REUSABLE PLASTIC CONTAINER FOR STORING AND SHIPPING OF PRODUCE

CONTENEUR EN PLASTIQUE REUTILISABLE DESTINE AU STOCKAGE ET A L'EXPEDITION DE MARCHANDISES

English Abstract

Blank. Technica/ Field: Containers that can be reused and that are suitable for the storage and transportation of produce. In this specification where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge, or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. Bananas are harvested in the tropical regions of Central and South America for consumption in North America, North American retailers of bananas specify the shipment of bananas on standard GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) pallets with a nominal footprint of 48" x 40". Retailers further specify that bananas be packaged in increments of 40 lbs. net product weight delivered to retail distribution centers. Bananas are typically shipped in refrigerated intermodal containers (Containers) via container ships from ports in South and Central America to ports on the east, central and west coast of the USA, then over the road to distributions centers. Standard 40-foot reefer containers can accommodate a total door loading height of about 83". GMA pallets have a nominal height of 5.5", allowing a net packaged product height of about 77.5". It is desirable to minimize the cost and environmental impact of shipping bananas by maximizing the quantity of bananas in 40 lb. package increments in a 48" x 40" x 77.5" rectangular prism, while also maximizing the delivered quality of the fruit. [0005] Prior to this invention, the industry-standard method for packaging bananas for shipment to North American retailers has been to pack in corrugated cardboard boxes that have been tailored to this application. Corrugated boxes for bananas are a 2-piece construction with outside dimensions of about 19.7" (50 cm) x 15.75" (40 cm) x 9.69" (24.6 cm) in height weighing 3 lbs. each. These boxes maximize the available space by fitting 2 boxes across the 40" dimension of the pallet and 3 boxes across the 48" dimension of the pallet for a total of 6 boxes per layer stacked 8 layers high on the pallet. The 2-piece box consists of a bottom box and a top cover that telescopes the full height of the box to contribute to stacking strength with double wall construction. In order to deliver 40 lbs. net weight of bananas, corrugated boxes are packed with about 41.5 lbs. of green fruit at the farms. Corrugated boxes weigh approximately 3 lbs. each, resulting in container loads that approach both the weight limit and the cubic space or cube limit of containers. [0006] Bananas are cut from stems into clusters of 4 to 9 banana fingers; each cluster having 2 rows of bananas referred to as the inner whirl on the concave side of the cluster and the outer whirl on the convex side of the cluster. Boxes are typically packed with 15 to 17 clusters per box to meet the net weight specification for major North American retailers. These clusters are packed in 4 lines or rows of fruit, crowns and inner whirl down, with each line containing 4 to 5 clusters across the longer 19.7" dimension of the box. The first 2 lines are packed overlapping in the center of the box with the 2 additional lines of fruit packed left and right overlapping the first two lines. such that the bananas are stacked up to 3 clusters or 6 banana fingers high in the box and with the 2nd line completely surrounded by bananas in the 1st, 3rd and 4th lines. The 4-line pack used in the traditional corrugated boxes generally results in the height of the fruit exceeding the height of the box at the time of packing, or high pack. The telescoping lid facilitates this high pack while still permitting boxes to be stacked on pallets. 41.5 lbs. of green fruit also cause flexible boxes to bulge in all directions. Due to the initial high pack situation with 4 lines of fruit combined with the tendency forring
back to engage the stop 22 on the sidewall 12.
[00039] In an exemplary embodiment, the edges of each endwall 11 and
sidewall
12 include a series of vertically-spaced "L" or "L"-shaped hooks 50 that allow
an endwall
11 to interlock with a sidewall 12 when both are upright and overlap when the
container
is in the "erected" position. This further promotes close coupling of the
endwalls 11 to
the sidewalls 12, promoting the structural integrity of the container 10 in
the "erected"
configuration and thereby reducing damage to the contents of the container.

[00040] While many conventional RPCs are collapsible by folding, they are
often
designed to take on their set-up configuration by latching of their end walls.
Such
endwall latching can result in inadvertent disengagement of the latches (and
resulting
collapse of the RPC) during carrying and stacking due to the exertion of
lateral forces
against the handles or end walls. This can result in damage to the contents of
the
container.As indicated above, an exemplary embodiment of the container has a
unique
design that employs latching of the sidewalls 12, which reduces inadvertent
disengagement, since lateral force against the handles and end walls during
carrying
and stacking will not disengage the latches. In addition, the use of "L" hooks
50 to
couple each sidewall 12 to each endwall 11 will further counteract any lateral
forces on
the handles and endwalls. FIG. 8 depicts a cross section of a sidewall 12 and
endwall
11 when coupled through the use of "L" hooks 50.
[00041] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the sidewalls 12 or
endwalls
11 will have an opening within which a door 40 is mounted in such a way that
does not
cut through the perimeter of the sidewall 12 or endwall 11. Such door 40,
which can be
constructed from the same material as the sidewall 12 or endwall 11, can be
hingeably
mounted or attached to the opening to allow the door 40 to pivot and be opened
and
closed. Opening the door 40 permits visual inspection and/or sampling of the
product in
the container 10, even when the container is within a stack of other
containers on a
pallet. The door 40 can be closed again, renewing the protective barrier that
the
endwall 11 or sidewall 12 provides to the contents of the container 10 in
storage or
transport. Preferably, when the door 40 is in the closed position, the door 40
is coupled
or attached to the sidewall 12 or endwall 11 by a clip 41 that prevents the
door 40 from
opening without user action.
[00042] FIG. 7 and FIG. 7a depict an exemplary embodiment with the opening
and
door 40 in the sidewall, and the clip 41 having the form of a spring tang.
This
embodiment of the curved fruit sampling door 40 incorporates a clip 41 that,
when

