COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER FOR PERISHABLE GOODS

Abstract

A collapsible container for perishable goods including: a rectangular frame; supporting members releasably connectable to the rectangular frame; and a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular frame. The bag is configured to accommodate the rectangular frame, which is supported by two supporting Π-shaped members connected to opposite sides of the frame by terminals.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to packaging, shipping and warehousing, and more specifically, to a stackable collapsible container for perishable goods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of container systems utilized to package perishable goods are known in the art. The packaging of food products for shipment in compartmentalized containers presents several problems. The containers designed for shipping perishable goods should be cushioned to prevent contents from breakage. Such breakage results from impacts to the containers that inevitably occur during loading and unloading, and also during transit on a vehicle. Along with cushioning the perishable foods, in terms of storing and transporting empty containers for perishable goods, high degree of container collapsibility should be achieved. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,820,268, 6,007,467, 6,080,096 and 6,513,703 disclose collapsible carton boxes.

It should be emphasized that a step of converting each carton box from collapsed into operation position is sufficiently laborious. Specifically, this step includes at least 5 manipulations: one manipulation corresponds to deploying the container from a flat position into a three-dimensional position and two manipulations correspond to upper and lower flaps.

Thus, there is a long-left and unmet need to provide a collapsible container for shoring and shipping characterized minimal labor required for its assembling and disassembling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is hence one object of the invention to disclose a collapsible container for perishable goods. The aforesaid container comprises (a) a rectangular frame; (b) supporting members releasably connectable to the rectangular frame; and (c) a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular frame and configured for accommodating the perishable goods.

It is a core purpose of the invention to provide the rectangular frame supported by two supporting Π-shaped members connected to opposite sides of the frame by means of terminals thereof.

Another object of the invention is to disclose the container having collapsed and assembled positions. The collapsed position is characterized by the supporting members nested within the frame. The assembled position is characterized by the supporting members mechanically perpendicularly connected to the underside of the rectangular frame.

Another object of the invention is to disclose the bag rim mechanically secured to the perimeter of the rectangular frame such that the portion for accommodating the goods is downwardly housed into the rectangular frame.

Another object of the invention is to disclose a rim portion bent over the perimeter and mechanically secured to outer surface of the main portion of the bag such that the portion for accommodating the goods is downwardly housed into the rectangular frame.

Another object of the invention is to disclose the container comprising stacking means having male and female connectors disposed on a top surface of the rectangular frame and a lower surface of the supporting member.

Another object of the invention is to disclose the supporting members which are height-adjustable and comprise a plurality of parts stack-mounted end wise.

Another object of the invention is to disclose the container comprising a safety net mounted underneath the bag. The safety net prevents the bag from rupture and the goods accommodated in the bag from spillage.

Another object of the invention is to disclose a method of storing and transporting perishable goods. The aforesaid method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of collapsible containers for perishable goods; each container further comprising: (i) a rectangular frame; (ii) supporting members releasably connectable to the rectangular frame; and (iii) a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular frame and configured for accommodating the perishable goods; the rectangular frame is supportable by two supporting Π-shaped members connected to opposite sides of the frame by means of terminals thereof; (b) converting the containers from a collapsed position into an assembled position; (c) filling the assembled containers with the perishable goods; (d) stacking the filled containers in a storage area or aboard; (e) storing or transporting the perishable goods; (f) emptying the perishable goods out of the containers; and (g) converting the containers from the assembled position into the collapsed position.

Another object of the invention is to disclose the step of stacking the container comprising connecting male and female connectors disposed on a top surface of the rectangular frame and a lower surface of the supporting member.

Another object of the invention is to disclose the method comprising a step of adjusting height of the supporting members by means of changing a number of parts which are stack-mounted end wise.

Another object of the invention is to disclose the method comprising a step of preventing the bag from rupture and the goods accommodated in the bag from spillage by means of a safety net mounted underneath the bag.

Another object of the invention is to disclose container for perishable goods. The aforesaid container comprises (a) a rectangular frame; and (b) legs releasably connectable to corners of said rectangular frame. The perishable goods are carried by two orthogonally placed sheets of a flexible material secured to opposite side elements of said frame.

