CONTAINER FOR THE SHIPMENT AND DISPLAY OF A PRODUCT

Abstract

A container for the shipment and display of a product includes a corrugated plastic sleeve that is selectively enclosed by a pair of opposing plastic trays. The sleeve includes four adjacent panels that together define open top and bottom ends. Alignment tabs are formed on the top and bottom ends of the sleeve and fittingly protrude into complementary slots in each tray to help retain container in an assembled condition. Each tray includes a rectangular plate and an outer continuous wall which protrudes from the peripheral edge of the plate at an obtuse angle, which enables multiple trays to be arranged as a nested stack. A plurality of thru-holes is provided in the sleeve for ventilation and is arranged so that select thru-holes in adjacent panels axially align when the sleeve is collapsed into a flattened condition, thereby facilitating the stacking of used sleeves onto posts for subsequent cleaning.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to shipping containers and, more particularly, to containers designed principally for use in the shipment and display of food products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Containers constructed from corrugated paper boxes are commonly utilized to package and transport food products from a supplier to a retailer where the product is offered for sale. As can be appreciated, the construction of such containers is of particular significance in not only transporting the food product with adequate physical protection but also ensuring proper ventilation in order to maintain product freshness and quality.

For instance, the shipment of bananas and tropical fruit has been found to be particularly sensitive to physical damage and freshness quality during transport from the plantation where the bananas are grown to the retail store where the bananas are ultimately sold. Most typically, bananas are shipped in a corrugated paper box comprised of a five-sided box body which is selectively enclosed with a telescoping cover.

Although well known in the art, conventional paper boxes used in the shipment of bananas and tropical fruit have been found to suffer from a number of notable shortcomings. Most notably, paper boxes (i) are relatively expensive, single-use containers, which significantly increase overall shipment costs, (ii) require the packing and unpacking of the products through a relatively laborious and time-consuming process, and (iii) are limited in structural rigidity and thereby render the product susceptible to physical damage.

In response to the aforementioned drawbacks identified with traditional paper boxes, food shipment containers have been recently modified in design to protect the food product throughout its shipment and, in turn, facilitate the labor required to unpack and display the product at its ultimate point-of-sale.

Most notably, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0102142 to F. Dowd et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, there is disclosed a multi-part product shipping box and display tray. In the '142 application, the shipping box, or container, is designed for multiple uses and is preferably constructed of a rigid and durable material, such as plastic.

The container disclosed in the '142 application utilizes a three-piece construction to facilitate the packaging and display of food products therein. Specifically, the box comprises a four-sided, collapsible sleeve, generally rectangular in cross-section, that is selectively enclosed by opposing, generally planar trays. The inner surface of each tray includes an outer wall, or flange, and an inner wall, or flange, which together define a continuous peripheral groove that is dimensioned to fittingly receive either the open top end or the open bottom end of the sleeve during the assembly process. The continuous nature and depth of the peripheral groove serves to properly position the components during assembly and, in addition, minimizes the risk of any considerable bulging of the sleeve upon the loading of product therewithin.

In this manner, the container disclosed in the '142 application can be used to package and subsequently display food products in a relatively simple and unlaborious process. Specifically, the food product is simply disposed on the inner surface of one of the trays. Thereafter, the bottom end of the sleeve is slid down into the peripheral groove in the tray so as to circumscribe the product. In a similar fashion, the opposing tray is mounted onto the open top end of the sleeve to enclose the product. Straps or additional fastening elements may be used to prevent inadvertent disassociation of the shipping container during transport.

The unloading and subsequent display of the product retained within the container of the '142 application can be similarly achieved in a simple and unlaborious process. Notably, the container is disposed, right-side-up, at the desired point of sale. Then, by simply removing the straps and lifting the top tray and sleeve, the product is rendered on display on the lower tray. As such, no direct lifting (i.e., removal) of the product is required, which is highly desirable.