engaged, holds the door 40 closed and when disengaged allows the door 40 to
open to
provide access to the contents of the container 10. Preferably, the clip 41 is
a "low
profile spring tang" mechanism which fits within the thickness of the sidewall
12 or
endwall 11, not extending inside the curved surface of the sidewall 12 or
endwall 11 or
outside the plane as defined by the outside surface of the sidewall 12 or
endwall 11.
The mechanism of the clip 41 is reusable, allowing for repeated opening and
closing of
the sample door 40. The clip 41 is rotated outward to disengage the clip 41
and allow
the door 40 to open. The door 40 and clip 41 are rotated inward with slight
pressure to
engage the clip 41 and the latch bracket 42. Because of the door's 40
material, its
hinged connection 47 and the use of the clip 41 to secure it, the door 40 can
be opened
and closed repeatedly throughout the life of the container 10 without
affecting the
structural integrity of the container, the protection of the product in the
container, or the
life of the container.
[00043] In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the container 10 are
optimized for use in a particular product market or supply chain. It is
desirable to have
the maximum possible length of a container 10 without overhanging the pallets
on which
a container or multiple containers are placed. in the case of an exemplary
embodiment
of the container for use with bananas, where 40-inch by 48-inch pallets are
customarily
used, the optimum exterior length for a container 10 is about 24 inches (about
60.9 cm)
and the optimum exterior width is about 13,33 inches (about 33.9 cm). With
these
dimensions, the container 10 could be placed on pallets in a six-down
configuration, a
pallet loading pattern with three (3) containers across the approximately 40-
inch
dimension of the pallet and two (2) containers across the approximately 48-
inch
dimension. See FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 for illustrations of a "six-down"
configuration.
[00044] ln the North American retail supply chain, containers are likely
to be mixed
with conventional RPCs that are only about 23.5 inches (about 60 cm) in
exterior length.
Accordingly, it is desirable for the container 10 to be about 24 inches long
when erected

and filled with bananas, but only about 23.5 inches long when folded down to
facilitate
mixing of empty folded crates on pallets. The novel design approach
accomplishes the
increased length when erected, but does so without increasing the height of
folded
containers 10 to optimize the number of containers 10 that can be packed on
pallets for
return. FIG. 10a depicts the profile of one end of the container when in the
"collapsed"
configuration. Fig. 10b depicts the profile of the same end of the container
when in the
"erected" configuration, showing the additional length of the container in the
"erected"
configuration when compared to the length of the container in the "collapsed"
configuration. The approximately 24-inch length when erected maximizes banana
capacity and eliminates pallet underhang that exists with other RPCs, These
dimensions also close gaps between pallets for better transport stability and
airflow.
This brings the added benefit that corner boards can be properly used to
prevent the
flow of air between pallet loads in ripening rooms, so that ripening can be
more
precisely controlled.
[00045] In a preferred embodiment, a container 10 with an exterior
measuring
approximately 24 inches long by approximately 13.33 inches wide results in
interior
dimensions that facilitate packing of three (3) longer lines of curved fruit
(e.g., bananas)
per container. Three (3) lines don't pile as tall as the four-line arrangement
commonly
used in conventional banana containers, and this lower packing height results
in less
"high pack" damage to the banana in the container. FIG. 9a depicts the first
line of
packing of bananas. FIG. 9b depicts the second line of bananas packed over the
first
line, partially overlapping it. Finally, FIG. 9c depicts the third line of
bananas packed,
which also partially overlaps the first line. A preferred embodiment also
includes added
height to the container 10 to prevent "high pack" damage, with the preferred
exterior
height for a container for bananas being approximately 9,66 inches.
[00046] In a preferred embodiment, the container 10 includes some extra
material
60 in its dimensions to promote easier stacking without the need for perfect
alignment.

In an exemplary ernbodiment, this lead-in material 60 includes about 1/8 inch
to 1/2 inch
lead-in in both the length and width dimensions for easier stacking. Exemplary

containers can also be slid in and out of place for easier stacking and de-
stacking as a
result of this lead-in material.
[00047] In another embodiment, the endwalls 12 and sidewalls 11 are
optimized
for the storage of transportation of pineapples, specifically through the use
of wall
shaping and recessed areas designed to protect the barrels and crowns of
pineapples,
and the ability to adjust the height of the container 10 at the time of
packing to closely fit
the pineapples in the container.
[00048] While the application has been described in terms of various
specific and
preferred embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate that various
modifications,
substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made without departing from the
spirit
thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present application
be limited
solely by the scope of the following claims, including equivalents thereof.