Another object of the invention is to disclose each sheet secured to said rectangular frame by means of looping terminals of said sheet around opposite side frame elements and welding said terminals back to said sheet.

Another object of the invention is to disclose the orthogonally are placed sheets welded to each other.

Another object of the invention is to disclose a method of producing a container for perishable goods. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a rectangular frame; (b) providing two sheets of a flexible material; (c) securing said sheets to opposite side frame elements in an orthogonal manner; (d) providing legs connectable to corners of said rectangular frame; and (e) connecting said legs to said corners of said rectangular frame.

Another object of the invention is to disclose the step of securing said sheets to said rectangular frame comprising looping terminals of each sheet around opposite side frame elements and welding said terminals back to said sheet such that said sheet is configured for carrying said perishable goods.

Another object of the invention is to disclose the method comprises a step of welding orthogonally placed sheets to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments is adapted to now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1 is a schematic general view of a framework of the collapsible container;

FIG. 2 is a photograph of the container in an assembled position;

FIGS. 3 a and 3b schematically illustrate bag securement to the frame;

FIG. 4 is a photograph of the container in a collapsed position;

FIG. 5 is a schematic general view of a framework provided with a safety net;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a container with orthogonal sheets;

FIGS. 7-9 are schematic top views of the container; and

FIG. 10 is a photograph of the container with orthogonal sheets

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is provided, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a collapsible container for perishable goods and a method of storing and shipping the perishable goods.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, showing a framework 100 of the collapsible container for perishable goods. The framework 100 comprises a rectangular frame 110 and Π-shaped supporting members 120 mechanically connected underneath to the frame 110. The Π-shaped supporting members ere herein defined as having two opposing legs and a horizontal interconnecting cross piece. The frame 110 is provided with slots (not shown) configured for receiving terminals of the Π-shaped supporting members 120 and reliably fixating in an assembled (operation) position. The frame 110 and supporting members 120 have mutually conformal stacking means 130 and 140, respectively. One of them is configured as male connector and second as female.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, presenting a collapsible container 200 in an assembled position. Specifically, a bag 230 is downwardly housed into the rectangular frame 210 and configured for accommodating the perishable goods (not shown). The rectangular frame is supported by Π-shaped members 220.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3a and 3b, presenting a bag placed onto the rectangular frame 220.

In FIG. 3a, the bag has a main portion 230 for accommodating the goods in bulk and a rim portion 230 of the bag. The rim portion is bent over the frame 210 and mechanically secured to outer surface 250 of the main portion 230 of the bag. The portion 320 for accommodating the goods is downwardly housed into the rectangular frame 310 such that goods to be loaded, stored or shipped within the portion 320 can be placed in its internal volume so formed.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 3b, the rim portion 240 is mechanically secured to the perimeter of the frame 210 (not shown). The bag can be of a rectangular cross-section enlarging from a bottom to the rim portion. The bag is secured to the frame by means of glue, clamps, sutures and any combination thereof.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 showing the container for perishable goods in a collapsed position. Specifically, the Π-shaped members 220 are nested within the rectangular frame 210. Container assemblage includes only two manipulations. Specifically, in order to convert the container into a serviceable condition, two Π-shaped members 220 should be connected to the rectangular frame 210.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, presenting a specific embodiment of the present invention. The collapsible framework 300 is provided with a safety net 340 which is mounted underneath the bag. The safety net prevents the bag from rupture and the goods accommodated in the bag from spillage. Additionally, each of two Π-shaped members comprises a plurality of parts 320 which are stack-mounted end wise. A height of the supporting members can be adjusted by means of changing a number of parts 320 which are stack-mounted end wise.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6 presenting a partial schematic view of a container 400 for perishable goods which are carried by two sheets 420 and 430 of commercially available flexible material such as Nylon® or similar. The aforesaid sheets are downwardly housed into the rectangular frame 410. Both terminal portions 440 and 450 of sheets 420 and 430, respectively, are secured to the rectangular frame 410 by means of looping terminal portions 440 and 450 around opposite side frame elements and welding them back to the sheets 420 and 430. Numbers 460 and 470 refer to corresponding welding lines on the sheets 420 and 430, respectively. Any positions of welding lines 460 and 470 are in the scope of the present invention. A side gap between sheets 420 and 430 provides the perishable goods with additional ventilation during storing or transportation.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7-9, showing different welding patterns of orthogonally placed flexible sheets. The flexible sheets are welded to each other to provide higher mechanical stability of the container for perishable goods. Specifically, in FIG. 7, a large portion 480 of a container bottom is welded. In FIG. 8, welded areas 490 are parallel to the side elements of the frame 410. FIG. 9 presents spot-like welding areas 500.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10 showing a photograph of an exemplar container. Two orthogonally placed sheet of plastic 420 and 430. The frame is supported by 4 legs 415.

