FIELD
The present invention relates to a container for harvested fruits and vegetables.
BACKGROUND
It is well-known to harvest fruits and vegetables, such as fruits grown seasonally in an orchard. Various types of means and methods for facilitating the harvesting of fruits and vegetables are known, but may present various disadvantageous features or inefficiencies in use. In typical use, harvested fruits and vegetables are gathered and collected and transported and delivered to a separate location such as a processing plant or market. There exists the opportunity to develop an improved apparatus to contain harvested fruits (such as cherries harvested from an orchard) and/or vegetables to be delivered to a processing plant, market or other separate location.
It would be advantageous to provide an improved container such as a box or tank for harvested fruits and vegetables. It would be advantageous to provide an improved container for fruits and vegetables that comprises any of a variety of combinations of features indicated in the specification and FIGURES of the present application.
SUMMARY
The present invention relates to an apparatus for containing products such as harvested fruits and vegetables for collection and transport. The apparatus comprises a bottom and a side structure forming with the bottom an open-top enclosure configured to contain the products. The apparatus also comprises a base structure supporting the bottom and side structure. The apparatus further comprises a rim around the side structure to provide a top edge and a rib around the side structure comprising an outwardly-projecting segment and an inwardly-projecting segment.
The present invention also relates to a container for products such as harvested fruits and vegetables. The container comprises a bottom, a side structure forming with the bottom an open-top enclosure to contain the products and a base structure supporting the bottom and the side structure. The container also comprises a rim around the side structure to provide a top edge and a rib around the side structure comprising two outwardly-projecting segments and two inwardly-projecting segments. The rib is configured so that the volume displaced by the inwardly-projecting segments of the rib is substantially equivalent to the volume contributed by the outwardly-projected segments of the rib. The base structure is configured so that one container can be supported and seated on the rim of another container.
The present invention further relates to a method of forming a container with a bottom and side structure on a base structure to contain products such as harvested fruits and vegetables. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing a first side structure comprising a side wall and the bottom; (b) providing a second side structure comprising a side wall and a part of the base structure; (c) providing a third side structure comprising a side wall and a part of the base structure; and (d) providing a fourth side structure comprising a side wall. The first side structure and fourth side structure are formed with an outwardly-projecting rib; the second side structure and third side structure are formed with an inwardly-projecting rib. The side structures when joined form an open-top enclosure into which products can be stored for collection and transport. The method may further comprise the steps of attaching a set of brackets at each end of the base structure attaching side structures by welding to form the open-top enclosure.
The present invention further relates to a method of stacking a set of containers each comprising a bottom and side structure providing a rim at the top edge to form an open-top enclosure on a base structure to contain products such as harvested fruits and vegetables. The method comprises the steps of positioning the base structure of one container above the open top of the other container; aligning a bracket of the base structure of one container above the rim at the top edge of the other container; and lowering the one container so that the bracket engages the rim of the other container. The bracket may comprise a notch that nests within the rim to secure the position of one container atop the other container. The stacked containers may be transported to deliver the products to a separate location.
The present invention further relates to other combinations of features disclosed and described in the specification and FIGURES of the present application.
FIGURES
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the container with harvested product according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 2 and 3 are side elevation views of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the stacked containers according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a side view of a set of stacked containers according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the base structure of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the container showing the base structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of a side structure assembly of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a side structure assembly of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12A is a schematic top plan view of a side structure of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12B is a schematic side elevation view of the side structure of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12C is a schematic side elevation view of the side structure of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12D is a schematic top plan view of a side structure of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12E is a schematic side elevation view of the side structure of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12F is a schematic side elevation view of the side structure of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12G is a schematic top plan view of a side structure of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12H is a schematic side elevation view of the side structure of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12I is a schematic side elevation view of the side structure of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12J is a schematic fragmentary detail view of the structure of the side structure according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12K is a schematic perspective view of a frame member of the side structure assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic fragmentary side views of the stacking of containers according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 13C and 13D are schematic fragmentary side views of the stacking of containers according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic fragmentary side views of a rib of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 14C is a schematic fragmentary side view of the container with harvested product according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view of the base structure assembly of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 16A is a schematic side elevation view of the side structure assembly of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 16B is a schematic fragmentary side elevation cross-section view of the side structure assembly of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 17A is a schematic side elevation view of the side structure assembly of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 17B is a schematic fragmentary side elevation cross-section view of the side structure assembly of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 18A and 18B are fragmentary perspective views of the base structure assembly of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a schematic fragmentary side elevation cross-section view of the base structure assembly of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 20A is a schematic top plan cross-section view across the rib of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 20B and 20C are schematic fragmentary top plan cross-section views of the rib of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 21A is a schematic side elevation view of the assembly of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 21B and 21C are schematic fragmentary side elevation cross-section views of the base structure assembly of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 21D is a schematic fragmentary side elevation cross-section view of the frame member of the base structure assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 22A is a schematic side elevation view of the assembly of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 22B and 22C are schematic fragmentary side elevation cross-section views of the base structure assembly of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 23A and 23B are schematic plan views of a member of the rim of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 23C and 23D are schematic elevation views of the member of the rim of the container according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 24A is a schematic view of the assembly of the bracket member of the base structure assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 24B is a schematic perspective view of the bracket member according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 24C is a schematic side elevation view of the bracket member according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 24D is a schematic perspective view of the bracket member according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 24E is a schematic side elevation view of the bracket member according to an exemplary embodiment.
DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2-5, a container 10 for harvested fruits and vegetables is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Container is shown as box or tank 10 providing a bottom 102 and side structure shown as comprising side walls 106 with a rim or lip 104 at a top edge; container 10 also comprises a base structure 210 on which the bottom and side structure is supported. Container 10 with bottom 102 and side walls 106 forms an open-top enclosure. Container 10 is supported on base structure 210. Rim or lip 104 of the container extends around the top perimeter of container 10.
As shown schematically in FIG. 1B, container 10 is configured to be filled with harvested products such as cherries C for collection and transport.
Each of side walls 106 of container 10 comprises a structure shown as rib segment 110. Rib segments 110 extend around the perimeter of container 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, each rib segment 110 is integrally formed in sidewall 106 and intended to provide structural reinforcement (e.g. rigidity, reduction of deflection and deformation, etc.); as indicated, rib 110 is configured with a form to reduce entrapment of harvested product and residue, dirt, moisture, etc. and to facilitate the flow of products (e.g. harvested cherries C as shown in FIGS. 1B and 14C) from the container. According to an exemplary embodiment, the side wall may provide an inwardly-projecting rib or an outwardly projecting rib. As shown in FIGS. 14A-14B, the rib segment may be comprised of a set of angled segments (e.g. at an angle A, indicated to be approximately 45 degrees). See also FIGS. 12B, 12F and 12H (showing segmented rib segments 110 in side walls 106 of side structures 120 according to an exemplary embodiment). According to any exemplary embodiment, as indicated in FIGURES 1A and 1B, the rib segments 110 will be configured to provide a continuous transition 110x around the perimeter of the container.
Base structure 210 provides slots S configured to be engaged by the forks of a conventional forklift vehicle (or other structure from another type of apparatus/machine or vehicle) that would be used to lift and convey the container or multiple containers (see FIGS. 7 and 8).
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 a side view of the container is provided according to an exemplary embodiment. Rim 104 extends around the perimeter of container 10 at the top edge of each side wall 106 of the side structure of container 10. Rib 110 extends around the perimeter of container 10 at approximately the mid-section of each sidewall 106 of the side structure of container (see also FIGS. 6A-6B and 12B-12C, 12E-12F, 12H-12I). According to a preferred embodiment, the rib segments are configured to provide enhanced rigidity (e.g. a strengthening and/or rigidifying structure) to the side structure of the container (e.g. to reduce deflection/deformation under loads).
According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown schematically in FIGS. 2 and 3, the container is formed of sheet metal components that are joined/assembled with welds W. As indicated, according to any preferred embodiment the container will be constructed with suitable structural integrity (e.g. as to reduce deflection/deformation under loads) and durability (e.g. as to prevent or reduce rust/corrosion and fatigue/fracture).
As indicated in FIG. 2, base structure 210 is provided in two parts or sections and provides slots S for engagement of forks of a fork lift (or similar structure of an apparatus or machine/vehicle) for lifting container 10 for transport. Each section of base structure 210 is reinforced by a web or flange 240 (see also FIGS. 5, 10, 12J-12K). As shown in FIG. 3, brackets 220 are attached at the exposed ends of each section of base structure for reinforcement (see FIGS. 11A-11B, 15, 18A-18B, 19 and 24A-24E); brackets 220 are attached to reinforce a set of notches N at each exposed end of each section of base structure 210 to facilitate stacking of containers (see FIGS. 7-9).
