US20130068357A1 - Protective cover - Google Patents
Protective cover Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130068357A1 US20130068357A1 US13/623,554 US201213623554A US2013068357A1 US 20130068357 A1 US20130068357 A1 US 20130068357A1 US 201213623554 A US201213623554 A US 201213623554A US 2013068357 A1 US2013068357 A1 US 2013068357A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cover
- base portion
- produce
- body portion
- skirt
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/02—Wrappers or flexible covers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
- B65D85/34—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for fruit, e.g. apples, oranges or tomatoes
Definitions
- FIG. 5A is a partial exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a system for protecting products, such as produce, from undesirable elements.
- the base portion 600 is composed of a heavy paper material that is cut, folded, and fastened to create a sleeve member 610 , such as a pocket, on four sides of the base portion 600 .
- the central portion 602 of the base portion 600 may include an optional opening 604 comprising mesh material that is disposed between sheets to create a path for air movement through a lower paper sheet.
- the base portion 600 may comprise an upper sheet of material, a lower sheet of material, and a mesh material disposed between the upper and lower sheets. Corresponding openings in the upper and lower sheets would allow the mesh material to be exposed and to provide a path for air movement through the base portion 600 .
- the first pocket 640 defines a generally rectangular configuration and the second pocket 642 defines a generally triangular configuration.
- the longitudinal member 620 may first be inserted into the first pocket 640 and then inserted into the second pocket 642 to securely mate the skirt portion 630 and the sleeve member 610 .
- the second pocket 642 may have a generally triangular configuration to facilitate easy insertion of the longitudinal member 620 in the second pocket 642 after the longitudinal member 620 has been inserted in the first pocket 640 .
- FIG. 7E shows the outer surface 632 , or outward-facing side, of the skirt portion 630 that is configured to attach to a body portion of the protective cover.
- Embodiments of one or more of the covers disclosed herein may be composed of a variety of suitable materials, such as, for example, at least one or more of the following materials: paper, heavy paper, cardboard, polyethylene, canvas, vinyl, mesh, heavy mesh, and glass spun fiber.
- Pallets typically are fumigated with Methyl Bromide prior to shipment to ensure that they are free from insects or insect larvae. Described embodiments will also provide a barrier that may help protect products from other threats to food safety. Such threats include, but are not limited to pests, rodents, disturbances of the fruit by an individual, or other forms of contaminates that could possibly cause food-borne illness.
- the fumigation process consists of a two-hour exposure to the fumigant in a gas-tight chamber. The chamber is then forcefully ventilated by using fans for approximately four hours, or passively for approximately 12 hours, until the product has off-gassed to a safe level.
- the pallets are then removed from the fumigation chamber and are stamped with an identification number that represents the location of fumigation.
- the product is then taken to a cold storage facility for cooling and final inspections prior to shipping. When pallets are designated for export they enter into a series of steps that may be referred to as a “Pathway.”
- the fiscal consequences of a rejected load can be significant depending on how far along the Pathway the load has traveled before rejection. If the load is still at the fumigating facility and a live pest is found in the load during inspection, the load is rejected and cannot be shipped to its designated location.
- the fumigation chamber is also decertified and requires an investigation to determine the source of failure. This can take some time to recertify a chamber and under certain market condition it could be costly to the shipper.
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for covering and protecting products, such as containers of produce. The protective cover may comprise a body portion, a base portion, and a skirt portion. The body portion may have an upper panel and side panels. In some embodiments, the side panels substantially block undesirable elements, such as insects, from accessing the products, yet allow ambient air and fumigants to pass through the panels to provide sufficient ventilation and to facilitate a fumigation process. The base portion is configured to be disposed between a pallet and an arrangement of products. In some embodiments, the skirt portion may attach the body portion to the base portion. The disclosed embodiments also contemplate systems employing the protective covers and methods of making and using the protective covers.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/537,014, filed on Sep. 20, 2011, entitled “Protective Cover,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to protecting products such as produce and, in particular, to apparatuses, systems, and methods for safe guarding fruits and vegetables from insects before and during shipment.
- Produce normally is gathered from farms or fields and then delivered to a packaging facility. At the facility, the produce is packaged and temporarily stored before shipment to customers. Produce may be packaged in relatively shallow rectangular boxes for shipment. The boxes are stacked vertically on a pallet to facilitate moving the boxes at the packaging facility and during shipment. Pallets that are designated for fumigation are then typically moved to a fumigation area where fumigants are applied to eliminate insects or pests. Next, the pallets typically are moved to a cold storage area where the produce is refrigerated prior to shipment. After being cooled, an inspector reviews the produce. If no insects are detected and the produce passes inspection, the produce is cleared for shipment. If insects are present, then the load may not be suitable for shipment to intended customers.
- A problem with existing packaging systems is that insects may infest produce after the fumigation step. For example, insects might be attracted to the produce when pallets are being transferred from the fumigation area to the cold storage area at a packaging facility. In addition, after the refrigeration process, insects may infest the produce before, during, or after the subsequent inspection process. There currently is no physical barrier that prevents insects from accessing produce during those times. Indeed, insects may access produce through openings in the boxes and proceed to infect the goods.
- In an aspect of certain embodiments, a cover is provided for protecting packaged and palletized produce from insects before and/or during shipment of the produce from one location to another location. The cover comprises a body portion including a top panel and a plurality of side panels. The body portion is configured to substantially cover the top and sides of a bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers. The plurality of side panels are configured to substantially block insects from accessing the produce and are also configured to allow ambient air and fumigants to pass therethrough. A base portion includes a bottom panel, and the base portion is configured to be disposed on a pallet such that the base portion rests between the pallet and the bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers. A skirt portion is configured to removably attach the body portion to the base portion to enable the cover to substantially cover the bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers and to securely cover and protect the produce from insects before and/or during shipment of the produce from one location to another location.
