FOLDABLE CARDBOARD CONTAINER FOR USE IN MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING

A container capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere may be formed from a single piece of corrugated cardboard. For example, a container may include a single piece of corrugated cardboard having a first side and a second side that includes four walls, a bottom, a top, two bottom flaps, two wall flaps, two wall fold overs, and a closing flap, wherein each of the foregoing have a first side corresponding to the first side of the corrugated cardboard and a second side corresponding to the second side of the corrugated cardboard. The single piece of corrugated cardboard with said features is configured to be folded into a container that, in an assembled-closed configuration, is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to foldable containers formed of a single piece of corrugated cardboard, where said container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere environment.

BACKGROUND

Corrugated paper cartons (CPC), both waxed and unwaxed, and reusable plastic containers (RPC) have been used to transport produce, flowers, plants, and the like in ambient atmosphere conditions. CPC and RPC conventionally rely extensively on a porous construction (e.g., containers with slots and vents) to provide cooling of the goods housed therein. However, the continuous exposure to ambient conditions often leads to desiccation and oxidation of the products therein, as well as acceleration of said products' physiological processes therein, which may reduce the quality and shelf life of said products.

To reduce respiration rate and delay senescence, top-icing in waxed-CPC or RPC have been used for shipment of perishables (e.g., broccoli, watercress). The purpose is to ensure the produce remains cold and adequately hydrated. However, issues related to lack of recyclability and co-shipment of ice/water have driven a need to look at sustainable alternatives for product's shelf-life preservation.

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is an alternative to CPC and RPC where the atmosphere inside the packaging is manipulated to delay product senescence. For the transport of perishables like produce (e.g., broccoli, green onions, brussels sprouts, watercress, and cilantro), flowers, and plants, MAP results in higher-quality, longer-shelf-life products after delivery. MAP exploits the dynamic relationship between fresh produce's respiration rate and mass transfer properties of the package materials to establish optimal reduced O2and elevated CO2concentrations in the headspace, aiming to decrease produce respiration rate, reduce production/sensitivity of ethylene, delay deterioration phenomena (e.g., microbial growth, ripening), and so on. For example, the use of MAP may actually extend the useful distribution and shelf life of produce by about 4 to 5 times as compared to conventional CPC and RPC.

Wrapping individual products or small groups of individual products in plastic with a modified atmosphere (e.g., via vacu-seal or with reduced oxygen concentration) is a common MAP practice. However, these MAP techniques increase the cost of packaging because the plastic wrapped products still need to be contained in larger containers (e.g., cardboard boxes) for transport). Further, for products like produce, flowers, plants, and the like, these techniques may not be available at the point of harvest, or to provide for said MAP technique on-site would be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, the wrapping itself, especially in vacu-seal techniques, may exert too much pressure on the produce, flowers, plants, and the like, causing physically damage. Besides, the generation of solid waste from these non-recyclable plastic wraps is an environmental issue.

Thus, there exists a need in the art to provide cardboard-based containers capable of implementing MAP techniques but having less additional packaging requirements, especially containers suitable for use when harvesting, transporting, and storing goods like produce, flowers, and plants.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to foldable containers formed of a single piece of corrugated cardboard, where said container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere.

Disclosed herein is a container that may comprise: a single piece of corrugated cardboard that, in an assembled-closed configuration, comprises (i) four walls connected via gusset folds to form four corners, (ii) a bottom contiguous with the four walls, (iii) a top contiguous with one of the four walls and not contiguous with three of the four walls, (iv) three top flaps each contiguous with one of the three of the four walls not contiguous with the top such that each of the top flaps fold into the container and engage the top, and (v) a closing flap contiguous with the top such that the closing flap engages an opposing wall to the one of the four walls contiguous with the top; wherein each gusset fold comprises a first fold portion having a tab and a second fold portion having a notch, wherein the tab and notch of each gusset fold are configured to interlock in the assembled-closed configuration; and wherein the container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration.