As indicated schematically in FIG. 2, each side of container providing the slots S of base structure 210 that would be engaged with a fork lift or other machine/apparatus provides an inwardly-projecting rib 110a. See also FIGS. 6A-6B. As indicated schematically in FIG. 3, each side of container adjacent to the side providing the slots S of base structure provides an outwardly-projecting rib 110b. According to an exemplary embodiment, the interior volume of container displaced by each inwardly-projecting rib is counteracted by the interior volume of container contributed by each outwardly-projecting rib; the net effect of the rib structure on the interior volume of the container is substantially zero. Transition rib sections 110x of the rib structure between inwardly-projected rib segments and outwardly-projected rib segments are provided at each corner of the container. A cross-section view of the container taken at the level of the rib segments is shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B-20C (showing corner rib sections 110x).
Referring to FIG. 4 a top view of the container is provided according to an exemplary embodiment; referring to FIG. 5, a bottom view of the container is provide according to an exemplary embodiment. As indicated in FIG. 4, a rim 104 extends around the perimeter of container 10 at the top edge of each side wall of the side structure of container 10. Container forms (with side walls) an open-top enclosure with a bottom 102.
As indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5, exposed ends of each section of base structure 210 have attached brackets 220 (see also FIGS. 11A-11B, 15, 18A-18B, 19). Each section of base structure 210 is reinforced by a web or flange 240 (see also FIGS. 5, 10, 12J-12K); each section of base structure 210 provides a bottom 212.
Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, structural components of the container are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The container comprises a side structure assembly; side structure is assembled to form an open-top enclosure with bottom 102 supported on base structure 210. The side structure assembly comprises side structures 120 that provide side walls 106 for the container (see also FIGS. 1A, 2 and 3). According to an exemplary embodiment, each side structure is formed from a sheet material (e.g. in a bending/forming and cutting/stamping operation).
As shown schematically in FIGS. 6A-6B, according to an exemplary embodiment, the side structure assembly comprises four side structures 120a, 120b/c and 120d that are configured (see FIGS. 12A-12I) to be joined/attached (e.g. by a welding operation as shown schematically by exemplary welds W indicated in FIGS. 18A-18B, 19, 20B-20C, 21A-21D and 22A-22C).
According to a preferred embodiment, as shown schematically in FIG. 6B, the rib segments of each side structure comprise at each end a feature 110z (e.g. a cutout or tab/flap) of the sheet material to facilitate proper fit and joining of adjacent side structures and corresponding adjacent rib segments in a continuous manner at corners 110x (e.g. by welding as indicated in FIGS. 20A-20C). See also FIG. 1A, 2 and 3.
As indicated schematically in FIGS. 6A and 6B, according to an exemplary embodiment, side structure 120a comprises a side wall 106 with an inwardly-projecting rib segment 110a providing end features 110x and bottom 102 for the open-top enclosure of the container; as indicated schematically in FIGS. 12D-12F, according to an exemplary embodiment, side structure 120a is formed from a sheet material to provide at edges of bottom 102 a set of tabs T for engagement with a set of notches N in opposing side structure 120c (see also FIG. 12B). As shown in FIGS. 17A-17B, a member shown as netting band 140 is attached to adjacent the rim 104 of side structure 120c (e.g. by welding). See also FIGS. 23A-23B (for detail view of the member/netting band 140).
As indicated schematically in FIGS. 6A and 6B, according to an exemplary embodiment, side structures 120b and 120d comprise a side wall 106 with an outwardly-projecting rib segment 110b providing end features 110x and a part of base structure 210 (joined by web flanges 240); as indicated schematically in FIGS. 12G-121, according to an exemplary embodiment, side structures 120b and 120d each are formed to provide bottom 212 and sides 216 of a section of base structure 210; end 216x of side 216 of base structure 210 provided a mounting/attachment section for bracket 220 (see FIGS. 10 and 11A-11B). As shown in FIG. 16B, a member shown as netting band 140 is attached to adjacent the rim 104 of side structures 120b and 120d (e.g. by welding).