Although useful in the shipment and display of food products, containers of the type described in the '142 application have been found to suffer from a notable drawback. Specifically, it has been found that the process of fittingly inserting each end of the sleeve into the narrow groove formed in each corresponding tray is rather difficult, labor intensive, and time consuming to achieve. Additionally, even after the entire open end of a sleeve is properly inserted into the continuous groove in an associated tray, the components are susceptible to inadvertent disassociation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved container for use in the shipment and display of a product.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a container of the type as described above which is designed to adequately protect the product shipped therein.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a container of the type as described above which is properly ventilated to ensure the freshness and quality of the product shipped therein.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a container of the type as described above that is both easy to assemble and less susceptible to inadvertent disassociation.

It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide a container of the type as described above which allows for the packing and unpacking of a product retained therein in a simple, efficient, and unlaborious process.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a container of the type as described above which is reusable.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a container of the type as described above wherein the individual components can be easily stacked in a secure and compact fashion to facilitate storage and transport.

Accordingly, as one feature of the present invention, there is provided a container for the shipment and display of a product, the container comprising (a) a sleeve having an open top end and an open bottom end, and (b) a pair of opposing trays releasably mounted on the top and bottom ends of the sleeve, each of the pair of opposing trays comprising a plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral edge, each of the pair of opposing trays additionally comprising a continuous outer wall formed on the inner surface along the entirety of the peripheral edge, (c) wherein the continuous outer wall extends away from the inner surface at an obtuse angle relative thereto.

Various other features and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and which is shown by illustration, an embodiment for practicing the invention. The embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIGS. 1(a)-1(d) are front perspective, top plan, front, and right-side views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a container for the shipment and display of a product, the container being shown in its fully assembled state and constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 1(a);

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary section view of the container shown in FIG. 1(b) taken along lines 3-3;

FIGS. 4(a)-4(d) are top perspective, top plan, front, and right-side views, respectively, of the bottom tray shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a section view of the bottom tray shown in FIG. 4(b), taken along lines 5-5, the bottom tray being shown with an identical second tray stacked thereon in a nested configuration;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 1(a), the container being shown with its top tray exploded away to help illustrate the preferred process for loading and shipping a product therein;

FIG. 7 is a left-side perspective view of a pair of the containers shown in FIG. 1 arranged in a stacked relationship;

FIGS. 8(a)-8(d) are front perspective, top plan, front, and right-side views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a container for the shipment and display of a product, the container being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIGS. 9(a)-9(d) are top perspective, bottom plan, front, and right-side views of a modified version of the bottom tray shown in FIG. 4(a);

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a modified version of the sleeve shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the sleeve shown in FIG. 10, the sleeve being shown collapsed into a flattened condition;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a custom pallet for retaining a plurality of the sleeves shown in FIG. 11 in a stacked relationship, the custom pallet being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the custom pallet shown in FIG. 12, the custom pallet being shown retaining a plurality of sleeves in a stacked relationship.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Shipment and Display Container 11

Referring now to FIGS. 1(a)-1(d), there are shown assembled front perspective, top plan, front, and right-side views, respectively, of a first embodiment of a container for use in the shipment and display of a product, the container being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral 11. As will be explained in detail below, container 11 is uniquely designed to retain a product therein through a simple and easy assembly process.

In the description that follows, container 11 is described in connection with the shipment and display of a food product, such as bananas or pineapples. However, it should be noted that container 11 is not limited to use with food products. Rather, it is to be understood that container 11 could be alternatively utilized for the shipment and display of other types of products, such as floral products, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

As seen most clearly in FIGS. 1(a)-1(d) and 2, container 11 is similar in construction to the container disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2020/0102142 to F. Dowd et al., (hereinafter the '142 application). Specifically, container 11 comprises a four-sided sleeve 13 that is selectively enclosed by a pair of opposing trays 15-1 and 15-2. As can be appreciated, the three-piece construction of container 11 serves to facilitate the packaging and display of products retained therein. Furthermore, the mating interface between sleeve 13 and each of trays 15 is specifically designed to facilitate and reliably secure interconnection between components, which is a principal object of the present invention.

Overall, assembled container 11 has a length L₁ of approximately 19.750 inches, a width W₁ of approximately 15.687 inches, and a height H₁ of approximately 10.780 inches. However, it is to be understood that the dimensions of container 11 could be reconfigured, as needed, based on its intended use.