Disclosed herein is a method that comprises: transitioning a container from a folded-collapsed configuration to an assembled-open configuration, the container comprising: a single piece of corrugated cardboard that, in an assembled-closed configuration, comprises (i) four walls connected via gusset folds to form four corners, (ii) a bottom contiguous with the four walls, (iii) a top contiguous with one of the four walls and not contiguous with three of the four walls, (iv) three top flaps each contiguous with one of the three of the four walls not contiguous with the top such that each of the top flaps fold into the container and engage the top, and (v) a closing flap contiguous with the top such that the closing flap engages an opposing wall to the one of the four walls contiguous with the top; wherein each gusset fold comprises a first fold portion having a tab and a second fold portion having a notch, wherein the tab and notch of each gusset fold are configured to interlock in the assembled-closed configuration; wherein the container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration; and wherein the four walls, the four corners, and the bottom define a cavity in the assembled-open configuration; adding a product to cavity; and transitioning the container from the assembled-open configuration to the assembled-closed configuration.

Disclosed herein is a method that comprises: transitioning a container from a folded-collapsed configuration to an assembled-open configuration at a first site, the container comprising: a single piece of corrugated cardboard that, in an assembled-closed configuration, comprises (i) four walls connected via gusset folds to form four corners, (ii) a bottom contiguous with the four walls, (iii) a top contiguous with one of the four walls and not contiguous with three of the four walls, (iv) three top flaps each contiguous with one of the three of the four walls not contiguous with the top such that each of the top flaps fold into the container and engage the top, and (v) a closing flap contiguous with the top such that the closing flap engages an opposing wall to the one of the four walls contiguous with the top; wherein each gusset fold comprises a first fold portion having a tab and a second fold portion having a notch, wherein the tab and notch of each gusset fold are configured to interlock in the assembled-closed configuration; wherein the container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration; and wherein the four walls, the four corners, and the bottom define a cavity in the assembled-open configuration; adding a product to cavity at the first site; transitioning the container from the assembled-open configuration to the assembled-closed configuration at the first site; transporting the container having the product therein to a second site; and storing the product at the second site.

Disclosed herein is a container that comprises: a single piece of corrugated cardboard having a first side and a second side that, in an assembled-closed configuration, comprises four walls, a bottom, a top, two bottom flaps, two wall flaps, two wall fold overs, and a closing flap, wherein each of the foregoing have a first side corresponding to the first side of the corrugated cardboard and a second side corresponding to the second side of the corrugated cardboard; wherein a fourth wall is continuous with a first wall, a bottom, a third wall, and a top, wherein in a first direction and in order the following are contiguously connected: the closing flap, the top, the fourth wall, the bottom, and a second wall, wherein in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and in order the following are contiguously connected: the third wall, the fourth wall, and the first wall, wherein the second side of each of the two bottom flaps engages the first side of the bottom, wherein the second side of a first of the two side flaps engages the first side of a first wall and the second side of a second side of the two side flaps engages the first side of a third wall, wherein the first side of a first of the two wall fold overs engages the first side of the first of the two sidewall flaps and the first side of a second of the two wall fold overs engages the first side of the second of the two sidewall flaps, and wherein the closing flap engages the second wall; and wherein the container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration.

Disclosed herein is a method that comprises: transitioning a container from a single-layer configuration to an assembled-open configuration, the container comprising: a single piece of corrugated cardboard having a first side and a second side that, in an assembled-closed configuration, comprises four walls, a bottom, a top, two bottom flaps, two wall flaps, two wall fold overs, and a closing flap, wherein each of the foregoing have a first side corresponding to the first side of the corrugated cardboard and a second side corresponding to the second side of the corrugated cardboard; wherein a fourth wall is continuous with a first wall, a bottom, a third wall, and a top, wherein in a first direction and in order the following are contiguously connected: the closing flap, the top, the fourth wall, the bottom, and a second wall, wherein in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and in order the following are contiguously connected: the third wall, the fourth wall, and the first wall, wherein the second side of each of the two bottom flaps engages the first side of the bottom, wherein the second side of a first of the two side flaps engages the first side of a first wall and the second side of a second side of the two side flaps engages the first side of a third wall, and wherein the first side of a first of the two wall fold overs engages the first side of the first of the two sidewall flaps and the first side of a second of the two wall fold overs engages the first side of the second of the two sidewall flaps; and wherein the container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration; and wherein a cavity in the container in the assembled-open configuration is defined by at least the first side of the two bottom flaps, the second side of the two fold overs, the second wall, and the fourth wall; adding a product to cavity; and transitioning the container from the assembled-open configuration to the assembled-closed configuration by engaging the closing flap and the second wall.