French Abstract

Des conteneurs réutilisables et appropriés pour le stockage et la transportation de marchandises sont décrits. Dans la présente spécification où un document, une loi ou une connaissance est mentionné ou abordé, cette référence ou discussion ne constitue pas une admission selon laquelle le document, la loi ou la connaissance ou nimporte quelle combinaison de ceux-ci était à la date de priorité, accessible au public, connu du public, une partie des connaissances générales courantes ou constitue autrement un art antérieur en vertu des dispositions législatives applicables; ou est reconnu pertinent à une tentative de résoudre tout problème relatif à cette spécification. Des bananes sont cueillies dans les régions tropicales dAmérique centrale et du Sud pour la consommation en Amérique du Nord et les détaillants de bananes nord-américains précisent la cargaison de bananes sur les palettes standards de la GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) ayant une empreinte nominale de 48 po x 40 po. Les détaillants précisent en outre que les bananes doivent être emballées par palier de 18 kg (40 lb) de poids de produits net distribué aux centres de distribution au détail. Les bananes sont généralement expédiées dans des conteneurs multimodaux réfrigérés (conteneurs) par lintermédiaire de porte-conteneurs des ports en Amérique du Sud et centrale aux ports sur la côte Est, centrale et Ouest des États-Unis, puis par la route à destination des centres de distribution. Les conteneurs frigorifiques standards de 40 pieds peuvent accommoder une hauteur de chargement pour porte totale denviron 83 pouces. Les palettes de la GMA ont une hauteur nominale de 5,5 pouces et elles peuvent accommoder une hauteur de produit emballé nette denviron 77,5 pouces. Il est souhaitable de minimiser le coût et les répercussions environnementales du transport des bananes en maximisant la quantité de bananes en paliers demballage de 18 kg (40 lb) dans un prisme rectangulaire de 48 po x 40 po x 77,5 po et en maximisant la quantité délivrée de fruits. [0005] Avant la présente invention, le procédé standard dans lindustrie pour emballer des bananes en vue de leur expédition vers des détaillants nord-américains consistait à emballer dans des caisses en carton ondulé qui ont été adaptées à cette application. Les caisses en carton ondulé pour les bananes ont une conception en 2 pièces ayant des dimensions externes denviron 19,7 pouces (50 cm) x 15,75 pouces (40 cm) x 9,69 pouces (24,6 cm) de hauteur qui pèsent 1,5 kg (3 lb) chacune. Ces caisses maximisent lespace disponible en ajustant 2 caisses sur la dimension de 40 pouces de la palette et 3 caisses sur la dimension de 48 pouces de la palette pour un total de 6 caisses par couche empilées et une hauteur de 8 couches sur la palette. La caisse de 2 pièces consiste dune caisse à fond et dun couvercle supérieur qui loge de manière télescopique la hauteur totale de la caisse pour contribuer à la résistance à lempilement ayant une conception à double paroi. Pour livrer un poids net de bananes de 18 kg (40 lb), les caisses en carton ondulé sont remplies denviron 18,6 kg (41,5 lb) de fruits verts dans les fermes. Les caisses en carton ondulé pèsent environ 1,5 kg (3 lb) chacune, ce qui donne lieu à des chargements de conteneurs près de la limite de poids et de lespace cubique ou de la limite de cube des conteneurs. [0006] Les bananes sont découpées à partir des tiges en grappes de 4 à 9 doigts; chaque grappe ayant 2 rangées de bananes désignées comme le tourbillon interne sur le côté concave de la grappe et le tourbillon externe sur le côté convexe de la grappe. Les caisses sont généralement emballées avec 15 à 17 grappes par caisse pour respecter la spécification de poids net pour les grands détaillants nord-américains. Ces grappes sont emballées dans 4 lignes ou rangées de fruits, couronnes et tourbillon interne au bas, chaque ligne contenant 4 à 5 grappes sur la plus longue dimension de la caisse de 19,7 pouces. Les deux premières lignes sont emballées et elles se chevauchent au centre de la caisse avec 2 lignes de fruits supplémentaires emballées à gauche et à droite chevauchant les deux premières lignes, de telle sorte que les bananes sont empilées jusquà une hauteur de 3 grappes ou de 6 doigts dans la caisse et la deuxième ligne étant complètement entourée par des bananes dans les première, troisième et quatrième lignes. Lemballage de 4 lignes utilisé dans les 4 caisses en carton ondulé traditionnelles entraîne généralement une hauteur de fruits dépassant la hauteur de la caisse au moment de lemballage ou un emballage élevé. Le couvercle télescopique facilite cet emballage élevé tout en permettant lempilement de caisses sur les palettes. 18,6 kg (41,5 lb) de fruits verts font également que les casses flexibles poussent dans toutes les directions. En raison de la situation demballage élevé initiale ayant 4 lignes de fruits combinées avec la tendance.

Claims

23
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A plastic shipping container having bananas therein, the container
comprising
a base, two endwalls and two sidewalls that are each moveably coupled to the
base,
the container is able to assume an erected configuration in which the
sidewalls and
endwalls are all upright and a folded-down configuration in which the
sidewalls and
endwalls are all folded down, the container in the erected configuration
having an
exterior length that is about 24 inches, an exterior width that is about 13
inches, and
an exterior height that is about 9.66 inches, and
the bananas in the container having a weight of about 40 pounds and being
disposed in a three-line configuration, with their crowns facing down.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein each endwall is detachably coupled to
both
sidewalls.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein each of the sidewalls and the endwalls
is
moveably connected to the base using a plurality of hinges.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a plurality of
vent
holes in each of its sidewalls.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a sample door
that
is moveably connected to at least one of the sidewalls and endwalls.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein the container has a flat and smooth
interior
floor and smooth exterior floor.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein the three lines of bananas pile a
maximum
of two clusters high.

Description

1
REUSABLE PLASTIC CONTAINER FOR STORING AND SHIPPING OF PRODUCE
[0001] Blank.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field:
[0002] Containers that can be reused and that are suitable for the storage
and
transportation of produce.
Background:
[0003] In this specification where a document, act or item of knowledge is

referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission
that the
document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the
priority date,
publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge, or
otherwise
constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known
to be relevant
to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.
[0004] Bananas are harvested in the tropical regions of Central and South
America for consumption in North America. North American retailers of bananas
specify the shipment of bananas on standard GMA (Grocery Manufacturers
Association) pallets with a nominal footprint of 48" x 40. Retailers further
specify that
bananas be packaged in increments of 40 lbs. net product weight delivered to
retail
distribution centers. Bananas are typically shipped in refrigerated
interrnodal containers
(Containers) via container ships from ports in South and Central America to
ports on the
east, central and west coast of the USA, then over the road to distributions
centers.
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Standard 40-foot reefer containers can accommodate a total door loading height
of
about 83". GMA pallets have a nominal height of 5.5", allowing a net packaged
product height of about 77.5". It is desirable to minimize the cost and
environmental
impact of shipping bananas by maximizing the quantity of bananas in 40 lb.
package
increments in a 48" x 40" x 77,5" rectangular prism, while also maximizing the

delivered quality of the fruit.
[0005] Prior to this invention, the industry-standard method for
packaging
bananas for shipment to North American retailers has been to pack in
corrugated
cardboard boxes that have been tailored to this application. Corrugated boxes
for
bananas are a 2-piece construction with outside dimensions of about 19.7" (50
cm) x
'15.75" (40 cm) x 9.69" (24.6 cm) in height weighing 3 lbs. each. These boxes
maximize the available space by fitting 2 boxes across the 40" dimension of
the
pallet and 3 boxes across the 48" dimension of the pallet for a total of 6
boxes per
layer stacked 8 layers high on the pallet. The 2-piece box consists of a
bottom box
and a top cover that telescopes the full height of the box to contribute to
stacking
strength with double wall construction. In order to deliver 40 lbs. net weight
of
bananas, corrugated boxes are packed with about 41.5 lbs. of green fruit at
the
farms. Corrugated boxes weigh approximately 3 lbs. each, resulting in
container
loads that approach both the weight limit and the cubic space or cube limit of