Construction of Sleeve 13

As seen most clearly in FIG. 2, sleeve 13 is similar to the sleeve disclosed in the '142 application in that sleeve 13 is constructed as a unitary member with four adjacent panels, or sidewalls, 16-1 thru 16-4 which enable sleeve 13 to be collapsed into a flattened, generally planar configuration prior to use (i.e., for ease of storage and shipment). Preferably, sleeve 13 is constructed out of corrugated plastic (e.g., a 6 mm, extruded corrugated polypropylene), corrugated paper, or any other suitable malleable material. The four-sided construction of sleeve 13 yields an open bottom end 17-1 and an open top end 17-2 that are selectively enclosed by bottom and top trays 15-1 and 15-2, respectively, upon assembly.

Due to its corrugated construction, sleeve 13 can be inexpensively manufactured, yet remain suitably rigid and durable. Preferably, bottom and top ends 17-1 and 17-2 of sleeve 13 are not enclosed, thereby providing access to the flutes within the corrugated material. By exposing the flutes, water, or other sanitizing fluid, can be flushed through the corrugations of sleeve 13. As a result, sleeve 13 can be suitably cleaned, as needed, to allow for its reuse, which is highly desirable.

As can be seen, a first set of rectangular alignment tabs 19-1 is formed onto and protrudes outwardly from bottom end 17-1 of sleeve 13, with one tab 19-1 located at the approximate midpoint of each panel 16. Similarly, a second set of rectangular alignment tabs 19-2 is formed onto and protrudes outwardly from top end 17-2 of sleeve 13, with one tab 19-2 located at the approximate midpoint of each panel 16. As will be explained further in detail below, tabs 19 are dimensioned for fitted insertion through corresponding slots in trays 15 to facilitate proper assembly of container 11 and prevent any inadvertent disassociation.

Each panel 16 of four-sided sleeve 13 is provided with a horizontal linear slot 21 proximate bottom edge 17-1 in direct alignment with its associated tab 19-1. Similarly, each panel 16 of sleeve 13 is provided with a horizontal linear slot 21 proximate top edge 17-2 in direct alignment with its associated tab 19-2. As can be appreciated, slots 21 function primarily as finger receptacles that enable the user to pull sleeve 13 into alignment and engagement with trays 17 during the process of assembling container 11, as will be explained further below.

Each panel 16 of four-sided sleeve 13 is additionally provided with a plurality of generally circular thru-holes, or openings, 23. As can be appreciated, openings 23 allow for the proper ventilation and cooling of food products retained in container 11. As can be seen, openings 23 in opposing panels 16 are preferably aligned in order to promote laminar air flow through the interior of container 11.

In the present embodiment, four circular openings 23 are provided in each panel 16 of sleeve 13. However, it is to be understood that the number, shape, and/or location of openings 23 in sleeve 13 could be readily modified, as deemed necessary, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Construction of Tray 15

Referring now to FIGS. 4(a)-4(d), each tray 15 is similar to the trays disclosed in the '142 application in that each tray 15 is constructed as a unitary, generally rectangular, plastic member that is appropriately dimensioned to enclose open ends 17 of sleeve 13, with each tray 15 being represented herein as having a length L₂ of approximately 19.750 inches, a width W₂ of approximately 15.687 inches, and a height H₂ of 3.515 inches.

As will be explained in detail below, the principal difference between container 11 and the container in the '142 application is that each tray 15 does not rely upon the use of spaced inner and outer walls to define a narrow channel, or gap, dimensioned to receive an end 17 of sleeve 13. As referenced above, applicant has recognized that the use of walls and/or posts to define a narrow sleeve receiving channel renders the assembly process labor intensive and time consuming. Instead, applicant relies on a novel interface between sleeve 13 and each tray 15 that permits assembly of container 11 with relative ease.

Specifically, each tray 15 is constructed as a generally planar member, or plate, 29 which comprises an inner surface 31, an outer surface 33 and an outer peripheral edge 35. A continuous outer flange, or wall, 37 is formed on inner surface 31 along the entirety of outer peripheral edge 35 and projects out therefrom at a height H₃ of approximately 1.09 inches.