Disclosed herein is a method that comprises: transitioning a container from a single-layer configuration to an assembled-open configuration, the container comprising: a single piece of corrugated cardboard having a first side and a second side that, in an assembled-closed configuration, comprises four walls, a bottom, a top, two bottom flaps, two wall flaps, two wall fold overs, and a closing flap, wherein each of the foregoing have a first side corresponding to the first side of the corrugated cardboard and a second side corresponding to the second side of the corrugated cardboard; wherein a fourth wall is continuous with a first wall, a bottom, a third wall, and a top, wherein in a first direction and in order the following are contiguously connected: the closing flap, the top, the fourth wall, the bottom, and a second wall, wherein in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and in order the following are contiguously connected: the third wall, the fourth wall, and the first wall, wherein the second side of each of the two bottom flaps engages the first side of the bottom, wherein the second side of a first of the two side flaps engages the first side of a first wall and the second side of a second side of the two side flaps engages the first side of a third wall, and wherein the first side of a first of the two wall fold overs engages the first side of the first of the two sidewall flaps and the first side of a second of the two wall fold overs engages the first side of the second of the two sidewall flaps; and wherein the container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration; and wherein a cavity in the container in the assembled-open configuration is defined by at least the first side of the two bottom flaps, the second side of the two fold overs, the second wall, and the fourth wall; adding a product to cavity at the first site; transitioning the container from the assembled-open configuration to the assembled-closed configuration at the first site; transporting the container having the product therein to a second site; and storing the product at the second site.

These and other aspects of the present invention may be realized in an improved foldable container as shown and described in the following figures and related description.

It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate the various details of the invention in greater clarity. Similarly, not every embodiment need accomplish all advantages of the present invention. Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to foldable containers formed of a single piece of corrugated cardboard, where said container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere. Because the container is formed by a single piece of corrugated cardboard, the container may be shipped and stored before use in a flat configuration (e.g., a single-layer configuration or a folded-collapsed configuration discussed in detail herein) that is one to a few layers thick of corrugated cardboard. Further, because of the folding mechanism, the container is easily transitioned from one of the flat configurations to a 3-dimensional, assembled configuration with a cavity (e.g., an assembled-open configuration) ready to receive products and be closed (e.g., to an assembled-closed configuration). Once closed, the folding mechanism and, optionally, the inclusion of adhesive and/or coating, enable the container to be sufficiently sealed to be able to maintain a modified atmosphere therein during transport and storage of the products. As such, the containers of the present disclosure are especially advantageous for the harvesting and transport of perishable products like produce, flowers, and plants.

Further, because the container is primarily, if not completely, cardboard, the container may advantageously be paper recycle compatible. When adhesives and/or coatings are included, paper recycle compatible adhesives and coating are preferred to maintain the paper recycle compatibility of the container.

The foldable containers of the present disclosure formed of a single piece of corrugated cardboard may have configurations that include a single-layer configuration, a folded-collapsed configuration, an assembled configuration, and configurations therebetween. As used herein, a “single-layer configuration” refers to a configuration where the corrugated cardboard is not folded and lying as a flat, single-layer of cardboard. As used herein, a “folded-collapsed configuration” refers to a configuration where the corrugated cardboard is folded along some of the fold lines such that portions of the cardboard overlap but a flat configuration is maintained with a maximum thickness of no more than three layers of cardboard (illustrated inFIG.1Bas three layers thick). As used herein, an “assembled-open configuration” refers to a configuration where the corrugated cardboard is folded into the container with the top open such that the container can receive product. As used herein, an “assembled-closed configuration” refers to a configuration where the corrugated cardboard is folded into the container with the top closed such that the container cannot receive product. As used herein, an “intermediate configuration” is any configuration between the single-layer configuration and the assembled-closed configuration but not including said configuration. Accordingly, the folded-collapsed configuration and the assembled-open configuration as well as configurations during folding and other are intermediate configurations.