containers.
=
[0006] Bananas are cut from stems into clusters of 4 to 9 banana
fingers;
each cluster having 2 rows of bananas referred to as the inner whirl on the
concave
side of the cluster and the outer whirl on the convex side of the cluster.
Boxes are
typically packed with 15 to 17 clusters per box to meet the net weight
specification
for major North American retailers. These clusters are packed in 4. lines or
rows of
fruit, crowns and inner whirl down, with each line containing 4 to 5 clusters
across
the longer 19.7" dimension of the box. The first 2 lines are packed
overlapping in the
center of the box with the 2 additional lines of fruit packed left and right
overlapping
the first two lines
=
2
=
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3
such that the bananas are stacked up to 3 clusters or 6 banana fingers high in
the box
and with the 2`16 line completely surrounded by bananas in the 1, 3 and 4th
lines.
[0007] The 4-line pack used in the traditional corrugated boxes generally
results
in the height of the fruit exceeding the height of the box at the time of
packing, or high
pack. The telescoping lid facilitates this high pack while still permitting
boxes to be
stacked on pallets. 41.5 ibs. of green fruit also cause flexible boxes to
bulge in all
directions. Due to the initial high pack situation with 4 lines of fruit
combined with the
tendency for bottoms to sag, stacking load is transferred directly through the
bananas
and ultimately shared between the bananas and the structure of the corrugated
box.
This stacking load on the bananas causes various forms of damage to the
bananas
including damage to crowns, feeder lines (necks), latex staining, point
scaring and high
pack damage.
[0008] To maximize stacking and handling strength of corrugated cardboard
boxes, ventilation is very limited, making it more difficult to control the
atmosphere
around the bananas during cooling and ripening. The insulation value of 2 or
more
layers of corrugated also adds to difficulty of controlling the temperature of
bananas
during the ripening process.
[0009] Problems associated with this present method include:
= High and rising recurring cost of single-use disposable corrugated boxes.
= High environmental burden of disposable corrugated boxes in terms of
solid
waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
= Damage of bananas in transit due to high pack, bottom sag and load
transfer
through the bananas.
= Load instability and damage of bananas in transit due to failure or
breakdown of
corrugated boxes in a high moisture environment,
= Difficulty in controlling temperature and atmosphere around the bananas
when
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4
packed in corrugated boxes due to lack of ventilation and insulation value of
the
corrugated boxes. Bananas are ripened in boxes placed in a ripening chamber or

ripening room, where control of the temperature and atmosphere around the
bananas is critical to optimum ripening.
[000101 In the past, attempts to duplicate the dimensions of the corrugated
box
with a more rigid, 5-sided, open top Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) have
proven to
be unsuccessful in shipping bananas. RPCs with covers; like corrugated banana
boxes, have proven to be costly, inefficient and weight prohibitive. Rigid
RPCs with 4
walls and a base are designed to handle all stacking load transferred through
the walls
and base of containers to the pallet with a safety margin to achieve many
years of life.
RPCs further rely on interlocking geometry of about .250" in of depth to
prevent RPCs
from shifting on pallets between layers. When RPCs are high packed, as in the
case of
a 4-1ine banana pack in an RPC of about 19.7" (50 cm) x 15.75" (40 cm) x 9.69"
(24.6
cm) in height, the base of the top RPC in a stack may not come in contact with
the wails
of the RPC below, preventing proper stacking and interlocking. The rigid
nature of the
RPC, along with the lack of a telescoping cover to protect the fruit; also
exacerbates
hard pack damage associated with high pack. This common 6-down, 8 high banana
box configuration does not successfully translate from corrugated to RPC
construction.
[00011] in the past, attempts have also been made to solve these problems
using
conventional RPCs that are otherwise used successfully to transport to many
other
produce items to North American retailers. Conventional RPCs have a footprint
of
about 23.5" (60 cm) x 15.75" (40 cm). This footprint utilizes the footprint of
48" x 40"
GMA pallet with a row of 3 RPCs lined up with the narrow RPC dimension of
15.75"
across the 48" dimension of the pallet on one edge and a row of 2 RPCs turned
perpendicular to the first row with the longer 23.5" dimension across the 48"
dimension
of the pallet. This is referred to as a 5-down footprint.
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5
[00012] Conventional RPCs can be packed with 3 fines of fruit to achieve
the 41.5
lbs. green fruit target due to the greater length of the container of 23.5"
vs. the length of
corrugated boxes of 19,7, however the reduced number of containers per layer
on the
pallet of 5 vs, 6 dramatically reduces the quantity of bananas per pallet
load_ This issue
has been somewhat mitigated by reducing the height of the RPC from 9.65" with
the
corrugated to about 9.22" in order for containers to be stacked 9 high on a
pallet, by
taking advantage of the reduced height of a 3 line pack, while introducing
increased risk
of high pack damage. However, this configuration still results in 6.25% less
fruit per
pallet load with only 45 (5 per layer, 9 high) containers per pallet load in
comparison to
48 (6 per layer 8 high) containers per pallet load with corrugated, This loss
in volume
efficiency manifests itself as a gap in the center top of the RPC between the
top 2 lines
of fruit, since the RPC is just as wide as the corrugated box, but with one
less line of
fruit. Furthermore, conventional RPCs of these dimensions weigh about 4 lbs.,
reducing
the net payload of bananas even in trailers with larger volume capacity when
compared
with bananas in 3 lb. corrugated boxes.
[00013] Such efforts have not been successful in the North American market
to
date due to problems associated with using conventional RPCs with bananas,
including:
= Conventional RPCs hold fewer bananas per pallet load than corrugated
boxes
due to only five (5) containers per layer fitting on a pallet versus six (6)
containers
per layer, increasing freight cost.
= Optimum ventilation across the about 40" dimension of the pallet cannot
be
achieved with conventional RPCs due to the perpendicular pattern of pallet
loading.
= Optimization of RPC height to maximize pallet density results in "high
packs" that
can cause damage to the banana at the top of a container by the container
above.
= Rigid RPC walls can also cause damage to bananas relative to more
flexible
corrugated walls.
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6
^ No reusable means for easy sampling of fruit without de-stacking the
RPCs.
= Conventional RPCs cannot duplicate the net payload achieved with
corrugated
banana boxes even in larger over the road trailers due to the greater tare
weight
of the container of 4 lbs. vs. 3 lbs. for corrugated.
SUMMARY
[00014] A novel design for a container has been developed that possesses
advantageous properties and functionality. For example, the container can
solve
problems associated with conventional corrugated banana boxes, RPCs with the
dimensions of conventional boxes and conventional RPCs with a 5-down
footprint. The
novel design can provide a more economical system for packing, cooling,
shipping,
ripening and merchandising bananas (and possibly other fruits, vegetables and
produce
items) that can improve food quality and reduce environmental impact.
[00015] Exemplary embodiments of the novel design can include one or more
of
these features:
[00016] New 6-Down Footprint ¨ An exemplary container can incorporate a
reverse pallet loading pattern with three (3) containers across the
approximately 40-inch
dimension of the pallet and two (2) containers across the approximately 48-
inch
dimension. This pattern is achieved with dimensions of about 24" (60.96 cm) x
13.33"
(33.87 cm). This is in contrast to the corrugated loading pattern with two (2)
containers
across the about 40-inch dimension and three (3) across the about 48-inch
dimension.
This footprint facilitates packing of three (3) longer lines of fruit per
container versus four
(4) shorter lines in a corrugated box. Three (3) lines pile a maximum of 2
clusters or 4
banana fingers high with one line on the bottom of the RPC, one line on the
top left and
one line on the top right extending across the longer 24" dimension of the
RPCs. This is
in comparison with the 4 line corrugated pack where lines are piled up to 3
clusters high
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=
or 6 banana fingers high. This results in less "high pack" damage with an RPC
that is
the same height as the corrugated box of about 9,65". This lower pack height
also
facilitates the interlocking stacking of one open top RPC on top of the walls
of
another open top RPC not achieved with RPCs of the same dimension as
corrugated
boxes.
= [00017] The narrower about 13.33" (33.87 cm) dimension
of the new RPC
optimizes the width of the RPC for a 3 line pack thus eliminating the open
channel in
the top center of a 3 line pack in a wider 15.75" (40 cm) 5-down RPC.
[00018] Further advantages of the new reverse 6-down footprint
include
=
exposure of all 3 lines of fruit in each RPC to forced air in ripening
chambers in
contrast to 4 line packs in corrugated boxes where the line of fruit is
totally
encapsulated in the other 3 lines.
[00019] Increased Ventilation -The new pallet loading pattern,
combined with
the high-strength plastic construction also facilitates much greater
ventilation across.
the top and/or bottom of each row of fruit or produce. The vent holes of the
container
are substantially greater than the size of the vent holes provided in
conventional
corrugated or RPC containers. The vent area for the container may be about two