- In the above-described aspect of certain embodiments, the base portion may comprise a plurality of sleeves extending substantially about a perimeter of the base portion, the plurality of sleeves comprising a plurality of side walls and a plurality of recess such that the side walls and recesses generally alternate along a length of the sleeve, the sleeve having an opening at one end of the sleeve and defining a substantially open channel configured to receive a longitudinal member. The skirt portion may comprise an inner surface, an outer surface, and a plurality of hooks disposed on the inner surface of the skirt portion, wherein the outer surface of the skirt portion is configured to removably attach to the body portion of the cover, and wherein the plurality of hooks generally correspond to the plurality recesses of the skirt portion when the cover is assembled about the bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers so that the plurality of hooks directly engage with the longitudinal member when the longitudinal member is inserted through the opening into the substantially open channel of the sleeve to securely attach the body portion, skirt portion, and base portion of the cover before and/or during shipment of the produce from one location to another location.
- In another aspect of certain embodiments, an apparatus is provided for covering and protecting produce. The apparatus comprises a body portion, a base portion, and a skirt portion. The body portion comprises an upper panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The first side panel and second side panel are attached to the upper panel. The body portion is configured to substantially cover a bundle of produce containers. The base portion is configured to be disposed between a pallet and the produce containers. The skirt portion is configured to removably attach the body portion and the base portion. The side panels substantially block insects from accessing the produce and allow ambient air to pass therethrough.
- In another aspect of certain embodiments, an apparatus is provided for covering and protecting produce. The apparatus comprises a body portion and a base portion. The body portion comprises an upper panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The body portion is configured to substantially cover a bundle of produce containers. The first side panel and second side panel are attached to the upper panel. The first side panel comprises a first longitudinal seam and a second longitudinal seam. The longitudinal seams each comprise a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to engage with and disengage from the second portion to enable the first side panel to fold up with respect to the upper panel to allow direct access to the produce containers. The base portion is configured to be disposed between a pallet and the containers and to attach to the body portion. The side panels substantially block insects from accessing the produce and allow ambient air to pass therethrough.
- The disclosed embodiments also contemplate systems employing the protective covers disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments also contemplate methods of making and using the protective covers disclosed herein.
- These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the protective covers will now be described in connection with embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the protective covers. The drawings include the following figures, which can be briefly described as follows.
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FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a system for protecting products, such as produce, from undesirable elements. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a body portion of the protective cover ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a base portion of the protective cover ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a base portion of the protective cover where the base portion has a mesh insert to allow air to pass through the base portion. -
FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a skirt portion of the protective cover ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the skirt portion ofFIG. 4A . -
FIG. 5A is a partial exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a system for protecting products, such as produce, from undesirable elements. -
FIG. 5B is a side view of an attachment portion of the protective cover ofFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a base portion of a protective cover. -
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a base portion of a protective cover. -
FIG. 7B is a top plan view of a sleeve member that is detached from the base portion ofFIG. 7A and a longitudinal member configured to be inserted into the sleeve member. -
FIG. 7C is a side view of a skirt portion configured to engage the base portion ofFIG. 7A . -
FIG. 7D is a rear view of the skirt portion ofFIG. 7C . -
FIG. 7E is a front view of the skirt portion ofFIG. 7C . -
FIG. 8A is a top plan view of another embodiment of a base portion of a protective cover. -
FIG. 8B is a side view of an attachment portion of the protective cover ofFIG. 8A . -
FIG. 8C is a top plan view of an attachment portion of the protective cover ofFIG. 8A . -
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a system for protecting products, such as produce, from undesirable elements. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a body portion of the protective cover ofFIG. 9 . - The disclosed systems, methods, and devices are designed to shield produce from insects and other undesirable pests, yet allow for proper ventilation of the produce and enable workers and inspectors to access the boxes relatively easily. Embodiments of the protective cover will now be described with reference to the enclosed drawings. As illustrated in
FIGS. 1-4 , some embodiments of the system comprise a cover having a base portion and a body portion that attaches to the base portion and is configured to fit about a stack or bundle of produce containers disposed on a pallet.FIG. 5-10 show additional embodiments of the protective cover and features of the protective cover. - As described herein with respect to some embodiments, a protective cover may comprise a body portion, a base portion, and a skirt portion. The body portion may have an upper panel and side panels. In some embodiments, the side panels substantially block undesirable elements, such as insects, from accessing the products, yet allow ambient air and fumigants to pass through the panels to provide sufficient ventilation and to facilitate a fumigation process. Such undesirable elements may include weed seeds and/or plant debris. The upper panel, base portion, and skirt portion may also be configured to substantially block undesirable elements, such as insects, from accessing the products, yet allow ambient air and fumigants to pass through the panels to provide sufficient ventilation and to facilitate a fumigation process. The base portion is configured to be disposed between a pallet and an arrangement of products. In some embodiments, the skirt portion may attach the body portion to the base portion. In other embodiments, the protective cover may comprise a body portion and a base portion such that the base portion is configured to attach directly to the body portion. The disclosed embodiments also contemplate systems employing the protective covers and methods of making and using the protective covers.
