Container With Ventilation Chamber

Abstract

A container (1) which includes a base (16), a pair of opposed end walls (2) and a pair of opposed sidewalls (5) into which an insert (9) also having a pair of opposed end walls (11) and a pair of opposed sidewalls (12) is located and secured in position by tabs (14) protruding from the lower edges of the said pair of opposed sidewalls (12). A set of tabs (10) protruding from the upper edges of the end walls (11) and sidewalls. (12) The lower tabs are engaged in rectangular precut slots (8) in the base (16) of the container. (1) The upper tabs(10) are held in position by tabs(4) which are bent at right angles to the end and side walls (2&5) respectively and which have precut rectangular slots(7) which engage the lugs protruding from the pair of end walls (2) and side walls (5) of the insert. (9) The engagement of the lugs (14) and (10) position the insert (9) thus creating a gap between the side walls (2&5) and the sidewalls (11&12) of the insert. (9) This gap forms a chamber (15) around the insert (9) though which air can freely circulate around the product contained within the inner walls of the insert (9)

Description

CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62068061, filed 24 Oct. 2014

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a container with an insert which creates a chamber though which chilled air can freely flow, thus surrounding the product contained therein.

BACKGROUND

Prior Art

[0003] The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:

TABLE-US-00001 U.S. Patents Patent Number Kind Code Issue Date Patentee 76/337,416 A1 Dec. 29, 2009 Moelich; Leuvennink; Dippenaar 4,946,093 Aug. 7, 1990 Moorman 2,858,059 October 1958 Kitchell

[0004] It is well documented that fresh produce which is transported in containers need adequate cooling to maintain peak quality and shelf life throughout the distribution cycle. Currently containers are packed with produce then stacked on pallets in a predetermined pattern ready for shipment to the market place. Each layer of containers are stacked with their faces abutting the face of the container alongside so as to create a solid block or unitized load which can be strapped together so as to maintain stability throughout the distribution cycle. Unfortunately this practice prevents chilled air from flowing to the inner faces of the containers which abut each other. To try and remedy this situation box designers cut apertures in the side walls in the hope that chilled air will flow though the aperture on the outer face, past the product through the aperture in the opposite face of the container into the next abutting container. This method is not efficient and is limited by the number of apertures cut into the side walls of the container as each time an aperture is cut the compression strength of the container is compromised. Other criteria for maintaining produce quality is the ability for the containers to maintain circulation of ventilating air or gas to the fruit contained within the containers and for removal of heat generated by respiration of the fruit contained within the containers. There have been some attempts to address the cooling and venting challenges and are described in the following patents:

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,637,416 According to the invention, an air flow channel for use in a packaging container includes at least one elongated body defining at least one passage having at least one open end; and a number of spaced apart ventilation openings provided through the body along its length.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,093. According to the invention, there is disclosed a half-slotted container body and lid, each made from a blank of corrugated paperboard. The lid blank has an additional score to provide a fold-line around the perimeter of the side and end panels at approximately one-half of the depth. This score line defines inner and outer panels of the lid's perimeter side and end walls. Where this fold-line intersects each of the panel score lines defining the ends of the side and end panels, there are two diagonal scores which radiate from that point in opposite directions extending to the free edge of the inner panels. When the lid is set up, the top flaps are folded inwardly and secured to form a top of the lid, and the inner panels are folded inwardly hinged at the four corners by the diagonal scores. The inner panels are pushed in at the interior four corners of the lid locking the inner panels along the outer panels to provide a two-ply perimeter wall of the lid. The resulting inward bulge of the inner panels of the lid creates a secure lock of the lid on the body and provides support for the sides of the body against outwardly bulging under load. The continuous two-ply construction of the sides of the lid provide channeling space between adjoining containers in a stacked pallet load to enhance uniform air flow and cooling of produce, such as bananas and fruits, packed in the containers.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,637,416 suffers from the disadvantage that the ventilation openings have to be perfectly aligned in each layer of a stacked pallet. This is not easily achieved especially with the advent of the common footprint that has been adopted internationally as the preferred standard. In addition the airflow has to be horizontal in nature to be effective. Often cooling systems have vertical airflow patterns. It is also common practice for stacked pallets to be stretched wrapped with poly propylene film which totally negates the any advantage to this invention

[0008] U.S. Pat 4,946,093 suffers from the disadvantage of blocking vertical air flow completely. Another disadvantage is the lid that creates the spaces only extends downward for a minimum distance so as to give a maximum exposed face of the side and end walls of the half slotted container. This disadvantage does not prevent the gap being closed during the process of banding, strapping or stretch wrapping or in transit throughout the distribution cycle thereby defeating the objective of the invention as well as creating an unstable unitized load. It is also common practice for stacked pallets to be stretched wrapped with poly propylene film which totally negates the any advantage to this invention due to the total blockage of horizontal air flow. Another disadvantage is that every container needs a lid to create the air gap. Most fruits in the global market place are shipped in a display ready open top tray eliminating any benefit of the patent.

