Container assembly

Details Container assembly Container assembly

2001-12-28

2003-12-23

Young, Lee (Department: 3727)

Receptacles

Sectional

Container formed of only two similar sections

C220S669000, C220S671000, C220S676000, C220S315000, C220S324000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06666348

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to containers for perishable items such as fruit and vegetables and, in particular, to a container designed to facilitate high speed packaging and maintain packaged items in a protected, vented structure during shipping and storage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One of the more important aspects in the food industry is packaging of perishable items for delivery to market. The packaging must be accomplished with speed and must protect the packaged goods for a significant period of time for delivery. Saving man hours in packaging and reducing spoilage of perishable goods both contribute directly to profitability in the industry.
With regard to packaging of perishable items, the conventional method is to fill individual containers either by hand or mechanically. After the containers are filled a closure or top must be applied to the containers in such a manner that the closure or top will not be dislodged in normal shipping conditions. This application and sealing of the top or closure is a labor intensive operation.
With regard to the package itself, plastic materials have generally replaced the use of natural fibers and materials. The old baskets and sacks had both strength and porosity sufficient to maintain the integrity of the package and provide ventilation to the items inside. However, these older materials have been replaced, in large part, by plastic bags and plastic boxes. To provide adequate ventilation to the interior of the these molded or extruded plastic containers requires some form of perforation of the walls of the containers. The amount of perforation is restricted in these plastic containers because the perforations reduce the strength of the material. With a small number of perforations, the possibility of ventilation becoming blocked increases. Without proper ventilation, the perishable goods inside the package quickly become damaged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Disclosed is a container assembly adapted for high speed packaging of perishable items. The container is formed with perforate ribbed walls to add rigidity and allow air to circulate through the package. The ribs are shaped to maintain the perforations open during stacking and shipping. The mouth of the container has a peripheral flange. The flange has living or integral hinged closures for securing a separate top.
Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a container which may be filled and securely closed with a minimum amount of labor.
It is also an object of this invention to provide a plastic container with perforations providing adequate ventilation for perishable goods.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a container shaped to prevent the perforations from being closed during shipment.
Another object of the invention is to provide a the container with a mouth structure which permits high speed registration of a separate closure therewith.
It is a further object of invention to provide the mouth structure with hinged fasteners which may be mechanically closed to secure the closure to the container.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1509549 (1924-09-01), Freeland
patent: 2935108 (1960-05-01), Hall
patent: 3186574 (1965-06-01), Davidson
patent: 3330434 (1967-07-01), Bromley
patent: 3396867 (1968-08-01), Garriga
patent: 3403713 (1968-10-01), Good et al.
patent: 4079880 (1978-03-01), Edwards
patent: 4776459 (1988-10-01), Beckerman et al.
patent: 4986438 (1991-01-01), Borst
patent: 5031768 (1991-07-01), Fischer
patent: 5048707 (1991-09-01), Hallberg
patent: 5060814 (1991-10-01), Oglesbee
patent: 5377860 (1995-01-01), Littlejohn et al.
patent: 5456379 (1995-10-01), Krupa et al.
patent: D377450 (1997-01-01), Krupa et al.
patent: D378192 (1997-02-01), Krupa et al.
patent: 5601206 (1997-02-01), Haas et al.
patent: 5695087 (1997-12-01), Tutton et al.
patent: 5860549 (1999-01-01), Allers et al.
patent: 6305546 (2001-10-01), Saunders et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Container assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Container assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Container assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3160400