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FIG. 1 shows asystem 10 for safeguarding produce from undesirable elements such as insects. In one embodiment, thesystem 10 comprises aprotective cover 20 that is configured to substantially encase a produce container or bundle ofproduce containers 30 that rests on apallet 40. In one embodiment, thecover 20 comprises abody portion 100, abase portion 200, and askirt portion 300. Other embodiments may not include aseparate skirt portion 300. For example, some embodiments may include a skirt portion that is integral with thebody portion 100. Other embodiments may include a skirt portion that is integral with thebase portion 200. Other embodiments may include a skirt portion having components that are integral with both thebody portion 100 and thebase portion 200. Other embodiments may not include a skirt portion at all. - The body portion may define an open lower area. In one use, the
skirt portion 300 may be attached to thebase portion 200, and thebase portion 200 may be placed on astandard pallet 40.Produce containers 30 then may be placed on thebase portion 200 that rests on thepallet 40. Thepallet 40 may comprise a standard 40 by 48 inch wooden pallet. Thebody portion 100 then may be disposed about the stack ofcontainers 30 and attached to theskirt portion 300 to securely cover the produce. While some embodiments of theprotective cover 20 may be used with a wooden pallet measuring 40 by 48 inches, different sized pallets may be used and, accordingly, thesystem 10 would be modified to accommodate various sizes of pallets or other suitable container holding and/or transportation mechanisms. - As described in more detail below with respect to
FIGS. 2-4 , thecover 20 may comprise four vertical side panels and one upper panel. The upper panel overlies a top portion of the boxes. A vertical or longitudinal seam portion is disposed near adjacent side panels. The side panels have a lower section that may connect to a perimeter section of the base portion. In one embodiment, the lower sections of the side panels and perimeter section of the base portion have corresponding hook and loop fastener segments to facilitate attaching the side panels to the base portion. -
FIG. 2 illustrates abody portion 100 of the protective cover. In one embodiment, thebody portion 100 comprises anupper panel 110 and one or more side panels 120. Theupper panel 110 has anupper perimeter portion 160.FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of thecover 20 having afirst side panel 120 a, asecond side panel 120 b, athird side panel 120 c, and afourth side panel 120 d. Accordingly, the illustratedcover 20 is configured to protect a rectangular stack of produce containers. However, thebody portion 100 may comprise more or less than four side panels depending upon, for example, the particular application of the cover or the shape of the bundle of produce containers. At a lower end of thebody portion 100, in some embodiments, the side panels define an openlower portion 130 so that thecover 20 may be applied to produce containers that already rest on a pallet. Other embodiments may have a closed lower portion. For example, the protective cover may comprise a single-piece body portion that is configured to cover and protect produce containers without use of a separate base portion and a separate skirt portion. - Other embodiments of the
body portion 100 may have a closed lower portion and anupper panel 110 that is configured to open and close. For example, thebody portion 100 may comprise a lower panel disposed near where the openlower portion 130 is shown inFIG. 2 . In such embodiments, thebody portion 100 defines anupper panel 110 that is configured to open and close with respect to thebody portion 100 of thecover 20. Such a configuration allows a user, for example, to place the cover on a pallet and then place a load of containers in the cover. Thebody portion 100 of the cover may then be brought upwards to cover the sidewalls of the load. Once thebody portion 100 substantially surrounds the load, theupper panel 110 may be closed to cover a top portion of the load and to allow thecover 20 to securely contain and protect the load of containers. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , thebody portion 100 comprises alongitudinal seam 140 extending lengthwise within a side panel 120. In one embodiment, afirst side panel 120 a has twolongitudinal seams panel 120 a. Thelongitudinal seam 140 may comprise a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to engage with and disengage from the second portion. In one embodiment, thelongitudinal seam 140 comprises a zipper. When disengaged, theseam 140 allows a user to fold up the side panel, as shown by an arrow A inFIG. 2 , to obtain access to the containers. In one embodiment, thebody portion 100 comprises four full-length seams 140, such as zippers, disposed near each corner of thebody portion 100. - In some embodiments, the
body portion 100 includes one or more securing members 122 disposed at or near an upper portion of thebody portion 100. For example, as shown inFIG. 2 , an edge of the upper panel may include a first securingmember 122 a and asecond securing member 122 c. Thefirst securing member 122 a is configured to secure thefirst side panel 120 a when thefirst side panel 120 a is folded up to obtain access to the containers. Similarly, the second securingmember 122 c is configured to secure thesecond side panel 120 c when thesecond side panel 120 c is folded up to obtain access to the containers. In some embodiments, the securingmembers side panels body portion 100 may not include securingmembers body portion 100. In some embodiments, a securing member 122 may be disposed on one side panel, two side panels, three side panels, more than three side panels, or all side panels of abody portion 100. In some embodiments, a securing member 122 may be disposed on a top panel and/or a base portion of thecover 20. - In some embodiments, the
system 10 should allow the product that is being protected to be accessible for various reasons. Advantageously, each side panel may fold up individually without affecting the other side panels. In some embodiments, thesystem 10 includes zippers and hook and loop fasteners, or other suitable closer and fastening mechanisms, which allow accessibility to any side of the protected product and then allow for re-securing the sides of the cover. Other types of closure devices are contemplated and may provide unique advantages in certain applications. In some embodiments, depending upon the material being protected, it may be advantageous to relocate the location of the closure devices. - The
longitudinal seam 140 may be offset from an edge of the side panel 120. By offsetting theseam 140 from an edge of the side panel 120, a user may easily access and disengage theseam 140 when the pallet is stored adjacent to other loaded pallets. For example, zippers, or other closure devices, may be disposed approximately two inches in on both sides of thenarrower side panels narrower side panels - In one embodiment, the
body portion 100 comprises anengagement strip 150 disposed about a perimeter of a lower end of thebody portion 100. Theengagement strip 150 has an inner portion that is configured to attach to theskirt portion 300 of thecover 20. Theengagement strip 150 allows a user to connect the body portion 120 to theskirt portion 300 to substantially close and seal thecover 20 about a palletizedproduct 30. In one embodiment, theengagement strip 150 may be sewn to lower portions of the side panels. Theengagement strip 150 may comprise hook or loop fastener material. - The materials used to make the