times greater, about three times greater, about four times greater or about
five times
greater than the ventilation provided in a conventional corrugated or RPC
container.
This allows for increased ventilation. The greater ventilation can be about
two times =
greater, about three times greater. about four times greater or about five
times
greater than the ventilation provided in a conventional corrugated or RPC
container.
. .
This is in sharp contrast to the pattern found in corrugated packs, where
minimal
ventilation, is permissible and one of the four lines is almost completely
insulated .
from ventilation. Greater ventilation translates into better cooling,
temperature
management, ripening control, 'quality and shell' life for the produce in the
container..
This new pattern also solves the problems of conventional RPCs, permitting (1)
= equal container load volume
= =
7
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

=
=
for equal freight cost when compared to corrugated packs, (2) less "high pack"
damage
due to a taller container, (3) less wasted space due to a better fit, with a
three-line pack
in a narrower container, and (4) much better ventilation due to the alignment
of
. containers and vents across the approximately 40-inch pallet
dimension through which
all airflow is forced in ripening chambers. The new pallet loading pattern
allows the
=
- ventilation holes to line up consistently through all containers, there are
reduced
opening and channels for escape of forced air (often used in the ripening
process), and
this results in improved temperature management capabilities.
=
(00020) Greater Container Length and/or Width When Set Up Than When
Folded
Down -It is highly desirable to have the maximum possible length and/or width
of crates
or boxes without those crates or boxes overhanging the pallets on which they
rest. This
allows the proper use of corner boards and straps to secure the crates in
storage and
transport. In the case of exemplary embodiments of the new crate design, this
optimum
length is about 24 inches (about 60.9 cm). However, the crates will be used in
the
North American retail. supply chain where they will often be mixed with
conventional
= RPCs that are only about 23.5 inches (60 cm) in length. Therefore, it is
desirable for
the new crates to be about 24 inches long when set up and filled with fruit or
produce,
but only about 23.5 inches long when folded down to facilitate mixing of empty
folded
crates on pallets. This is accomplished by a unique and novel design approach
that not
only accomplishes increased length and/or width when set up, but also does so
without'
increasing the height of folded crates to optimize return freight. The full
approximately
24-inch length in the set-up mode maximizes fruit (e.g., banana) or produce
capacity
and eliminates pallet underhang of crates that exist with other RPCs. This
facilitates
=
proper use of corner boards and prevents or substantially limits the flow of
air between
. pallet loads in ripening rooms, to enhance ripening control.
[000211 Fruit Sampling -It is often desirable to randomly sample a fruit while
it is in
boxes or crates that are often stacked eight (8) layers high in ripening
rooms.
=
8
=
=
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

9
Corrugated boxes are cut open for sampling, using a knife. This procedure can
damage
fruit unnecessarily, and weakens the box, potentially contributing to further
box failure
and fruit damage. Conventional RPCs have no non-destructive means for fruit
sampling
when crates are stacked. The new crate has a unique and novel sample door to
provide fruit graders access to fruit in every crate on a pallet without de-
stacking. This
access door can be opened and closed repeatedly throughout the life of the
crate
without affecting the structural integrity of the crate, the protection of the
fruit (e.g.,
bananas) or produce in the crate, or the life of the crate. The sample door
may be
contoured to match the contour of the wall in which the sample door is in,
flexible to
provide cushioning to the contents and to prevent damage, and tight-fitting so
as not to
create edges and gaps which could damage the contents
[00022] Maximum Interior Volume ¨ Exemplary embodiments of the crate can
incorporate several additional features to maximize the internal volume of the
crate and
minimize damage to bananas. The floor of crates can be substantially flat and
smooth
monolithic sheets of plastic. This can maximize internal height and minimize
damage to
fruit (e.g., bananas) or produce in a crate from the crate above, Conventional
RPCs
incorporate features which project from a crate down into the crate below for
interlocking and stacking. Exemplary embodiments of our crate can interlock
with
features that project up from the top of crate walls only. Interior walls are
also curved
outward to the maximum dimensions to maximize internal volume, with all
structure
located on the perimeter of walls away from the curved fruit or produce. This
construction also makes walls more flexible, smooth, curved and compliant
where they
are contacted by the fruit (e.g., bananas) or produce, further minimizing
fruit or produce
damage.
[00023] Lead-in for Stacking ¨ Conventional RPCs provide interlocking
stacking,
but no lead-in, so that crates have to be perfectly aligned in length and
width for proper
stacking. Without such perfect alignment, a conventional RPC crate corner may
drop
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