[0009] My invention as described in this application overcomes the disadvantages as described above, as no matter the direction of airflow or pallet stacking patterns or stretch wrapped stacked pallets chilled air is able to enter the chamber either from the side faces of the stacked pallet or from the bottom or top faces of the stacked pallet. The configuration of the apertures in the base and top of the chamber overcome any blocking of the apertures in the side or end walls of the container due to misalignment.

[0010] This invention has a number of embodiments that emanate from its novel design, some of which are described in the following claims, drawings and text.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to the invention a container includes a base, a pair of opposed end walls and a pair of opposed sidewalls, each having a series of apertures cut through the said walls to allow air to flow freely into the container and also having a series of lugs that protrude from the upper edge of said walls.

[0012] The container includes an insert which has a pair of opposing side walls and a pair of end walls and having a series of lugs that protrude from the lower and upper edges that position the insert by means rectangular of slots cut into the base of the container and the lugs that protrude from the upper edge of the side and end walls of the container.

[0013] The insert has a perimeter dimension that is less than the perimeter of the inner dimension of the side and end walls of the container thereby creating a channel between the wall into which air flows through the apertures in the side and end walls of the container. The channel surrounds the product completely.

[0014] The insert in an additional embodiment has a series of peaks and valleys cut into the upper edge of the insert. As packed boxes are placed on top of the underlying box the peaks indent the base of the container above thus creating a friction lock thereby preventing free movement or sliding of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container or box according to the invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the insert according to the invention;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container with the insert secured in position.

[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the insert disengaged from the container.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a top view of a box according the invention showing the chamber surrounding the inner area of the box.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a section, B-B and C-C dissecting a layer of the containers abutting each other according to the invention;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment according to the invention;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment according to the invention;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment according to the invention;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the insert of the alternative embodiment in FIG. 9;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view and detail of another alternative embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a layer of 6 containers locked together by a cross lock strap

DRAWINGS--REFERENCED NUMERALS



[0027] 1 Container.

[0028] 2 End wall.

[0029] 3 Aperture.

[0030] 4 Lug.

[0031] 5 Side wall.

[0032] 6 Stacking and air flow aperture.

[0033] 7 Lug slot.

[0034] 8 Base slot.

[0035] 9 Insert

[0036] 10 Stacking lug.

[0037] 11 End wall.

[0038] 12 Side wall.

[0039] 13 Aperture.

[0040] 14 Locating lug.

[0041] 15 Chamber.

[0042] 16 Base.

[0043] 17 Base with Insert.

[0044] 18 Airflow into chamber.

[0045] 19 Alternative embodiment.

[0046] 20 Extended end wall.

[0047] 21 Top of U.

[0048] 22 Extended side wall.

[0049] 23 Aperture.

[0050] 24 Aperture.

[0051] 25 Aperture.

[0052] 26 Stacking and air flow aperture.

[0053] 27 Alternative embodiment.

[0054] 28 Stacking lug.

[0055] 29 Side wall

[0056] 30 Bliss wrap, glue tabs.

[0057] 31 Pop up friction lock.

[0058] 32 Ripple top insert

[0059] 33 Peak of triangulated friction tab.

[0060] 34 Score line.

[0061] 35 Score line

[0062] 36 Alternative embodiment.