body portion 100 may vary depending upon the application of thecover 20. In one embodiment, theupper panel 110 comprises a heavy mesh material or vinyl that will protect theupper panel 110 and allow pallets to be doubled stacked without damaging thecover 20. Theupper perimeter portion 160 may comprise a heavy vinyl material to stabilize thecover 20 and reinforce its upper edges and corners. In some embodiments, one or more side panels 120 may comprise a slack-removing component to remove slack from the one or more side panels 120 of thecover 20 to reduce potential snagging. The side panels 120 may comprise a mesh material that substantially blocks insects from accessing the produce, yet allows ambient air to pass through the side panels 120 to facilitate ventilation of the produce. In one embodiment, an appropriate mesh density is employed to provide maximum protection from insects and other pests while still allowing sufficient air movement and/or fumigant penetration through the palletized product. The side walls also preferably are transparent so that an inspector may visually inspect a produce pallet while the cover is fully engaged. Other suitable materials other than mesh may be used. -
FIG. 3A shows abase portion 200 of theprotective cover 20. In one embodiment, thebase portion 200 has acentral section 210 and aperimeter section 220 disposed about thecentral section 210. Thecentral section 210 may comprise a rigid or heavy cardboard or polymer material that is configured to rest substantially flat on apallet 40. However, it should be appreciated that there are many situations and processes used to export fruit, produce, or other goods where it may be advantageous to use different materials for a bottom portion of a wooden pallet cover. Theperimeter section 220 extends about exterior edges of thebase portion 220. Theperimeter section 220 has an outside facing track that is configured to receive a lip of theskirt portion 300. As such, thebase portion 200 may connect to theskirt portion 300. Thebase portion 200 functions as an anchor member for theprotective cover 20. For example, theskirt portion 300 may be attached to thebase portion 200 and inserted under produce containers to serve as anchor points for the side panels 120 of thecover 20. In some embodiments, thebase portion 200 provides a non-slip surface that reduces the likelihood that containers will move with respect to the pallet during transportation. In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 3B , in some embodiments amesh insert 230 may be used to allow air to pass through thebase portion 200. - With reference to
FIGS. 4A and 4B , theskirt portion 300 may comprise anattachment portion 310 and alip 320. Theattachment portion 310 has an outwardly facing side that is configured to attach to and detach from theengagement strip 150 of thebody portion 100 of thecover 20. In one embodiment, theattachment portion 310 comprises hook or loop fastener material that is complementary to hook or loop fastener material of theengagement strip 150. Thelip 320 is configured to be inserted into a track of theperimeter section 220 of thebase portion 200. However, in other embodiments, theskirt portion 300 may be connected to thebase portion 200 through arrangements other than the illustratedlip 320 andperimeter section 220. Thelip 320 andattachment portion 310 define acorner 330. In some embodiments, thecorner 330 may define an angle of approximately 45°. In other embodiments, the corner may define an angle of between and including approximately about 10° to about 120°. In other embodiments, the corner may define an angle of between and including approximately about 30° to about 60°. Theskirt portion 300 may comprise an L-shape and be composed of a rigid member, such as a rigid plastic member, that is sewn into suitable material, such as plastic molding. - In some embodiments, as illustrated in
FIGS. 4A and 4B , theattachment portion 310 includes one or more securing members. For example, theattachment portion 310 may comprise a first securingmember 312 disposed near one end of theattachment portion 310 and asecond securing member 314 disposed near an opposite end of theattachment portion 310. The securingmembers skirt portion 300 that is securely connected and configured to attach thebody portion 100 of thecover 20 to thebase portion 300 of the cover. In some embodiments, the securingmembers adjacent attachment portions 310. In other embodiments, however, theattachment portion 310 may not include securingmembers - In other embodiments, the
base portion 200 may attach to thebody portion 100 without use of a skirt portion. For example, aprotective cover 20 may comprise abody portion 100 and abase portion 200. Thebody portion 100 may include anupper panel 110 and side panels 120, as illustrated inFIG. 2 . At least one side panel may compriselongitudinal seams 140. Thelongitudinal seams 140 each comprise a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to engage with and disengage from the second portion to enable the side panel 120 to fold up with respect to theupper panel 110 to allow direct access to the produce containers. In such an embodiment, thebase portion 200 is configured to be disposed between a pallet and the containers and to attach, either directly or indirectly, to thebody portion 100. -
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate other embodiments of features of the system described herein. These embodiments do not necessarily have abase portion 200. For example, these embodiments may be used if a pallet required fumigation or protection and there was nobase portion 200 installed between the pallet and the produce containers. Anattachment member 400 is provided that functions to secure the protective cover to theproduce containers 30 and/orpallet 40. Theattachment member 400 may comprise anouter portion 410 and aninner portion 420. Theinner portion 420 may comprise an adhesive such as, for example, double-sided tape. Theinner portion 420 therefore may be configured to attach to a lower portion of the produce containers. Theouter portion 410 may have a securing mechanism such as, for example, hook and loop fastener material. Theouter portion 410 therefore may be configured to attach to thebody portion 100 of thecover 20. - In some embodiments, the
attachment member 400 may be used as an alternative to theskirt portion 300 described above with respect toFIGS. 1-4 . For example, theattachment member 400 may adhere to a bottom edge of the containers just above the pallet on all four sides allowing complementary hook and loop fastener material from thebody portion 100 of thecover 20 to securely attach to theouter portion 410 of theattachment member 400. In some embodiments, thebase portion 200 would not be included in embodiments employing theattachment member 400 prior to palletizing containers of goods. Such embodiments might be particularly beneficial where a pallet was not initially intended for export, but was later added to an export load. The described embodiments of theattachment member 400 would not necessarily provide protection to the bottom portion of the pallet, but would allow the protective cover to operate effectively to protect substantially the entire upper portion of the pallet. -
FIG. 6 illustrates other embodiments of features of the system described herein. These embodiments may comprise a system having a base portion with an integrated skirt portion. Abase portion 500 is provided that comprises anintegral skirt portion 510 and acentral portion 520. Thebase portion 500 may comprise a mesh material to allow for ventilation and air movement through the bottom of apallet 40. Thecentral portion 520 may be configured to rest on apallet 40. Theintegral skirt portion 510 may comprise a strip of hook and loop fastener material that extends from thecentral portion 520 and about the perimeter of thebase portion 500. Theintegral skirt portion 510 may be configured to extend upward to surround a lower portion ofproduce containers 30 so as to provide a mechanism to receive, in some embodiments, complementary hook and loop fastener materials of abody portion 100 of thecover 20. In some embodiments, the base portion may about 40 inches by about 48 inches to confirm to the size of apallet 40 and theintegral skirt portion 510 may comprise about strip of material having a height of about two inches. - In some embodiments, the