It should be noted that height H₃ of outer wall 37 is considerably greater (i.e., approximately 3 times greater) than the outer wall height of trays used in conventional shipping containers, such as the container in the '142 application. Applicant has uniquely recognized that by increasing the height of outer wall 37 and incorporating some additional mating components, which will be described further below, each tray 15 can be constructed in the absence of an inner wall and/or alignment posts. As a result, it has been found that container 11 can be more easily assembled than conventional shipping and display containers. Furthermore, the increased height of outer wall 37 provides additional reinforcement, or support, to panels 16 of sleeve 13 to prevent outward bulging when packed with a food product.

Outer wall 37 projects out from outer peripheral edge 35 of plate 29 at an angle A of approximately 97 degrees. This outward taper of wall 37 not only facilitates alignment of open end 17 of sleeve 13 during the assembly process but also enables multiple trays 15 to be stacked together in a space-efficient fashion, as will be explained further below.

Outer wall 37 is generally uniform in thickness and includes an inner surface 39, an outer surface 41, and a top edge 43. A handle 45 is formed on top edge 43 at the center of each side of four-sided outer wall 37. Preferably, handle 45 has the same thickness as outer wall 37 and protrudes relative to plate 29 at the same angle A. As such, each handle 45 is rendered generally coplanar with the portion of outer wall 37 from which it extends.

The height H₄ of outer wall 37 through each handle 45 is approximately 2.72 inches, which is helpful in retaining container 11 in its assembled state. Each handle 45 is shaped to define an opening 47 therein that is appropriately dimensioned to receive the fingers of a person transporting container 11. Additionally, it should also be noted that the considerable height of outer wall 37 through each handle 45 provides additional reinforcement, or support, to panels 16 of sleeve 13 to prevent outward bulging when packed with a food product.

A linear slot 49 is formed along outer periphery 35 of plate 29 along each of its sides and in direct alignment with opening 47 in its corresponding handle 45. Each linear slot 49 is dimensioned to fittingly receive an alignment tab 19 in sleeve 13. As seen most clearly in FIGS. 1(a) and 3, container 11 is designed to be easily assembled by positioning open end 17 of sleeve 13 within outer wall 37 of tray 15, and by pulling tray 15 with handles 45 until alignment tab 19 fittingly protrudes into its corresponding tray slot 49, thereby securing tray 15 in place onto open end 17 of sleeve 13. Disposed as such, opening 47 in each handle 45 generally aligns with a corresponding horizontal slot 21 in sleeve 13.

A circular bore 51 is formed in each corner of rectangular plate 29 and extends transversely therethrough. A hollow cylindrical boss, or foot, 53 protrudes out from outer surface 33 in axial alignment with each bore 51. Additionally, a nub, or post, 55 projects out from each of a single pair of feet 53 on opposite corners of bottom surface 33, post 55 having a cross-sectional diameter which is less than the cross-sectional diameter of bore 51. As will be explained further below, posts 55 facilitate the stacking of nested trays 15.

An array of ribs 57 is formed on inner surface 39 of outer wall 37 in a spaced apart relationship. Each rib 57 extends vertically upward from inner surface 31 of plate 29 to a height slightly beneath top edge 43 of outer wall 37. Each rib 57 gradually tapers away from outer wall 37 as it extends away from plate 29, thereby providing rib 57 with a generally trapezoidal profile in longitudinal cross-section.

As referenced above, multiple trays 15 are designed to be stacked in a stable, space-efficient fashion. Specifically, as seen most clearly in FIG. 5, the outward taper of sidewall 37 enables a first tray 15-1 to readily receive a second tray 15-2 in a nested arrangement. It should be noted that the trapezoidal cross-section of each rib 57 on bottom tray 15-1 provides a horizontal surface at its distal end on which second stacked tray 15-2 rests. Disposed as such, posts 55 on top tray 15-2 are aligned to partially project into corresponding bores 51 in bottom tray 15-1 to secure trays 15-1 and 15-2 in its stacked relationship.