FIGS.1A-Fillustrate a container100of the present disclosure in a variety of configurations as the container100transitions from a single-layer configuration101inFIG.1Ato an assembled-closed configuration105ofFIG.1F. More specifically,FIG.1Ais a top view of the container100in the single-layer configuration101.FIG.1Bis a top view of the container100in a folded-collapsed configuration102.FIG.1Cis a perspective view of the container100in an intermediate configuration103between the fold-collapsed configuration102and an assembled-open configuration104.FIG.1Dis a perspective view of the container100in the assembled-open configuration104.FIG.1Eis a perspective view of the container105in the assembled-open configuration104.FIG.1Fis a perspective view of the container105in the assembled-closed configuration105.

InFIGS.1A-1Fsolid lines indicate edges and dashed lines indicate fold lines.

The container100comprises a single piece of corrugated cardboard106having a first side106a(illustrated as white) and a second side106b(illustrated with hatching). As illustrated, the first side106aforms most of the inner surfaces of the container100in the assembled-closed configuration105while the second side106bforms most of the outer surfaces in the assembled-closed configuration105.

The container100includes four walls (illustrated as first wall107, second wall108, third wall109, and fourth wall110) connected via (illustrated as first gusset fold111, second gusset fold112, third gusset fold113, and fourth gusset fold114). That is, each of the four walls is contiguous with two of the four gusset folds111,112,113,114. A fold line is present where a wall is contiguous with a gusset fold. As illustrated, the first wall107is contiguous with the first gusset fold111at fold line115and the fourth gusset fold114at fold line116. The second wall108is contiguous with the first gusset fold111at fold line117and the second gusset fold112at fold line118. The third wall109is contiguous with the second gusset fold112at fold line119and the third gusset fold113at fold line120. The fourth wall110is contiguous with the third gusset fold113at fold line121and the fourth gusset fold114at fold line122. The first gusset fold111connects the first wall107and the second wall108. The second gusset fold112connects the second wall108and the third wall109. The third gusset fold113connects the third wall109and the fourth wall110. The fourth gusset fold114connects the first wall107and the fourth wall110.

Each of the four gusset folds111,112,113,114comprises a first fold portion11a,112a,113a,114aand a second fold portion111b,112b,113b,114b. As illustrated inFIGS.1C and1D, when assembling the container100, each gusset fold111,112,113,114folds inwardly in half along fold line111e,112e,113e,114eso that the first fold portion11a,112a,113a,114aalong the second side106bof the corrugated cardboard106engages the second fold portion111b,112b,113b,114balong the second side106bof the corrugated cardboard106. Once completely folded (e.g., in the assembled-open configuration104and in the assembled-closed configuration105), the four gusset folds111,112,113,114form four corners139,140,141,142where the walls107,108,109,110meet. In said configurations104,105, the first and third walls107,109are opposing walls, and the second and fourth walls108,110are opposing walls.

Each of the first fold portions11a,112a,113a,114ahas a tab111c,112c,113c,114c, and each second fold portion111b,112b,113b,114bhad a notch111d,112d,113d,114d. As illustrated inFIG.1D, the placement of the tabs111c,112c,113c,114cand the notches111d,112d,113d,114dalong their respective portions of the gusset folds111,112,113,114allow for the tab to be folded along fold line111f,112f,113f,114fto secure the first fold portions111a,112a,113a,114ato their respective second fold portions111b,112b,113b,114b.

Each of the four gusset folds111,112,113,114engages one of the walls107,108,109,110to which it is contiguous. In the illustrated container, the first gusset fold111(specifically, the first side106aportion of the first portion11a) engages the second wall108(specifically, the first side106aportion of the second wall108), the second gusset fold112(specifically, the first side106aportion of the second portion112a) engages the second wall108(specifically, the first side106aportion of the second wall108), the third gusset fold113(specifically, the first side106aportion of the third portion113a) engages the fourth wall110(specifically, the first side106aportion of the fourth wall110), and the fourth gusset fold114(specifically, the first side106aportion of the fourth portion114a) engages the fourth wall110(specifically, the first side106aportion of the fourth wall110). Other configurations are contemplated.