base portion 500 would be placed directly on apallet 40 prior to palletizing goods. If a user decides to remove thebody portion 100 of thecover 20 prior to shipment of the goods, then thebase portion 500 may be shipped with thepallet 40 to a final destination. Thus, in some embodiments, thebase portion 500 would be produced from a recyclable mesh material so that thebase portion 500 is relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Similarly, the base portion of any of the embodiments described herein may be configured to be shipped with apallet 40 to a final destination. Thus, the advantages provided by thebase portion 500 ofFIG. 6 may likewise apply to other embodiments of the base portion described herein, such as, for example,base portion 200, base portion 600,base portion 700, andbase portion 900. -
FIGS. 7A to 7E illustrate other embodiments of features of the system described herein. These embodiments may comprise a system having a base portion with a sleeve member that is configured to engage with a skirt portion of the cover. As shown inFIG. 7A , a base portion 600 is provided that comprises a central portion 602 and one or more sleeve members 610. The one or more sleeve members 610 may define a structure having an end opening 616 at either end, or both ends, of the sleeve member 610. In some embodiments, sleeve members 610 are disposed about the perimeter of the base portion 600. The sleeve member 610 may define a channel that is configured to receive a longitudinal member 620 through either end opening 616 or both end openings 616. The longitudinal member 620 is illustrated inFIG. 7B . In other embodiments, the sleeve member 610 may comprise an end opening 616 at one end and a closed configuration at an opposite end of the sleeve member 610 such that the longitudinal member 620 is inserted through the end opening 616 at one end of the sleeve member 610. The longitudinal member 620 may comprise a relatively rigid rod, such as a plastic or metal rod, that is configured to be displaced through the sleeve member 610. In some embodiments, the one or more sleeve members 610 comprises four sleeve members each configured to receive a longitudinal member 620. In some embodiments, the base portion 600, the one or more sleeve members 610, and the one or more longitudinal members 620 are configured to be an alternative to thebase member 200 andskirt portion 300 illustrated inFIGS. 1-4 . - In some embodiments, the base portion 600 includes one or more perforations at or near an interface of the sleeve member 610 and the central portion 602 of the base portion 600. The one or more perforations advantageously may allow a user to easily and quickly remove the sleeve members 610 from the base portion 600 by applying a pulling force to the sleeve members 610. For example, a user may seek to retain the
cover 20 prior to shipment so that the user may reuse the cover on another load. Such perforations would allow the user to easily remove the sleeve member 610 from the base portion 600 so that the user retains the body portion of thecover 20. The body portion may then be reused with another base portion on a different load of containers. The base portion, in some embodiments, would be shipped with the load. A cover having a base portion 600 with one or more perforations would be particularly beneficial for users seeking to reuse a cover at a packaging facility and/or a fumigation facility prior to shipment of the produce. - In some embodiments, the base portion 600 is composed of a heavy paper material that is cut, folded, and fastened to create a sleeve member 610, such as a pocket, on four sides of the base portion 600. The central portion 602 of the base portion 600 may include an optional opening 604 comprising mesh material that is disposed between sheets to create a path for air movement through a lower paper sheet. In such embodiments, the base portion 600 may comprise an upper sheet of material, a lower sheet of material, and a mesh material disposed between the upper and lower sheets. Corresponding openings in the upper and lower sheets would allow the mesh material to be exposed and to provide a path for air movement through the base portion 600.
- As shown in
FIG. 7B , the sleeve member 610 may include an outer surface, which faces outward with respect to the base portion 600, having one or more alternating side surfaces 612 and side openings 614. The side surface 612 may comprise an outward facing side of the sleeve member 610 and, in some embodiments, the side opening 614 may define an opening in the sleeve member 610 on the outward facing side only. The longitudinal member 620 may be inserted into the sleeve member 610 through the end opening 616 in the sleeve member 610. The side opening 614 may be a pre-cut opening. For example, the base portion 600 may initially comprise a flat sheet of material. Openings may be created near an outer portion of the sheet of material by, for example, cutting or stamping the material. The edges of the sheet may then be folded and secured to create sleeve members 610 having side openings 614. -
FIG. 7C shows a side view of askirt portion 630 that is configured to engage the one or more sleeve members 610 and the one or more longitudinal members 620 of the base portion 600. Theskirt portion 630 comprises abody portion 634 having anouter surface 632. Theouter surface 632 is configured to attach to a lower portion of a body portion of aprotective cover 20. In some embodiments, theouter surface 632 comprises hook and loop fastener material. Thebody portion 634 of theskirt portion 630 also comprises an inner surface having one ormore attachment members 638. Theattachment members 638 may comprise hooks. In some embodiments, theattachment members 638 are securely fastened to an inwardly facing side of theskirt portion 630. Theattachments members 638 may be positioned to line up with corresponding side openings 614 of the sleeve member 610 so that theattachment members 638 can securely engage with the longitudinal members 620. Theskirt portion 630 may also include aseal member 636 that extends generally from an inner side of theskirt portion 630. Theseal member 636 may comprise a flap of material that is configured to be positioned behind the sleeve member 610 to create a seal when theskirt portion 630 is secured to the base portion 600 and theattachment members 638 are in place and engaged with the longitudinal members 620. -
FIG. 7D illustrates an inward-facing side of theskirt portion 630 with theattachment members 638 disposed behind theseal member 636. Theskirt portion 630 may also include one or more pockets. For example, the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7D has afirst pocket 640 and asecond pocket 642. Thefirst pocket 640 and thesecond pocket 642 are positioned at opposite ends of theskirt portion 630 and are configured to receive the longitudinal member 620 when the longitudinal member 620 is fully engaged with the sleeve member 610 of the base portion 600. Thefirst pocket 640 may receive one end of the longitudinal member 620 and thesecond pocket 642 may receive an opposite end of the longitudinal member 620. In some embodiments, thefirst pocket 640 defines a generally rectangular configuration and thesecond pocket 642 defines a generally triangular configuration. The longitudinal member 620 may first be inserted into thefirst pocket 640 and then inserted into thesecond pocket 642 to securely mate theskirt portion 630 and the sleeve member 610. Thesecond pocket 642 may have a generally triangular configuration to facilitate easy insertion of the longitudinal member 620 in thesecond pocket 642 after the longitudinal member 620 has been inserted in thefirst pocket 640.FIG. 7E shows theouter surface 632, or outward-facing side, of theskirt portion 630 that is configured to attach to a body portion of the protective cover. - In some embodiments, which are not illustrated in the drawings, the
skirt portion 630 includes one or more securing members. For example, theskirt portion 630 may comprise a first securing member disposed near one end of theskirt portion 630 and a second securing member disposed near an opposite end of theskirt portion 630. The securing members may be configured to engage with adjacent skirt portions. Such a configuration facilitates providing a skirt portion for the cover that is securely connected. In some embodiments, the securing members comprise straps with hook and loop fastener material that is configured to securely connectadjacent skirt portions 630. In other embodiments, theskirt portion 630 may include other securing mechanisms. - In some implementations, the embodiments of