Assembly and Use of Container 11

In use, container 11 is designed to ship and display a product in the following manner. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, sleeve 13 is oriented with the entirety of bottom end 17-1 disposed inside outer wall 37 of bottom tray 15-1. Due to the outward taper of outer wall 37, the aforementioned registration process is greatly simplified as compared to traditional multi-piece containers (e.g., the container disclosed in the '142 application).

Using linear slots 21 in sleeve 13 and/or handles 45 in bottom tray 15-1, sleeve 13 is urged downward until each alignment tab 19 in bottom end 17-1 of sleeve 13 fittingly protrudes into a corresponding slot 49 in bottom tray 15-1. As such, bottom tray 15-1 is secured in place onto open bottom end 17-1 of sleeve 13, as shown. Thereafter, either immediately prior to and/or after sleeve 13 is mounted on bottom tray 15-1, the desired product is preferably loaded onto inner surface 31 of bottom tray 15-1 and thereby retained within the cavity formed by sleeve 13. As previously referenced, the increased height of outer wall 37, particularly through handle 45, provides structural reinforcement to sleeve 13 with product packaged therein.

Once the packaging process is completed, top tray 15-2 is mounted onto open top end 17-2 of sleeve 13 in a similar fashion. To ensure container 11 is retained in its assembled state, top tray 15-2 is pulled firmly onto sleeve 13 until alignment tabs 19 in top edge 17-2 of sleeve 13 fittingly protrude through corresponding slots 49 in top tray 15-2. Assembled as such, container 11 serves to adequately protect the food product retained therein. To prevent inadvertent disassociation of the three principal components of container 11, straps or similar types of fastening elements may be tightly wrapped around container 11, as needed.

Once shipped to the intended destination, container 11 can be partially disassembled and used to display the product. Namely, container 11 is disposed, right-side-up, at the desired point of sale. Then, by simply removing any straps and lifting top tray 15-2 and sleeve 13, the product is left on display on bottom tray 15-1. As such, store personnel can effectively display a shipped product without having to remove (i.e., lift) the product from its shipment packaging, thereby greatly simplifying the entire product unpacking and display process.

As containers 11 are disassembled in the manner described above, empty trays 15 are preferably stacked neatly in a nested relationship. Similarly, sleeves 13 are folded flat and stacked on top of one another. As such, empty trays 15 and sleeves 13 can be shipped back to the supplier for sanitization and subsequent reuse.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the construction of container 11 renders it particularly suitable for stacking when in its assembled state. Specifically, with a first assembled container 11-1 disposed on a flat surface, a second assembled container 11-2 can be easily stacked on first container 11-1. To facilitate and maintain proper alignment, posts 55 on bottom tray 15-1 of second container 11-2 are designed to fittingly project into hollow feet 53 in top tray 15-2 of first container 11-1. As such, stacked containers 11-1 and 11-2 are maintained in proper alignment.

Alternative Constructions and Additional Embodiments

The invention described in detail above is intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

For instance, in FIGS. 8(a)-8(d), there are shown assembled front perspective, top plan, front, and right-side views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a container for use in the shipment and display of a product, the container being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral 111.

As can be seen, container 111 is similar to container 11 in that container 111 comprises a four-sided sleeve 113 that is selectively enclosed by a pair of opposing trays 115-1 and 115-2. Additionally, container 111 has similar overall dimensions as container 11 and is preferably used in the same manner to a package and display of a shipment of products.

Container 111 differs from container 11 primarily in the construction of tray 115. Specifically, each tray 115 is constructed to include six handles 145 instead of four, with two handles 145 located along each length of tray 115 and one handle 145 located along each width of tray 115. The increased number of handles 145 provides not only additional means for gripping container 111 but also greater reinforcement to sleeve 113.

Due to the increase in the number of handles 145 along each length of tray 115, a corresponding number of additional slots 121 is formed in sleeve 113 in alignment therewith. Furthermore, ventilation holes 123 in sleeve 113 are rearranged, as needed, to accommodate the increased number of handles 145.

As another example, in FIGS. 9(a)-9(d), there are shown top perspective, bottom plan, front, and right-side views, respectively, of a variation of each tray 15 in container 11, the modified tray being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral 215.