to
down into the crate below and damage fruit or produce. Exemplary embodiments
of our
crate's unique design include about 118 inch to about 112 inch of lead-in in
both the
length and width dimensions for easier stacking. Exemplary crates can also be
slid in
and out of place for easier stacking and de-stacking.
[00024] Latching of Sidewalis ¨ Conventional RPCs that are collapsible by
folding
are often designed to take on their set-up configuration by latching of their
end walls. in
contrast, exemplary embodiments of our crate's unique design employ latching
of the
sidewalls.
[00025] Thus, according to one aspect, an exemplary RPC provides a
"collapsed"
configuration or an "erected" configuration comprised of a base, capable of
being
coupled or attached to a plurality of sidewalls and a plurality of endwalls.
The RPC can
further include two sidewalls, each sidewall coupled or attached to the base
so as to be
movable between an upright position when the container is in an "erected"
position and
a folded-down position when the container is in a "collapsed" position. The
RPC can
further include two endwalls, each endwall coupled to the base so as to be
movable
between an upright position when the container is an "erected" position and a
folded-
down position when the container is in a "collapsed" position. The RPC can
further
include an opening in each endwall for use as a handle for the container. The
RPC can
further include one or more latches on each endwall, each configured to couple
an
endwall to a sidewall when the container is in the "erected" configuration.
The RPC can
further include one or more stops on each sidewall, each stop corresponding to
a latch
and configured to be in contact with that latch when the container is in the
"erected"
configuration.
[00026] in an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement of plastic or resin
shipping
containers for shipping or storing bananas includes six shipping containers
arranged on
a top surface of a standard 48"-by-40" pallet; with three of the containers
arranged
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

11
across the 40" dimension of the pallet and two containers arranged across the
48"
dimension of the pallet, The arrangement provides three lines of bananas
within each
container compared to four shorter lines of bananas provided in a conventional

corrugated cardboard box. By providing three lines of bananas within each
container,
the bananas in the containers of the arrangement do not pile as high as the
bananas in
a conventional corrugated cardboard box, which results in less "high pack"
damage to
the bananas in the containers of the arrangement when compared with bananas
provided in the conventional corrugated cardboard box.
[00027] In an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement of plastic or resin
shipping
containers for shipping or storing bananas and providing enhanced ventilation
to the
bananas in the containers includes two or more containers arranged on a top
surface of
a standard 40"-by-48" pallet. In this arrangement, each container has two
endwalls and
two sidewalls and a plurality of vent holes in each of the sidewalls or
endwalls. At least
one container is arranged across the 40-inch dimension of the pallet and at
least one
other container is arranged across the 48-inch dimension of the pallet, so
that the
plurality of vent holes in the container sidewalls or endwalls completely or
substantially
align, providing enhanced ventilation to the bananas in the containers
resulting from
airflow passing through the pallet load in only one direction through the
plurality of vent
holes in the container sidewalls or endwalls.
[00028] In an exemplary embodiment, a resin or plastic shipping container
for
shipping or storing produce includes two endwalls and two sidewalls that are
moveably
connected or attached to each other to allow the container to assume an
"erected"
configuration, where the sidewalls and endwalls are all upright, and a "folded-
down"
configuration, where the sidewalls and endwalls are all folded down. In this
embodiment, the container has a greater length and/or width in the "erected"
configuration than in the "folded-down" configuration,
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

12
[00029] In an exemplary embodiment, a resin or plastic shipping container
for
shipping and storing produce and facilitating sampling of the produce during
shipping
and storage includes two endwalls and two sidewalls_ At least one of the
sidewalls or
endwalls has a sample door to allow one to non-destructively access produce in
the
container without having to de-stack the container from a stack comprised of
multiple
containers positioned on top of one another. The sample door is moveably
connected
to the at least one sidewall or endwall so that it can be repeatedly opened
and closed
without adversely affecting structural integrity of the container, without
damaging
produce in the container and without limiting the useable life of the
container.
[00030] In an exemplary embodiment, a resin or plastic shipping container
for
shipping or storing produce provides increased interior volume for holding
produce and
includes a substantially flat and smooth interior floor and substantially
smooth exterior
floor that maximizes internal height and minimizes damage to produce in the
container
from another container that is stacked on top of the container.
[00031] In an exemplary embodiment, a resin or plastic shipping container
for
shipping or storing produce allows "lead-in" stacking on top of another
container. The
container may include about 0.25" lead-in in length and/or width dimensions
that allows
for easier stacking of the container on top of another container than is
possible with
conventional reusable plastic containers that have interlocking stacking
capability but no
lead-in.
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

13
Brief Description of Drawings
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible container in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment, showing the endwalls and sidewalls.
FIG. 2 depicts six containers of the exemplary embodiment arranged in a single

layer "six-down" configuration on a pallet.
FIG. 3 depicts the intended airflow pattern through a plurality of containers
of the
exemplary embodiment that are stacked in a multi-layer "six-down"
configuration.
FIG. 3a depicts a container viewed from the side, showing the vent holes
through
which air may flow.
FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the latch mechanism once it has coupled
one endwall of the container to one sidewall of the container.
FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the latch mechanism as the sidewall is
being
moved toward the endwall to engage the latch and couple the sidewall to the
endwall.
FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the container that shows the recessed
areas
present in the endwalls and sidewalls.
FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of part of the sidewall in isolation from
the rest
of the container, with an access door on the sidewall and the door in the open
position.
FIG. 7a depicts a cross section of the sidewall showing the access door in the

closed position, with the access door coupled to the sidewall through the use
of a clip.
FIG. 8 depicts a cross section of a sidewall and endwall once coupled through
the use of "L" hooks.
FIGS. 9a, 9b, and 9c depict three line packing of bananas in an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 10a depicts the profile of one end of the container when in the
"collapsed"
configuration.
Fig. 10b depicts the profile of the same end of the container when in the
"erected" configuration, showing the additional length of the container in the
"erected"
configuration when compared to the length of the container in the "collapsed"
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