FIGS. 7A through 7E comprise a base portion 600 that is an alternative option that would be made of a paper product with pre-cut holes around the outer edges. The sides may be folded up and glued to create a pocket on all four sides. The base portion 600 may be placed directly on top of a pallet prior to palletizing goods. In some embodiments, the base portion 600 andskirt portion 630 may be used when removing the cover prior to shipment. These embodiments may also be particularly economical and disposable with other cardboard waste since, in some embodiments, the base portion 600 is composed of an inexpensive paper material. The sleeve member 610 and the longitudinal member 620 are configured to attach to the base portion 600 on all four sides thereby creating an anchor point for a lower portion of a body portion of the cover. The base portion 600 may be composed of a variety of suitable materials, such as, for example, at least one or more of the following materials: paper, heavy paper, cardboard, polyethylene, canvas, vinyl, mesh, heavy mesh, and glass spun fiber. -
FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate other embodiments of features of the system described herein. These embodiments may comprise a system having a base portion and a skirt portion having complementary recesses and inserts. As shown inFIG. 8A , abase portion 700 may be provided having acentral portion 702 and plurality ofrecesses 704 disposed about a perimeter of thebase portion 700. Thebase portion 700 may comprise a relatively rigid material, such as, for example, wood, cardboard, and/or plastic. In the illustrated embodiments therecesses 704 define substantially half-circular configurations; however, therecesses 704 may define other shapes as well. Therecesses 704 may be configured to receive insert portions of a skirt portion. Therecesses 704 preferably would be disposed in such a way so as to not compromise the structural integrity of the shipping container. -
FIGS. 8B and 8C show askirt portion 710 comprising anouter surface 712, abody portion 714, and a plurality ofinsert portions 716. Theouter surface 712 is configured to engage and connect to a body portion of the protective cover. In some embodiments, theouter surface 712 comprises a hook and loop fastener material. Theinsert portions 716 may project inwardly from a lower portion of thebody portion 714 of theskirt portion 710. In the illustrated embodiments theinserts 716 define substantially half-circular configurations; however, theinserts 716 may define other shapes as well. Theinserts 716 may be configured to mate with therecesses 704 of thebase portion 700. In some embodiments, the one or more of the recesses may have a circular insert depth of approximately one inch and a shallow portion depth of approximately 0.25 inches. The thickness of theinserts 716 may be substantially the same as the thickness of corresponding recesses 704. In other embodiments, the thickness of theinserts 716 may be less than the thickness of correspondingrecesses 704 so that theinserts 716 are thinner than therecesses 704. As shown inFIG. 8C , theskirt portion 710 may include one ormore strap members 718 disposed at or near ends of theskirt portion 710. The one ormore strap members 718 may be configured to wrap around corners of the produce containers and attach to adjacent skirt portions to secure the skirt portions. - In some implementations, the embodiments of
FIGS. 8A through 8C were designed to have thebase portion 700 shipped with a load to another destination, such as a final destination, while also allowing for removal of theskirt portion 710 and a body portion of the cover prior to shipment. Advantageously, these embodiments may be user friendly and as economical as possible. -
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate other embodiments of features of the system described herein. These embodiments may comprise a system having a body portion of a cover with an open bottom and configured to be placed over containers as one piece. Abody portion 800 is provided that is configured to engage with abase portion 900 to protect containers ofgoods 30. The goods may be disposed on apallet 40. - The
body portion 800 may comprise a generally rectangular configuration with anupper panel 808 and fourside panels 802. One or more of thepanels 802 may include an openingmember 804. In some embodiments, the openingmember 804 is configured to allow a user access to product disposed behind theparticular panel 802 of thebody portion 800 upon which theopening member 804 is disposed without affecting the other side panels of thebody portion 800. For example, with reference toFIG. 10 , a user may use afirst opening member 804 a, which is disposed on afirst panel 802 a of thebody portion 800, to access a portion of goods generally covered by thefirst panel 802 a of thebody portion 800. Using thefirst opening member 804 a, in some embodiments, does not generally affect asecond side panel 802 b of thebody portion 800. As such, thesecond panel 802 b of thebody portion 800 may stay closed while a user access goods covered by thefirst panel 802 a using thefirst opening member 804 a. In some embodiments, the openingmember 802 comprises a continuous zipper that defines a generally U-shaped configuration such that it extends generally vertically down one side of a panel, across a bottom portion of the panel, and generally vertically up an opposite side of the panel. The generally U-shaped configuration of the openingmember 802 is illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10 . As shown by an arrow B inFIG. 10 , the openingmember 804 b may be opened to allow a portion of theside panel 802 b to hinge upwards with respect to thebody portion 800. Thebody portion 800 of the cover may have anopening member 802 disposed on one side panel, two side panels, three side panels, or all four side panels of thebody portion 800. - In some embodiments, the
body portion 800 includes apocket member 806 disposed at or near a lower edge of aside panel 802. Thepocket member 806 may extend generally horizontally along a lower edge of theside panel 802. Thepocket member 806 may define an opening extending generally through thepocket member 806 that is configured to receive a longitudinal member, such as a relatively rigid rod. The longitudinal member andpocket member 806 may be configured to engage with a track of thebase portion 900 to securely attach thebody portion 800 to thebase portion 900 and to create a seal about the goods. In some embodiments, the longitudinal member andpocket member 806 may be configured to engage thepallet 40, instead of or in addition to thebase portion 900, to create a seal about the goods. - In some implementations, the embodiments of
FIGS. 9 and 10 include abody portion 800 comprising a single mesh cube with solid, non-mesh fabric reinforcing the top, corners, and edges. There may be four rectangular mesh panels, which each contain fastening devices that can be unfastened and will allow access to all sides of the pallet without affecting the other sides. The bottom pockets on each side panel may be inserted into or onto a track member of the base portion or pallet having a suitable receiving member to create a seal around the product. For example, thebody portion 800 may include relatively heavy material about its edges and corners to reinforce the edges and corners. In some embodiments, theside panels 802 comprise mesh material attached by solid material at the edges and corners. In some embodiments, thepocket members 806 comprise additional material attached to the lower edge of each side panel that is configured to receive a plastic rod. - Embodiments of one or more of the covers disclosed herein may be composed of a variety of suitable materials, such as, for example, at least one or more of the following materials: paper, heavy paper, cardboard, polyethylene, canvas, vinyl, mesh, heavy mesh, and glass spun fiber.