As can be seen, each tray 215 is similar to tray 15 in that tray 215 includes a generally planar member, or plate, 229 which comprises an inner surface 231, an outer surface 233 and an outer peripheral edge 235. Also, tray 215 is similar to tray 15 in that tray 215 includes a continuous outer flange, or wall, 237 that is formed on inner surface 231 along the entirety of outer peripheral edge 235.

Tray 215 differs from tray 15 in that tray 215 is constructed in the absence of circular bores in rectangular plate 29. Instead, outer surface 233 of tray 215 is constructed to include a circular projection 251 and a cross-shaped projection 253 in each corner of rectangular plate 229. Each of projections 251 and 253 extends orthogonally away from plate 229 a fixed height, thereby providing tray 215 with a planar, or flat, mounting surface for enhanced stability.

Projections 251 and 253 are arranged on tray 215 in order to retain a pair of stacked containers in proper alignment. Specifically, with a second assembled container stacked on a first container, each X-shaped projection 253 in bottom tray 215-2 of the second container fittingly projects into a corresponding O-shaped projection 251 in top tray 215-1 of the first container. As such, stacked containers are maintained in proper alignment.

As yet another example, in FIG. 10, there is shown a top perspective view of a variation of sleeve 13 in container 11, the modified sleeve 13 being identified generally by reference numeral 313.

As can be seen, sleeve 313 is similar to sleeve 13 in that sleeve 313 is preferably constructed out of corrugated plastic as a unitary member with four adjacent panels, or sidewalls, 316-1 thru 316-4 which enable sleeve 313 to be collapsed into a flattened, generally planar configuration when not in use. As such, sleeve 313 includes an open bottom end 317-1 and an open top end 317-2 that are selectively enclosed upon assembly.

Additionally, sleeve 313 is similar to sleeve 13 in that sleeve 313 includes a first set of rectangular alignment tabs 319-1 formed onto and protruding outwardly from bottom end 317-1 of sleeve 313, with one tab 319-1 located at the approximate midpoint of each panel 316. Similarly, a second set of rectangular alignment tabs 319-2 is formed onto and protrudes outwardly from top end 317-2 of sleeve 313, with one tab 319-2 located at the approximate midpoint of each panel 316.

Sleeve 313 is also similar to sleeve 13 in that sleeve 313 is provided with a plurality of horizontal linear slots 321 along both bottom edge 317-1 and top edge 317-2. However, the number and location of slots 321 has been modified to facilitate use of sleeve 313 with tray 115. Notably, each of panels 316-1 and 316-3 is provided a single, central, horizontal linear slot 321 along both bottom edge 317-1 and top edge 317-2. By contrast, each of panels 316-2 and 316-4 includes a pair of horizontal linear slots 321 along both bottom edge 317-1 and top edge 317-2, the slots 321 in panels 316-2 and 316-4 preferably aligning with handles 145 in tray 115 when coupled to sleeve 313.

Lastly, sleeve 313 is similar to sleeve 13 in that sleeve 313 is provided with a plurality of generally circular thru-holes, or openings, to promote proper ventilation and cooling of food products retained therein. However, the number, size, and location of the thru-holes have been modified for reasons to become apparent below.

Specifically, each of panels 316-1 and 316-3 includes a first set of four thru-holes 323-1, with one thru-hole 323-1 located within each corner of its respective panel 316. Each of panels 316-1 and 316-3 additionally includes a second set of two thru-holes 323-2 which are located within the first set of thru-holes 323-1 in a more central location within its respective panel 316.

In turn, each of panels 316-2 and 316-4 includes a third set of two thru-holes 323-3 of a slightly larger diameter than thru-holes 321-1 and 321-2. As a feature of the present invention, thru-holes 323-3 in panels 316-2 and 316-4 are positioned to axially align with corresponding thru-holes 323-2 in panels 316-1 and 316-3 when sleeve 313 is collapsed into a folded condition, as shown in FIG. 11. As will be explained further below, this alignment of select thru-holes 321 enables a plurality of sleeves 313 to be collapsed, collected, and potentially transported as a secure and compact stack. Accordingly, it is to be understood that sleeves 313 are well-suited to be washed, sanitized, and shipped back to a plantation for reuse, which is a principal object of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown a custom pallet for holding a plurality of sleeves 313, the custom pallet being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral 411. As will be explained further below, pallet 411 is uniquely designed to retain a plurality of sleeves 313 in a secure and compact fashion, thereby facilitating the collection of sleeves 313 for subsequent cleaning and reuse.