[0063] 37 Cross lock strap

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] Referring firstly to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a container 1, made of one layer of corrugated paperboard which includes a base 16, a plurality of end-walls 2, a plurality of sidewalls 5, apertures 3, that are cut through the end and sidewalls 2 and 5, stacking/airflow apertures 6, are cut into the base 16, lugs 4, with rectangular slots 7, cut though the face of the lugs 4, shown bent over at 90 degrees to the vertical sides and end walls 2 and 5.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of an insert 9, made of either a single or double layer of corrugated paperboard and includes a plurality of end walls and side walls 11, and 12, having locating lugs 14, at the base of the side walls 12 and having stacking tabs 10, at the upper edge of the end and side walls 11 and 12 and apertures 13 cut through both the end and side walls 11 and 12.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, A, B & C, a perspective, top and side views respectively of the container 1, with insert 9, placed inside of container 1 and secured in position by the locating tab 14, engaging the slot 8, cut into the base of container 1, as shown in the broken out section in FIG. 3B and by the tabs 4, which engage the stacking tabs 10, by means of protrusion through the slots 7, thereby creating a chamber 15, between the inner face of the side and end walls 2 and 5 of container 1 and the outer end and side walls 11 and 12, of insert 9. Cold air enters the chamber through the apertures 13 which envelopes the entire perimeter of the outer walls of the insert 9. Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of an exploded diagram showing the insert 9, the container 1, and 17, the insert 9, secured in position in container 1.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 5, a top view of container 1, with insert 9, secured in position clearly showing the chamber 15, surrounding the outer walls of the insert 9.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of a layer of 6 boxes abutting each other as well as sectioned views BB and CC through one layer of container 1, with the ends 2 and sides 3 abutting the adjacent containers in a 6 per layer configuration depicting the chambers 15, and the air flow entry point 18, into the chambers 15, that are formed by the inner walls of container 1, and the outer walls of insert 9.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 7, A, B and C, a perspective view of an alternative embodiment 19, where the container of 1, has extended sides 22, and extended ends 20, that are folded on the score lines 34 and 35 at right angles to form a U shape with the top of the U, 21, and the inner leg of the U, 22 and 20. The inner leg has a locating lug 14, at its lower extremity which engages into a slot 7 into base of the container, as shown in the broken out section in FIG. 7B the formation of the U shape forms a channel into which the cool air circulates through apertures 25, 23, 24 and 26.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view, of an alternate embodiment 27, being a Bliss style container with side wall glued in position by glue flaps 30, and having the same description as regarding the side and end walls, bending and locating descriptions as the container 19 in FIG. 7.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 9, a perspective view, of an alternative embodiment, 13, of the insert 9, whereby the top of the insert has a series of peaks 33.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 10, a perspective view, of an alternative embodiment 36, of the container 1, and insert 9, showing the insert 32, secured by tabs 4. The peaks 33. Indent the base of the loaded container placed on top of the container 36. This action forms a friction lock between the boxes when stacked in layers on a unitized pallet load of containers.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 11, a perspective view and a detail A, of an alternative embodiment 36, of the peaks 33, on the upper edge of insert 32 whereby a series of triangular shapes are cut into the top of the U, 21, so that when folded along the score lines 31 and 35, the peaks 33, pop out to form the basis for the fiction lock.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 12, A, a perspective of one layer of 6 containers 1, showing cross locking straps 37, that straddle the adjacent stacking lugs 10, thereby locking the containers abutting each other to one another. FIG. 12, B, a perspective of one layer of 6 containers 1, showing a cross locking strap disengaged from stacking lugs 10. The cross stacking strap can be used in conjunction with the container referred to in FIG. 3, A, and where the containers abutting each other as shown in the perspective view in FIG. 6, have enough surface to support the underside of cross locking strap 37. When the underside of the next layer of the containers engages the stacking tabs of the layer below the containers are locked together by the force of the weight of the loaded container.

Claims

1. A container for maintaining better ventilation of produce throughout the storage, ripening and shipment.

2. A container of claim 1 which includes a base, a pair of opposed end walls and a pair of opposed sidewalls.

3. The container of claim 1 having a series of tabs protruding from the upper edge of the opposing end and side walls and being bent inward at right angles to the plurality of opposing side and end walls and having rectangular slots cut into the face of the lugs.

4. The container of claim 1 having a corrugated insert that's height is equal to the height of the vertically oriented side walls and end walls of claim 2 and also having a pair of opposed end walls and a pair of opposed sidewalls whose flute direction is vertically orientated thus adding structural strength to the container of claim 1.

5. The insert of claim 4 which is located and secured in a predetermined position at the base by lugs protruding from the lower edge of the opposing end and, or side walls.

6. The container of claim 1 having rectangular slots cut into the base into which the lugs protruding from the lower edge of the insert of claim 5 engage.

7. The insert of claim 4 which is secured in a predetermined position at the top edge by lugs protruding from the upper edge of the opposing and end and side walls and secured in position by the tabs of claim 3.

8. A chamber that is formed between the inner face of the outer container of claim 1 and the outer face of the insert of claim 4.

9. The container of claim 1 having a series of apertures cut into the plurality of side, end walls and base thereby allowing cooled air to enter through the side-walls, end-walls, the base and the top of the of container so as to flood the chamber that encompasses the entire perimeter of the product contained therein

10. In an alternative embodiment the container in claim 1 having extended opposing end and side walls that are bent along 2 pairs of score lines so as to form a U shape that has a predetermined dimension between the 2 score lines and extended leg of the U having a length equal to the height of the walls of the container of claim 1.

11. The container of the embodiment in claim 10 having lugs protruding from the upper edge of the extended walls.

12. The lugs of claim 11 are engaged into the slots in claim 7 after being folded into a U shape.

13. The inner faces of the U now form a chamber that is an integral part of the container in claim 1.

14. The top of the U of claim 10 has a series of apertures cut to allow a passage between the top of the U and the apertures cut into the base of container in claim 2.

15. Yet another embodiment related to the insert of claim 4 whereas the upper edge of the opposing and side walls having a series of peaks and valleys.

16. The peaks of the insert of claim 15 indent the base of the container directly above thus creating a friction lock between the lower and upper containers in a palletized load.

17. The insert of claim 4 can either be produced from heavy weight corrugated paperboard of a single layer or double layer configuration thereby being able to add top to bottom compression strength independently of the container of claim 2.

18. A device for locking together containers that abut each other by means of straddling and engaging a pair of adjacent lugs of claim 7.

19. The chamber of claim 8 can be filled with insulating or cooling material such as refrigerant gel packs. The above claims may apply to other box styles such as Bliss and conventional four side trays.

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