- Some of the advantages of the disclosed embodiments will now be described. The protective covers safeguard pallets of produce that are imported into or exported from the United States. The covers greatly reduce the risk of invasive pests being transferred from one country to another. Applicant intends, in some embodiments, to develop systems to secure product to address potential food safety concerns. Options for achieving this purpose include, for example, securing zippers (or other closure devices) in corners with some type of seal or possibly using a strip of double-sided tamper resistant tape to lower portions of a cover with a corresponding location on the skirt thus creating a tamper-resistant seal.
- Pallets typically are fumigated with Methyl Bromide prior to shipment to ensure that they are free from insects or insect larvae. Described embodiments will also provide a barrier that may help protect products from other threats to food safety. Such threats include, but are not limited to pests, rodents, disturbances of the fruit by an individual, or other forms of contaminates that could possibly cause food-borne illness. The fumigation process consists of a two-hour exposure to the fumigant in a gas-tight chamber. The chamber is then forcefully ventilated by using fans for approximately four hours, or passively for approximately 12 hours, until the product has off-gassed to a safe level. The pallets are then removed from the fumigation chamber and are stamped with an identification number that represents the location of fumigation. The product is then taken to a cold storage facility for cooling and final inspections prior to shipping. When pallets are designated for export they enter into a series of steps that may be referred to as a “Pathway.”
- Along this Pathway there are areas of vulnerability where insects could possibly reenter the boxes or load. Some of the most vulnerable areas include the ventilation process where air from the outside is being circulated through the fumigation chamber. Other areas include when the pallets are removed from the chamber to be stamped and relocated to the cold storage facility. These steps expose pallets to open air for longer than four hours, which creates a risk of possible re-infestation of insects.
- After the pallets have been moved into the cold storage facility, the risk of infestation reduces because of slowed insect metabolism, thereby lowering the risk of insect movement from pallet to pallet. Although the risk is reduced, there are some work plans that require pallets to not be commingled or placed within three feet of fumigated fruit designated for export. The disclosed protective covers may provide a justification for removing this regulation. Work plans are developed by domestic and foreign officials and are to be followed by fumigators to ensure consistent product handling throughout the industry. There is a final inspection conducted by officials from the importing country to ensure efficacy of pests that may have been in the load. A load is cleared for shipment if the load is determined to be free from live insects and satisfies other criteria.
- The fiscal consequences of a rejected load can be significant depending on how far along the Pathway the load has traveled before rejection. If the load is still at the fumigating facility and a live pest is found in the load during inspection, the load is rejected and cannot be shipped to its designated location. The fumigation chamber is also decertified and requires an investigation to determine the source of failure. This can take some time to recertify a chamber and under certain market condition it could be costly to the shipper.
- These situations can create a lack of confidence by the importing country, which could result in potential future sales losses. The potential losses increase if the load has left the original facility and is rejected at some point further down the Pathway. For example, the load may be rejected at a border checkpoint, which typically do not have refrigeration facilities and result in total loss of a load. If loads are rejected, the original shipper is financially responsible for shipping the product back to the point of origin or allowing the load to be diverted to another location where additional shipping costs are incurred. This may result in a loss of load quality due to delays and increased handling.
- The embodiments disclosed herein will greatly reduce the potential for rejected loads and lost revenue. The disclosed covers will also protect the reputation of quality fumigators in the industry. The protective covers could also play a role in the movement of product through or from possible quarantined areas if high risk insects are located in a large agricultural area. There is also potential for the protective covers to be a containment tool if produce is packed within a quarantined area that needs to be moved through or to a non-quarantined area. The potential benefits, including but not limited to financial gain, are significant to growers and shippers because the protective covers will help ensure that their produce and loads remains free of invasive pests. The identified advantages also would apply to countries shipping products into the United States.
- The embodiments disclosed herein may be suitable for a variety of applications in addition to, or instead of, protecting produce from insects before, during, or after the fumigation process. For example, the embodiments may be used to isolate loads within a shipment so that if one bundle of containers is infected by insects or other harmful debris, other bundles of containers in the load are protected from such insects or other harmful debris. Such harmful debris may include weed seeds and/or plant debris. This would have financial benefits to distributors and others because sometimes an entire shipment may be destroyed if only a portion of the shipment is infected with insects or other harmful debris and the uninfected portion is not sufficiently isolated from the infected portion. For instance, the embodiments disclosed herein may provide containment of pests or harmful debris within a load or shipment if discovered when entering an importing country. If a pest or other harmful debris is discovered, the pest or harmful debris would be advantageously contained until further treatment or corrective action is provided. In addition, the embodiments may be used to protect bundles of containers during a cold air treatment process where such bundles are not necessarily subject to a fumigation process.
- It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects herein may be made and still fall within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the protective covers may be used to safeguard products other than produce. In addition, the pallet may have a groove configured to receive the skirt portion and secure the cover. The skirt portion may be connected to the base portion through double-sided tape. In other embodiments, the base portion may simply comprise a cardboard sheet or heavy paper material to adequately protect the bottom of the palletized product, yet reduce production costs. Moreover, in some embodiments, the protective covers may not include a skirt portion and may not comprise separate base and body portions. For example, the protective covers may comprise a one-piece structure or a two-piece structure capable of sufficiently protecting containers of produce. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed protective covers.