As can be seen, pallet 411 comprises a generally rectangular base, or block, 413 which includes a flat top surface 415 and a flat bottom surface 417. A plurality of cylindrical posts, or pegs, 419 project orthogonally out from top surface 415.

Posts 419 are arranged on block 413 in a configuration that enables a plurality of sleeves 313 to be easily disposed and retained as stacks on top surface 415. More specifically, a first pair of posts 419-1 is arranged along one side of top surface 415 with limited spacing therebetween and a second pair of posts 419-2 is arranged along the opposite side of top surface 415 with greater spacing therebetween.

In this manner, custom pallet 411 is designed to retain a plurality of sleeves 313 on top surface 415 as a pair of side-by-side stacks. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, first pair of posts 419-1 is arranged to fittingly protrude through an inner pair of aligned openings 323 in sleeve 313. In a similar fashion, second pair of posts 419-2 is arranged to fittingly protrude through an outer pair of aligned openings 323 in sleeve 313.

As a result, custom pallet 411 enables used sleeves 313 to be readily collected and organized at the point of sale after use. Due to the optimized design of pallet 411, a large number of sleeves 313 can be maintained in uniform, stable, and compact stacks. Thereafter, sleeves 313 can be cleaned and sterilized, either at the point of collection or remotely through a third-party logistics provider. Once treated, sleeves 313 can be returned to a plantation or other similar facility for reuse. In this manner, the present invention provides a product and process that is more environmentally friendly than conventional means for shipping tropical fruit.

Claims

1. A container for the shipment and display of a product, the container comprising: (a) a sleeve having an open top end and an open bottom end; and(b) a pair of opposing trays releasably mounted on the top and bottom ends of the sleeve, each of the pair of opposing trays comprising a plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral edge, each of the pair of opposing trays additionally comprising a continuous outer wall formed on the inner surface along the entirety of the peripheral edge;(c) wherein the continuous outer wall extends away from the inner surface at an obtuse angle relative thereto.

2. The container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the continuous outer wall extends away from the inner surface at an angle of approximately 97 degrees.

3. The container as claimed in claim 2 wherein the continuous outer wall extends away from the inner surface at a height greater than 1 inch.

4. The container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the continuous outer wall includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a top edge.

5. The container as claimed in claim 4 wherein a plurality of handles projects out from the top edge of the continuous outer wall in a coplanar relationship relative thereto.

6. The container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sleeve is constructed as a unitary member with four adjacent panels.

7. The container as claimed in claim 6 wherein the sleeve is adapted to be selectively collapsed into a flattened condition.

8. The container as claimed in claim 7 wherein the sleeve comprises a first set of alignment tabs formed onto and extending outwardly away from the open bottom end and a second set of alignment tabs formed onto and extending outwardly away from the open top end.

9. The container as claimed in claim 8 wherein each set of alignment tabs includes one tab formed onto and extending outwardly away from a corresponding panel.

10. The container as claimed in claim 8 wherein the plate of each tray is shaped to include a plurality of slots, the plurality of slots being dimensioned to fittingly receive one of the first and second sets of alignment tabs when the container is in an assembled state.

11. The container as claimed in claim 10 wherein a plurality of projections is formed on the bottom surface of each tray, the projections facilitating the stacking of multiple trays in a nested condition.

12. The container as claimed in claim 7 wherein the sleeve is shaped to include a plurality of thru-holes.

13. The container as claimed in claim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of thru-holes is formed in each panel of the sleeve.

14. The container as claimed in claim 13 wherein a selection of the plurality of thru-holes in adjacent panels axially align when the sleeve is collapsed into its flattened condition.

15. The container as claimed in claim 14 wherein the sleeve includes at least one slot formed along each of the open top end and the open bottom end of each panel.