be used if desired. Each of the sidewalls 204, 206, 208 and 210 are
formed in a tapered shape having a narrower width immediately
adjacent to the top surface 202, with the width tapering as the
side walls 104, 106, 108, and 110 extend downwardly from the top
surface 202.
[0044] The lid 200, similar to the container 100, has a distinctly
pyramid shape having four corners 214, 216, 218 and 220, formed by
corresponding, immediately adjacent sidewalls, 204, 206, 208 and
210. Each corner 214, 216, 218 and 220 is tapered such that each
corner forms an angle B with the top surface 202 that is greater
than 90 degrees. For example, the angle formed by each corner 214,
216, 218 and 220 can be 1-5 degrees greater than 90 degrees, or
another desired angle that is less than 90 degrees.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the tapered shape of each of the
sidewalls 204, 206, 208, and 210, corresponds to the tapered
sidewalls 104, 106, 108 and 110 or the container, enabling the lid
200 to receive the container 100, cover the opening 112, and form a
hermetic seal between the container 100 and the lid 200.
[0046] The top surface 202 of the lid 200 includes four raised
corners 224, 226, 228 and 230 that extend upwardly from the top
surface 202, protruding from the top surface 1/4'' to 1/2'' (or
another desired distance), at each of the corresponding corners
214, 216, 218 and 220. The raised corners 224, 226, 228 and 230 can
provide separation between containers that are stacked on top of
one another in a substantially vertical manner. This separation
enables laminar cool air flow to pass between stacked containers
100 which can aide in cooling the goods within the container 100 by
circulating air around the four tapered sidewalls 104, 106, 108,
and 110, serving as a type of heat exchanging system.
[0047] The lid 200, as with the container 100, can be manufactured
as a single unitary structure, using an injection mold process.
Alternatively, the lid 200 be formed in multiple pieces that can be
assembled and secured to one another by fasteners, adhesive or
welding, for example. The lid 200 can be manufactured from a range
of high density plastic material, for example, a range of
polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon and nylon blends or other
forming materials. The lid 200 may also be opaque or transparent,
and may be made of any desired color or absent any color. The high
compressibility of the injected molded lid 200 increases the
strength and integrity of the lid 200 to resist damage due to the
extended shipping times and, external, lateral and vertical
stresses that may occur during transport of the container 100 and
lid 200, particularly when multiple containers 100 are stacked on
top of each other, which would be typical in the transportation of
various goods.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, the raised corners 224, 226, 228
and 230 can be shaped and configured to be received within the
corresponding feet 124, 126, 128 and 130 of the bottom surface 102
of a container 100 that is stacked on top of the lid 200, in a
situation where multiple containers are stacked on top of each
other in a substantially vertical orientation. This relative
positioning of the raised corners and tabs relative to other
containers above and below, forms a solid stacking configuration
on, for example, a pallet during transport, with or without support
strapping, or during storage at a fixed location. Additionally, as
shown in FIG. 9, the interlocking engagement of the raised corners
and the feet of adjacent containers ensures that vertically stacked
containers maintain a strictly centered orientation on top of one
another, such that the structural stresses imposed by the stacked
containers are evenly distributed over the entire container and lid
components, reducing the likelihood of structural failure, and
increases the load bearing strength of the stacked containers, both
individually and collectively. Additionally, the engagement of the
raised corners and the feet of adjacent containers reduces or
restricts lateral shifting of stacked containers with respect to
one another, which has significant benefits during transportation
of stacked containers. Finally, the engagement of the raised
corners and the feet of adjacent containers provides a defined air
gap 250 between the bottom surface 102 of the container 100 and the
top surface 202 of the lid 200. The air gap 250 may have a height
between the bottom surface 102 of the container 100 and the top
surface 202 of the lid 200 of between % inch to 1 inch or more,
[0049] As further illustrated in FIG. 10, when the containers 100
and associated lids 200 are arranged in a stacked and side-by-side
arrangement, not only can air circulate between the top of the lid
200 and bottom of a container 100 stacked thereon, but because of
the tapered side walls 104, 106, 108 and 110 of the containers 100,
air gaps 252 are formed between adjacent, side-by-side containers
100 to allow air to circulate around the containers. This increased
air flow around the containers helps to improve the circulation and
air flow through the gaps 250 formed between stacked containers
100. The air gaps 252 may have a width of between 1/4 to 1/2 inch
to 1 inch or more and, as shown may vary in width along the height
of the containers 100 and associated lids 200.