Claims (20)
1. A cover for protecting packaged and palletized produce from insects before and/or during shipment of produce from one location to another location, the cover comprising:
a body portion comprising a top panel and a plurality of side panels, wherein the body portion is configured to substantially cover the top and sides of a bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers, wherein the plurality of side panels are configured to substantially block insects from accessing the produce, and wherein the side panels are configured to allow ambient air and fumigants to pass therethrough;
a base portion comprising a bottom panel, wherein the base portion is configured to be disposed on a pallet such that the base portion rests between the pallet and the bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers; and
a skirt portion configured to removably attach the body portion to the base portion to enable the cover to substantially cover the bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers and to securely cover and protect the produce from insects before and/or during shipment of the produce from one location to another location;
wherein the base portion comprises a plurality of sleeves extending substantially about a perimeter of the base portion, the plurality of sleeves comprising a plurality of side walls and a plurality of recess such that the side walls and recesses generally alternate along a length of the sleeve, the sleeve having an opening at one end of the sleeve and defining a substantially open channel configured to receive a longitudinal member;
wherein the skirt portion comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, and a plurality of hooks disposed on the inner surface of the skirt portion, wherein the outer surface of the skirt portion is configured to removably attach to the body portion of the cover, and wherein the plurality of hooks generally correspond to the plurality recesses of the skirt portion when the cover is assembled about the bundle of packaged and palletized produce containers so that the plurality of hooks directly engage with the longitudinal member when the longitudinal member is inserted through the opening into the substantially open channel of the sleeve to securely attach the body portion, skirt portion, and base portion of the cover before and/or during shipment of the produce from one location to another location.
2. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of side panels comprises four side panels.
3. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal member comprises a rigid rod.
4. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the skirt portion comprises a seal member that extends generally from an inner side of the skirt portion, the seal member configured to be positioned behind the sleeve to create a seal when the skirt portion is secured to the base portion.
5. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the base portion comprises one or more perforations at or near an interface of the sleeve and a central portion of the base portion, the perforations configured to allow a user to easily remove the sleeves from the base portion by applying a pulling force to the sleeves.
6. The cover of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of side panels comprises a first longitudinal seam and a second longitudinal seam, the first and second longitudinal seams each comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to engage with and disengage from the second portion to enable the side panel to fold up with respect to the top panel to allow direct access to the produce containers.
7. A cover for protecting produce, comprising:
a body portion comprising an upper panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, wherein the first side panel and second side panel are attached to the upper panel and the body portion is configured to substantially cover a bundle of produce containers;
a base portion, wherein the base portion is configured to be disposed between a pallet and the containers; and
a skirt portion, wherein the skirt portion is configured to removably attach the body portion and the base portion;
wherein the side panels are configured to substantially block insects from accessing the produce, and wherein the side panels are configured to allow ambient air to pass therethrough.
8. The cover of claim 7 , wherein the base portion comprises a mesh insert configured to allow air movement through the base portion.
9. The cover of claim 7 , wherein the body portion comprises four side panels.
10. The cover of claim 7 , wherein the first side panel comprises a substantially transparent mesh material.
11. The cover of claim 7 , wherein the body portion comprises an engagement portion disposed near a lower end of the body portion and configured to engage with the skirt portion.
12. The cover of claim 7 , wherein the first side panel comprises a longitudinal seam, the longitudinal seam comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to engage with and disengage from the second portion.
13. The cover of claim 12 , wherein the longitudinal seam is offset from a longitudinal corner of the body portion.
14. The cover of claim 12 , wherein the longitudinal seam comprises a closure device.
15. The cover of claim 12 , wherein the longitudinal seam comprises a zipper.
16. The cover of claim 7 , wherein the base portion comprises a perimeter portion having a track and the skirt portion comprises an attachment portion and a lip.
17. The cover of claim 16 , wherein the track is configured to receive the lip to attach the skirt portion to the base portion.
18. A cover for protecting produce, comprising:
a body portion comprising an upper panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, wherein the first side panel and second side panel are attached to the upper panel and the body portion is configured to substantially cover a bundle of produce containers, wherein the first side panel comprises a first longitudinal seam and a second longitudinal seam, the first and second longitudinal seams each comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is configured to engage with and disengage from the second portion to enable the first side panel to fold up with respect to the upper panel to allow direct access to the produce containers; and
a base portion, wherein the base portion is configured to be disposed between a pallet and the containers and wherein the base portion is configured to attach to the body portion;
wherein the side panels are configured to substantially block insects from accessing the produce, and wherein the side panels are configured to allow ambient air to pass therethrough.
19. The cover of claim 18 , wherein at least one of the longitudinal seams is offset from a longitudinal corner of the body portion.
20. The cover of claim 19 , wherein the first longitudinal seam and the second longitudinal seam each are offset at least about two inches from respective longitudinal corners of the body portion.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/623,554 US20130068357A1 (en) | 2011-09-20 | 2012-09-20 | Protective cover |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201161537014P | 2011-09-20 | 2011-09-20 | |
US13/623,554 US20130068357A1 (en) | 2011-09-20 | 2012-09-20 | Protective cover |
Publications (1)
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US20130068357A1 true US20130068357A1 (en) | 2013-03-21 |
Family
ID=47879504
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/623,554 Abandoned US20130068357A1 (en) | 2011-09-20 | 2012-09-20 | Protective cover |
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US20150099598A1 (en) * | 2013-10-09 | 2015-04-09 | Kettler International, Inc. | Table Tennis Table Cover |
US20150321830A1 (en) * | 2012-10-12 | 2015-11-12 | Aktiebolaget Skf | Transport packaging for an annular bearing part, packaging unit having the same and method for packaging an annular bearing part |
RU2652582C2 (en) * | 2016-02-18 | 2018-04-26 | Александр Алексеевич Парфенов | Packaging for stacked products |
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