Patent ID: 8250835
Filing Date: 2012-08-28
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
1. A method of packaging and preserving produce for air transport, the method comprising the steps of: a) folding a collapsible unitary side panel, sized to be folded around and enclose the sides of a substantially cubic three dimensional array of filled produce boxes on a pallet, around the substantially cubic three dimensional array of filled produce boxes on a pallet, defining a substantially square top opening bounded by the collapsible unitary side panel top edges and further defining a substantially square bottom opening bounded by the collapsible unitary side panel bottom edges, the collapsible unitary side panel comprising means for hook and loop attachment on an outside surface of the collapsible unitary side panel top edges and bottom edges, means for hook and loop attachment on an outside end of the collapsible unitary side panel and a corresponding inside end of the collapsible unitary side panel, and a plurality of pouches on a collapsible unitary side panel inside surface; b) closing the collapsible unitary side panel top opening with a detachable top panel, sized to correspond to the collapsible unitary side panel top edges, the detachable top panel comprising four corners, flaps sized and folded on an edge to extend orthogonally downward from the top panel, means for hook and loop attachment on an inside surface of each flap, a flap corner seal on each detachable top panel corner, a compartment further comprising a plurality of pouches, and a permeable surface having a zippered enclosure for the compartment; c) locating a rigid top plate inside the detachable top panel enclosed zippered compartment, the rigid top plate comprising a plurality of vent openings through the top plate corresponding to the position of pouches positioned on a compartment inside surface, wherein the pouches are positioned above the rigid top plate in relation to the array of boxes on the pallet; d) closing the unitary side panel bottom opening with a detachable base panel sized to correspond to the collapsible unitary side panel bottom edges, the detachable base panel comprising four corners, flaps sized and folded on an edge to extend orthogonally upward from the base panel, means for hook and loop attachment on an inside flap surface, and a flap corner seal on each detachable base panel corner, whereby a reusable, substantially airtight container to transport the non-frozen produce is obtained; and e) providing means for maintaining the temperature of the produce in the reusable, substantially airtight container to a point of delivery.