In accordance with the present invention, a collapsible container for perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid container comprises (a) a rectangular frame; (b) supporting members releasably connectable to the rectangular frame; and (c) a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular frame and configured for accommodating the perishable goods.

It is a feature purpose of the invention to provide the rectangular frame supported by two supporting Π-shaped members connected to opposite sides of the frame by means of terminals thereof.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the container has collapsed and assembled positions. The collapsed position is characterized by the supporting members nested within the frame; the assembled position is characterized by the supporting members mechanically perpendicularly connected to the underside of the rectangular frame.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the bag rim is mechanically secured to the perimeter of the rectangular frame such that the portion for accommodating the goods is downwardly housed into the rectangular frame.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a rim portion is bent over the perimeter and mechanically secured to outer surface of the main portion of the bag such that the portion for accommodating the goods is downwardly housed into the rectangular frame.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises stacking means having male and female connectors disposed on a top surface of the rectangular frame and a lower surface of the supporting member.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the supporting members are height-adjustable and comprise a plurality of parts stack-mounted end wise.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the container comprises a safety net mounted underneath the bag. The safety net prevents the bag from rupture and the goods accommodated in the bag from spillage.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of storing and transporting perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of collapsible containers for perishable goods; each container further comprising: (i) a rectangular frame; (ii) supporting members releasably connectable to the rectangular frame; and (iii) a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular frame and configured for accommodating the perishable goods; the rectangular frame is supportable by two supporting Π-shaped members connected to opposite sides of the frame by means of terminals thereof; (b) converting the containers from a collapsed position into an assembled position; (c) filling the assembled containers with the perishable goods; (d) stacking the filled containers in a storage area or aboard; (e) storing or transporting the perishable goods; (f) emptying the perishable goods out of the containers; and (g) converting the containers from the assembled position into the collapsed position.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the step of stacking the container comprises connecting male and female connectors disposed on a top surface of the rectangular frame and a lower surface of the supporting member.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises a step of adjusting height of the supporting members by means of changing a number of parts which are stack-mounted end wise.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises a step of preventing the bag from rupture and the goods accommodated in the bag from spillage by means of a safety net mounted underneath the bag.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a container for perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid container comprises (a) a rectangular frame; and (b) legs releasably connectable to corners of said rectangular frame. The perishable goods are carried by two orthogonally placed sheets of a flexible material secured to opposite side elements of said frame.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, each sheet is secured to said rectangular frame by means of looping terminals of said sheet around opposite side frame elements and welding said terminals back to said sheet.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the orthogonally are placed sheets are welded to each other.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of producing a container for perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a rectangular frame; (b) providing two sheets of a flexible material; (c) securing said sheets to opposite side frame elements in an orthogonal manner; (d) providing legs connectable to corners of said rectangular frame; and (e) connecting said legs to said corners of said rectangular frame.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the step of securing said sheets to said rectangular frame comprises looping terminals of each sheet around opposite side frame elements and welding said terminals back to said sheet such that said sheet is configured for carrying said perishable goods.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises a step of welding orthogonally placed sheets to each other.