As indicated schematically in FIGS. 6A and 6B, according to an exemplary embodiment, side structure 120c comprises a side wall 106 with an inwardly-projecting rib segment 110a providing end features 110x; as indicated schematically in FIGS. 12A-12B, according to an exemplary embodiment, side structure 120c is formed from a sheet material to provide a set of notches N for engagement with a set of tabs T in opposing side structure 120a (see also FIG. 12D). As shown in FIG. 16A, a member shown as netting band 140 is attached to adjacent the rim 104 of side structure 120c (e.g. by welding).
As shown schematically in FIGS. 6A-6B and 18A-18B, 19, 20B-20C, 21A-21D and 22A-22C, according to an exemplary embodiment, the side structure assembly is constructed by joining in the indicated arrangement each of the four side structures 120a, 120b/c and 120d in welding operation comprising welds W (shown representationally). For example, as shown schematically in FIG. 19, bottom 102 of side structure 120a is welded to side structure 120c; sides 216 of base structure 210 of side structures 120b and 120d are welded to bottom of side structure 120a; brackets 220 are welded to sides 216 of base structure 210 of side structures 120b and 120d. According to any exemplary embodiment, the container will be constructed in a manner (such as welded construction) that provides suitable structural integrity and durability for use and transport.
According to an exemplary embodiment, shown schematically in FIGS. 7 to 9, the containers are configured for convenient and efficient stacking in a relatively secure fashion. Each section of base structure 210 of the container comprises at each end a set of sides 216 that each provide a notch N; brackets 220 are attached to sides 216 of base structure 210 for reinforcement; brackets 220 provide flanges for support as indicated in FIGS. 7 and 9. See also FIGS. 10 and 11A-11B (components and assembly of base structure 210). As indicated in FIG. 9, each notch N with corresponding flange of bracket 220 of the base structure 210 of a stacked container will fit and seat on and over rim 104 of the lower container (see also FIGS. 13A-13B and 13C-13D); the stacked container is securely seated onto which the lower container. See FIGS. 7 and 8. As indicated in FIG. 8, stacked containers may be stowed or stored or transported together according to an exemplary embodiment.
According to an exemplary embodiment, base structure 210 of container 10 is assembled as shown schematically in FIGS. 10 and 11A-11B. As indicated in FIGS. 11A-11B, brackets 220a-d are attached at each set of ends 216x on each side 216 of each base structure 210 provided by side structures 120b/d; according to an exemplary embodiment, attachment of brackets 220 is by welding (as indicated schematically in FIGS. 15 and 21A-21C and 22A-22C). End 222 of attached bracket 220a-d is substantially in alignment with end 216x of each side 216 of each base structure 210; ends 216x/222 are exposed at the base of each container (see FIGS. 4, 5 and 7). Web flanges 240 provide tabs T that fit within slots L of inward sides 216 of base structure 210 as shown schematically in FIGS. 6A-6B, 10 and 12I and 12 J-12K. See also FIG. 21D (attachment of web flange 240 by welds W). According to an exemplary embodiment as indicated in FIGS. 24A-24E, brackets 120a-d can be constructed in a forming/bending operation using a single common blank form (shown in FIG. 24A).
As indicated in FIG. 1B, according to an exemplary embodiment the open-top enclosure of the container maybe covered with a net/netting or a cover of some other type (e.g. to retain product in the container); such a netting or cover may be secured by engagement with holes in netting band 140 indicated as installed beneath rim 104 (see FIGS. 16A-16B and 23A-23B).
According to an exemplary embodiment, the container comprises four side structures (as indicated in FIGS. 1A-1B, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7); as indicated, the side structures are configured and formed to provide structural integrity (e.g. prevent leaks/cracks) and structural strength/rigidity while reducing the amount of welding for assembly/construction (see e.g. FIGS. 7 and 15-22C). According to any preferred embodiment, the structural configuration (including the configuration of structural elements) that comprise the container is intended to enhance the structural strength and rigidity of the container while reducing the amount of welding required in assembly/construction (e.g. reduce manufacturing time/cost). As indicated, each side structure is formed from bending a sheet of metal (e.g. a bending and/or stamping operation on sheet steel); configuration of the container according to an exemplary embodiment is intended to reduce assembly costs and complexity (e.g. reduce the number of components, number/amount of welds, reduce points vulnerable to fatigue/fracture and corrosion/rust, etc.).
