Patent ID: 8697164
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: A01D,A23L,B65B,B65D

Abstract:
1. A method of commercially packaging lettuce in a field using a wrap, the lettuce having a head, a stem, and roots, wherein the stem connects the head to the roots when the lettuce is growing in the ground, the wrap having a body with an opening and an elastomeric portion, wherein the elastomeric portion is attached near the opening of the wrap, wherein the wrap has a portion that is attached to a belt worn by a cutter, and wherein the wrap hangs as a stack of wraps from the belt worn by the cutter, the method comprising: a) cutting the lettuce at the stem to harvest the head from the ground; b) extending the elastomeric portion of the wrap to form a stretched portion; c) placing the head through the stretched portion of the wrap into the body of the wrap; d) releasing the stretched portion of the wrap, wherein the wrapped head remains attached to the belt worn by the cutter; e) detaching the wrapped head from the belt worn by the cutter; and f) placing the detached wrapped head in a carton, wherein steps a)-f) are performed in the field in which the head was harvested.