FIG. 11a depicts an endwall and its handle, where lead-in material can be
located. =
FIG. 11 b depicts an enlarged view of the handle of FIG. 11 a, rotated
about 90 degrees, showing the lead-in material.
Drawings -reference numerals:
10: collapsible container
=
11: endwall
=
12: sidewall
13: base
14: ventilation hole
15: handle
= =
20: latch
22: stop =
23: inside edge of sidewall
30: recess in endwall
31: recess in sidewall
40: door
41: clip-
.
42: latch bracket
= 45: hinge
= 47: door hinge
=
=
14
=
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

15
50: "L" hook
60: lead-in
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

16
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00032] An exemplary embodiment is depicted in FIG. 1 as a collapsible
container
for the storage and transport of produce. The container 10 as fully erected
includes
a base 13 that extends in a horizontal plane, two endwalls 11 that extend in
respective
vertical planes, and two sidewalls 12 that extend in respective vertical
planes.
[00033] The container 10 is molded from a plastic or resin material, such
as, for
example, polypropylene, a resin or thermoplastic polymer or combination
thereof.
Suitable materials can include resins, plastics or thermoplastics including,
but not
limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane,
polyester,
epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polystyrene, polycarbonate, combinations thereof
and the
like. The container 10 has a construction that is designed to be strong
relative to its
weight. The material of the container allows it to be rigid enough to maintain
its
structural form when erected for storage or transportation, thereby protecting
the
produce it contains. At the same time, the material of the base 13, endwalls
11, and
sidewalls 12 of the container 10 are flexible enough to minimize damage to the
contents
of the container.
[00034] The interior of the container 10 is primarily defined by the base
13,
sidewalls 12 and endwalls 11. A handle 15 is located near the top center of
each
endwail 11. The base 13 is preferably a flat and smooth monolithic sheet of
plastic.
This maximizes internal height and minimizes damage to produce on the top of
the
container due to contact from the container above. The shape of the endwalls
11,
sidewalis 12, and base 13 are designed to reduce bruising conditions for the
contents of
the container. There are expansive, recessed areas (30, 31) in the endwalls
and
sidewalls. Much of the structure of the container; including hinges 45, stops
22, and
latches 20 (each of which will be detailed below), is designed to be located
on the
perimeter of the walls away from the curved contents of the container.
Preferably, the
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

17
container has features for interlocking with other containers that project up
from the top
of container walls. The endwalls 11 and sidewalls 12 are preferably curved
outward to
maximize internal volume, and are constructed to be flexible, smooth, curved
and
compliant to minimize damage due to contact with the contents of the
container.
[00035] Because the container is designed to hold produce that may be
purposely
ripened while in the container, the container has various ventilation holes 14
along its
sidewalls 12 and base 13, which allow for forced air to travel to the produce
while
packed in the container. FIG. 3 depicts the intended airflow pattern through a
plurality
of containers of an exemplary embodiment that are stacked in a MUlti-layer
"six-down"
configuration. The placement of the ventilation holes 14 is designed to permit

substantial alignment of the ventilation holes 14 of several containers when
stacked on
a pallet, which is a typical arrangement of the containers when filled with
produce that
are subject to ripening by forced air in a ripening room or ripening chamber.
This
alignment creates a pathway for the forced air to easily reach produce that is
stacked in
the containers throughout the pallet.
[00036] The endwalls 11 and sidewalls 12 of the container can be connected
to
the base 13 through the use of a plurality of hinges 45 or other movable
couplings. FIG.
7 depicts the hinges 45 on the sidewall The hinges 45 will permit the endwalls
11 and
sidewalls 12 to be folded down toward the base 13 when the container is in the

"collapsed" configuration, and the hinges 45 will allow the endwalls 11 and
sidewalls 12
to be moved to an upright position when the container is in the "erected"
configuration.
In changing the container from the "erected" configuration to the "collapsed"
configuration, the first sidewall 12 will be folded down over the base 13,
then the second
sidewall 12 will be folded down toward the base 13 and will overlap part of
the first
sidewall 12. Next, the two endwalis 11 will be folded down toward the base 13
and over
the sidewails 12, This "collapsed" configuration results in the container
being made
much more compact than when in the "erected configuration." The relatively
flat,
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

18
compact container in the "collapsed" configuration can be easily transported
for reuse.
When in the "collapsed" configuration, many of the containers can be stacked
for easy
transport and/or storage.
[00037] From the "collapsed" or "folded down" configuration, the container
can be
changed into the "erected" configuration by first unfolding the endwalls 11
and raising
each of them to an upright position. Then, one sidewall 12 is raised and is
coupled to
the two endwalls 11. Finally, the second sidewall 12 is raised and is coupled
to the two
endwalls 11.
[00038] Several features of an exemplary embodiment of the container can
aid in
assembly, specifically the transition of the container from a "collapsed"
configuration to
an "erected" configuration. Some of these are shown in FIG. 4 and FIG_ 5. An
exemplary embodiment uses a latch 20 and stop 22 to couple the sidewall 12 to
the
endwall 11. When the inside edge 23 of the sidewall passes the latch 20, the
latch 20
springs back into position and hits a stop 22 on the sidewall 12. This contact
between
the latch 20 and stop 22 can result in a clicking sound that helps the user
know that the
latch 20 has engaged the stop 22 and that the endwall 11 and sidewall 12 are
thereby
coupled, The latch 20 can be flexed or otherwise actuated to enable it to
first become
displaced while the edge of the sidewall 12 contacts it and passes by it, but
then spring
back to engage the stop 22 on the sidewall 12.
[00039] In an exemplary embodiment, the edges of each endwall 11 and
sidewall
12 include a series of vertically-spaced "L." or "12-shaped hooks 50 that
allow an endwall
11 to interlock with a sidewall 12 when both are upright and overlap when the
container
is in the "erected" position. This further promotes close coupling of the
endwalls 11 to
the sidewalls 12, promoting the structural integrity of the container 10 in
the "erected"
configuration and thereby reducing damage to the contents of the container.
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