According to an exemplary embodiment, the base structure provides integrated slots or pockets for engagement with a fork lift (see FIGS. 1A-1B, 2, 7 and 8). According to a preferred embodiment, the structure providing a slot or pocket is integrated with a corresponding side structure (as indicated in FIGS. 6 and 11A-11B); as indicated, the structure for the slot or pocket of the base structure is integrally formed with the sidewall of the corresponding side structures (see FIG. 6). Two of the four side structures of the container each provide an integrally-formed slot or pocket structure (see e.g. FIGS. 2-5 and 6A-6B). An integrated base structure is configured to provide stable support in use and to reduce deflection/deformation under loads; the base structure is offset to facilitate secure stacking of containers as shown schematically in FIGS. 7-9 and 13A-13B and 13C-13D.
According to an exemplary embodiment, each side structure comprises a rib segment intended to enhance the structural strength and rigidity of the container (e.g. allowing the use of lighter gauge steel). According to a preferred embodiment, the ribs project outward on two of the sidewalls and the ribs project inward on two of the sidewalls so that the presence of the ribs provided no net effect on the interior volume of the container (e.g. the rib on one wall projects inward while the rib on the adjacent side wall projects outward which has an equivalent and/or corresponding compensatory effect as to volume/displacement). According to an exemplary embodiment, the container (with rib segments) is configured so that the volume of the container can be calculated readily using the dimensions of the sidewalls; the volume of product in the container can be calculated readily using a measurement of the filled height of product in the container (e.g. one inch of height of additional filled volume of product in the container will correspond to additional one cubic foot of volume of product in the container).
As indicated schematically in FIGS. 14A-14C, rib segments are configured with a profile/shape intended to prevent entrapment of product, moisture, residue, dirt, etc. and loss or damage to the container (e.g. rust/corrosion, etc.) or damage/loss of harvested product (e.g. product residue/residual from incomplete emptying of contents).
According to an exemplary embodiment, the sidewall structure with the inwardly-projecting rib corresponds to the sidewall on the side from which a fork lift (or equivalent apparatus) would approach the slots of the base structure (as indicated in FIGS. 1A-1B); as indicated, the absence of any outwardly-projecting structure between the base structure and the rim of the container at the surface facing the fork lift or lifting machine/apparatus reduces the risk of damage to the container due to impact with extended/exposed surfaces.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the containers are configured for stacking. The base structure of the containers provide brackets (e.g. with attached flanges and/or stacking fingers) configured to facilitate a more secure or positive “fit” of one container on and in another containers in a stacked arrangement (as indicated in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 13A-13D); as indicated, for one container the base structure with flanges is configured to “fit” (e.g. seat) in and atop the rim structure of another container (see FIGS. 7, 9 and 13A-13D).
According to a preferred embodiment, the container is formed from a metal alloy. According to alternative embodiments, the container could be formed from other materials including composite materials or molded materials (such as plastics or polymers) provided with suitable structural elements and reinforcement. According to an exemplary embodiment, the container could be formed from a metal alloy such as stainless steel (e.g. food-grade material of construction or lining).
According to an exemplary embodiment, the container is coated/painted (e.g. power-coated) with a white color coating/paint; the white color allows for high visual contrast with harvested product (and with typically expected residue from harvested product) to facilitate more readily the inspection and identification of containers that contain product (or residue); according to any preferred embodiment, the coating/paint will conform to any standards and regulations that may be applicable for the product being harvested (e.g. having approval of the Food and Drug Administration or other regulatory bodies or agencies having relevant jurisdiction). According to other exemplary and alternative embodiments, the container may be provided with coating/paint of any of a wide variety of types and colors suitable for the use and application; the container may be formed from (in whole or in part) or lined with a material that does not require a coating/paint.
According to any exemplary embodiment, the container will be designed and configured to satisfy/pass any governmental or regulatory standards/tests that may be applicable to the container in use or application; for example, the container will be comply with applicable regulations/standards applicable for weights and measures, structural stability/deflection, food-grade standards, etc.
It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the inventions as described in this application and as shown in the figures above is illustrative only. Although some embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, sequence of operations/steps, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions.
It is important to note that the apparatus and method of the present inventions can comprise conventional technology (e.g. forming/assembly, coating/painting, use and practice, etc.) or any other applicable technology (present or future) that has the capability to perform the functions and processes/operations indicated in the FIGURES. All such technology is considered to be within the scope of the present inventions.
Patent Application
20140202920