[0050] Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the presence of an air gap
(as discussed with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, between the bottom
of the container and an adjacent lid when stacked, is important for
preserving fresh fruit, vegetables or flowers that may be contained
in the container 100 for transport. As shown in FIG. 4, the top
surface 202 of the lid 200 defines a recess 260 positioned between
the raised surfaces 224, 226, 228 and 230. The recess 260 may be
rectangular in shape and includes a bottom surface 262 supported by
a plurality of side walls 264, 266, 268 and 270. The bottom surface
262 includes a plurality of holes 272, 274, 276 and 278 that are in
fluid communication with the inside of the lid 200. As shown in
FIG. 5, the recess 260 is configured to retain a sachet 280 that
may be filled with an antimicrobial substance or composition. The
holes 272, 274, 276 and 278 are of sufficient size (e.g., 1/2 inch)
to allow passage of the antimicrobial substance or composition into
the container 100. The holes 272, 274, 276 and 278 may vary in size
and number. The sachet 280 is held within the recess 260 by a
material 284 in sheet form comprised of a membrane or other
semipermeable material that overlaps the edges of the recess 260
and is sealed to the top surface 202 of the lid 200 around the
recess 260. The material 284 may form a product label and include
images, printed information or various product information
regarding the contents of the associated container 100. The
material 284 is configured to allow flow of water molecules through
the material 284 while limiting, thus providing a barrier to the
passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules. As a result, the
contents of the container 100 are exposed to the antimicrobial
substances contained in the sachet in a relatively closed
environment between the sheet material 284 and the inside of the
container 100 while allowing water vapor to pass through the
material 284 to increase the shelf life of the product contained
therein.
[0051] Moreover, the use of various plastic materials, such as
injection molded plastic materials, to form the container 100 and
lid 200 allows the containers 100 and lids 200 to be washed and
reused. That is, conventional containers for fresh produce, fresh
vegetables and fresh cut flowers are typically formed from
cardboard materials or thin vacuum formed plastic materials that
are not generally reusable in any significant or meaningful manner.
The result is a large portion of such containers end up in
landfills after a single use. By allowing the present containers
and lids to be reusable, significant impact on the need for
disposal of such containers and lids can be significantly reduced.
There is thus disclosed an improved reusable container and method
of assembling the reusable container. In the foregoing
specification, the present invention has been described with
reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications
and changes may be made, however, without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims,
including combinations of elements of the various illustrated
embodiments. The specification and figures are illustrative, not
restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within
the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the
present invention should be determined by the claims and their
legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described.
[0052] For example, the steps recited in any method or process
claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the
specific order presented in the claims. Additionally, the
components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be
assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of
permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific
configuration recited in the claims.
[0053] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any
benefit, advantage, solution to problem, or any element that may
cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to
become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical,
required, or essential features or components of any or all the
claims.
[0054] The phrase "consisting essentially of" as used herein is
intended to cover additional elements or functions that do not
materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the
claimed invention. Thus, "consisting essentially of" is intended to
encompass not only those components specifically listed, but also
separate or additional components that do not materially alter the
specifically recited functions or elements.
[0055] The terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprising", "having",
"including", "includes" or any variations of such terms, are
intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a
process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a
list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but
may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other
combinations and/or modifications of the above-described
structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements,
materials, or components used in the practice of the present
invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be
varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments,
manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating
requirements without departing from the general principles of the
same.
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