19
[00040] While many conventional RPCs are collapsible by folding, they are
often
designed to take on their set-up configuration by latching of their end was.
Such
endwall latching can result in inadvertent disengagement of the latches (and
resulting
collapse of the RPC) during carrying and stacking due to the exertion of
lateral forces
against the handles or end walls. This can result in damage to the contents of
the
container. As indicated above, an exemplary embodiment of the container has a
unique
design that employs latching of the sidewalls 12, which reduces inadvertent
disengagement, since lateral force against the handles and end walls during
carrying
and stacking will not disengage the latches. In addition, the use of "L" hooks
50 to
couple each sidewall 12 to each endwall 11 will further counteract any lateral
forces on
the handles and endwalls. FIG, 8 depicts a cross section of a sidewall 12 and
endwall
11 when coupled through the use of "L" hooks 50.
[00041] in an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the sidewalls 12 or
endwalls
11 will have an opening within which a door 40 is mounted in such a way that
does not
cut through the perimeter of the sidewall 12 or endwall 11. Such door 40,
which can be
constructed from the same material as the sidewall 12 or endwall 11, can be
hingeably
mounted or attached to the opening to allow the door 40 to pivot and be opened
and
closed. Opening the door 40 permits visual inspection and/or sampling of the
product in
the container 10, even when the container is within a stack of other
containers on a
pallet. The door 40 can be closed again, renewing the protective barrier that
the
endwall 11 or sidewall 12 provides to the contents of the container 10 in
storage or
transport. Preferably, when the door 40 is in the closed position, the door 40
is coupled
or attached to the sidewall 12 or endwall 11 by a clip 41 that prevents the
door 40 from
opening without user action.
[00042] FIG, 7 and FIG. 7a depict an exemplary embodiment with the opening
and
door 40 in the sidewall, and the clip 41 having the form of a spring tang.
This
embodiment of the curved fruit sampling door 40 incorporates a clip 41 that,
when
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

20
engaged, holds the door 40 closed and when disengaged allows the door 40 to
open to
provide access to the contents of the container 10. Preferably, the clip 41 is
a "low
profile spring tang" mechanism which fits within the thickness of the sidewall
12 or
endwall 11, not extending inside the curved surface of the sidewall 12 or
endwall 11 or
outside the plane as defined by the outside surface of the sidewall 12 or
endwall 11.
The mechanism of the clip 41 is reusable, allowing for repeated opening and
closing of
the sample door 40. The clip 41 is rotated outward to disengage the clip 41
and allow
the door 40 to open. The door 40 and clip 41 are rotated inward with slight
pressure to
engage the clip 41 and the latch bracket 42. Because of the door's 40
material, its
hinged connection 47 and the use of the clip 41 to secure it, the door 40 can
be opened
and closed repeatedly throughout the life of the container 10 without
affecting the
structural integrity of the container, the protection of the product in the
container, or the
life of the container.
[00043] In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the container 10 are
optimized for use in a particular product market or supply chain. it is
desirable to have
the maximum possible length of a container 10 without overhanging the pallets
on which
a container or multiple containers are placed. in the case of an exemplary
embodiment
of the container for use with bananas, where 40-inch by 48-inch pallets are
customarily
used, the optimum exterior length for a container 10 is about 24 inches (about
60.9 cm)
and the optimum exterior width is about 13.33 inches (about 33.9 cm). With
these
dimensions, the container 10 could be placed on pallets in a six-down
configuration, a
pallet loading pattern with three (3) containers across the approximately 40-
inch
dimension of the pallet and two (2) containers across the approximately 48-
inch
dimension. See FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 for illustrations of a "six-down"
configuration.
[00044] In the North American retail supply chain, containers are likely to
be mixed
with conventional RPCs that are only about 23.5 inches (about 60 cm) in
exterior length.
Accordingly, it is desirable for the container 10 to be about 24 inches long
when erected
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

21
and filled with bananas, but only about 23.5 inches long when folded down to
facilitate
mixing of empty folded crates on pallets. The novel design approach
accomplishes the
increased length when erected, but does so without increasing the height of
folded
containers 10 to optimize the number of containers 10 that can be packed on
pallets for
return. FIG. 10a depicts the profile of one end of the container when in the
"collapsed"
configuration. Fig. 10b depicts the profile of the same end of the container
when in the
"erected" configuration, showing the additional length of the container in the
"erected''
configuration when compared to the length of the container in the "collapsed"
configuration. The approximately 24-inch length when erected maximizes banana
capacity and 'eliminates pallet underhang that exists with other RPCs. These
dimensions also close gaps between pallets for better transport stability and
airflow.
This brings the added benefit that corner boards can be properly used to
prevent the
flow of air between pallet loads in ripening rooms, so that ripening can be
more
precisely controlled.
[00045] In a preferred embodiment, a container 10 with an exterior
measuring
approximately 24 inches long by approximately 13.33 inches wide results in
interior
dimensions that facilitate packing of three (3) longer lines of curved fruit
(e.g., bananas)
per container. Three (3) lines don't pile as tall as the four-line arrangement
commonly
used in conventional banana containers, and this lower packing height results
in less
"high pace damage to the banana in the container. FIG. 9a depicts the first
line of
packing of bananas. FIG, 9b depicts the second line of bananas packed over the
first
line, partially overlapping it. Finally, FIG. 9c depicts the third line of
bananas packed,
which also partially overlaps the first line, A preferred embodiment also
includes added
height to the container 10 to prevent "high pack" damage, with the preferred
exterior
height for a container for bananas being approximately 9.66 inches.
[00046] In a preferred embodiment, the container 10 includes some extra
material
60 in its dimensions to promote easier stacking without the need for perfect
alignment.
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

22
In an exemplary embodiment, this lead-in material 60 includes about 1/8 inch
to 1/2 inch
lead-in in both the length and width dimensions for easier stacking. Exemplary

containers can also be slid in and out of place for easier stacking and de-
stacking as a
result of this lead-in material.
[00047] In another embodiment, the endwalls 12 and sidewalls 11 are
optimized
for the storage of transportation of pineapples, specifically through the use
of wall
shaping and recessed areas designed to protect the barrels and crowns of
pineapples,
and the ability to adjust the height of the container 10 at the time of
packing to closely fit
the pineapples in the container.
[00048] While the application has been described in terms of various
specific and
preferred embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate that various
modifications,
substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made without departing from the
spirit
thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present application
be limited
solely by the scope of the following claims, including equivalents thereof.
CA 3024777 2018-11-20

Representative Drawing