Claims

1. A collapsible container for perishable goods; said container comprising: a. a rectangular frame 110;b. supporting members 120 releasably connectable to said rectangular frame; andc. a bag 230 downwardly housed into the rectangular frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods;wherein said rectangular frame is supported by two supporting inverted Π-shaped members connected to opposite sides of said frame by means of legs of said members.

2. The container according to claim 1 having collapsed and assembled positions; said collapsed position is characterized by said supporting members nested within said frame; said assembled position is characterized by said supporting members mechanically perpendicularly connected to the underside of the rectangular frame.

3. The container according to claim 1, wherein said bag rim is mechanically secured to said perimeter of said rectangular frame such that said portion for accommodating said goods is downwardly housed into said rectangular frame.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein a rim portion is bent over said perimeter and mechanically secured to outer surface of said main portion of said bag such that said portion for accommodating said goods is downwardly housed into said rectangular frame.

5. The container according to claim 1 comprising stacking means having male and female connectors disposed on a top surface of said rectangular frame and a lower surface of said supporting member.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein said supporting members are height adjustable and comprise a plurality of parts stack-mounted end wise.

7. The container according to claim 1 comprising a safety net mounted underneath said bag; said preventing said bag from rupture and said goods accommodated in the bag from spillage.

8. A method of storing and transporting perishable goods; said method comprising the steps of: a. providing a plurality of collapsible containers for perishable goods; each container further comprising: i. a rectangular frame 110;ii. supporting members 120 releasably connectable to said rectangular frame; andiii. a bag 230 downwardly housed into the rectangular frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods;said rectangular frame 110 is supportable by two supporting Π-shaped members 120 connected to opposite sides of said frame by means of terminals thereof.b. converting said containers from a collapsed position into an assembled position;c. filling said assembled containers with said perishable goods;d. stacking said filled containers in a storage area or aboard;e. storing or transporting said perishable goods;f. emptying said perishable goods out of said containers; andg. converting said containers from said assembled position into said collapsed position;

9. The method according to claim 8 having collapsed and assembled positions; said collapsed position is characterized by said supporting members nested within said frame; said assembled position is characterized by said supporting members mechanically perpendicularly connected to the underside of the rectangular frame.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein said frame is provided with said bag rim which is mechanically secured to said perimeter of said rectangular frame such that said portion for accommodating said goods is downwardly housed into said rectangular frame.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein a rim portion of said bag is bent over said perimeter and mechanically secured to outer surface of said main portion of said bag such that said portion for accommodating said goods is downwardly housed into said rectangular frame.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein said step of stacking said container comprises connecting male and female connectors disposed on a top surface of said rectangular frame and a lower surface of said supporting member.

13. The method according to claim 8, comprising a step of adjusting height of said supporting members by means of changing a number of parts which are stack-mounted end wise.

14. The method according to claim 8 comprising a step of preventing said bag from rupture and said goods accommodated in the bag from spillage by means of a safety net mounted underneath said bag.

15. A container for perishable goods; said container comprising: a. a rectangular frame;b. legs releasably connectable to corners of said rectangular frame;wherein said perishable goods are carried by two orthogonally placed sheets of a flexible material secured to opposite side elements of said frame.

16. The container according to claim 15, wherein each sheet is secured to said rectangular frame by means of looping terminals of said sheet around opposite side frame elements and welding said terminals back to said sheet.

17. The container according to claim 15, wherein said orthogonally placed sheets are welded to each other.

18. A method of producing a container for perishable goods; said method comprising the steps of: a. providing a rectangular frame;b. providing two sheets of a flexible material;c. securing said sheets to opposite side frame elements in an orthogonal manner;d. providing legs connectable to corners of said rectangular frame;e. connecting said legs to said corners of said rectangular frame.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said step of securing said sheets to said rectangular frame comprising looping terminals of each sheet around opposite side frame elements and welding said terminals back to said sheet such that said sheet is configured for carrying said perishable goods.

20. The method according to claim 18 comprising a step of welding orthogonally placed sheets to each other.