Each of the four walls107,108,109,110are contiguous with a bottom123along a corresponding fold line124,125,126,127.

One of the four walls (illustrated as fourth wall110) is contiguous with a top128at fold line129. The top128is contiguous with a closing flap130at fold line131where fold line129and fold line131are opposing edges of the top128. In the assembled-closed configuration105(FIG.1F), the closing flap130(specifically, the first side106aportion of the closing flap130) engages the wall opposing the wall to which the top is contiguous, which, as illustrated, is the second wall108(specifically, engaging the second side106bof the second wall108).

The remaining three of the four walls (illustrated as the first, second, and third walls107,108,109) are contiguous with a respective top flap133,134,135at respective fold lines136,137,138. In the assembled-closed configuration105(FIG.1F), the top128(specifically, the first side106aportion of the top108) engages each of the top flaps133,134,135(specifically, engaging the second side106bof the each of the top flaps133,134,135). Preferably, as illustrated (FIG.1E), the top flaps133,134,135have dimensions such that the top flaps133,134,135engage the top128without overlapping each other. Further, said dimensions allow for the edges of adjacent top flaps (e.g., top flaps133,134and top flaps134,135) to be abutting as illustrated inFIG.1E. Alternatively, the top flaps133,134,135may have dimensions that allow for with overlap each other in the assembled-closed configuration105.

Assembling the container100may include folding along fold lines118,126,121so that the second gusset fold112, the third wall109, and the third gusset fold113are above the second wall108, the bottom123, and the fourth wall110, respectively, and folding along fold lines117,124,122so that the first gusset fold111, the first wall107, and the fourth gusset fold114are above the second wall108, the bottom123, and the fourth wall110. Depending on the dimensions, the first and second gusset folds111,112may overlap, the first and third walls107,109may overlap, and the third and fourth gusset folds113,114may overlap. As illustrated inFIG.1B, the overlap occurs. Accordingly, in the folded-collapsed configuration102, the container100may be two layers or three layers of the corrugated cardboard106thick (illustrated as three layers thick).

The first and third walls107,109are then moved upward and outward while folding the gusset folds111,112,113,114and the second and fourth walls108,110upward and inward (seeFIG.1C) until the gusset folds111,112,113,114are completely folded. Then, the tabs111c,112c,113c,114care folded over into the notches111d,112d,113d,114dto achieve the assembled-open configuration104(FIG.1D). While in the assembled-open configuration104, the fold lines129,131,136,137,138that cause the top128, the closing flap132, or the top flaps133,134,135to move may be in any state of folding. For example, the assembled-open configuration104encompasses alternative configuration toFIG.1D, including where the top flaps133,134,135are folded to any degree including folding illustrated inFIG.1E.

In the assembled-open configuration104, the four walls107,108,109,110, the four corners139,140,141,142, and the bottom123define a cavity143. The cavity143can be used to hold products (perishable or otherwise). Once filled with a desired amount of product, the container100may be closed (or transitioned to the assembled-closed configuration105) by (i) folding the top flaps133,134,135and the top128so that the top128(specifically, the first side106aportion of the top128) engages the top flaps133,134,135(specifically, the second side106bportion of the top flaps133,134,135) and (ii) folding the closing flap132to engage the second wall108(specifically, engaging the first side106aof the closing flap132with the second side106bof the second wall108).

In the assembled-closed configuration105, the container100may be capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere (e.g., an atmosphere having a different gas composition compared to ambient conditions at the point of closing). A container capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere may be assessed by modifying the gas composition in the cavity143to air with 2 vol % CO2, closing the container with the modified atmosphere and not products in the cavity143, storing the closed container at room temperature (21° C.) in air (unmodified CO2concentration) at atmospheric pressure for 24 hours, and measuring the composition of the atmosphere inside the container after said storing. If the atmosphere inside the container has maintained a CO2concentration of 1.8 vol % to 2 vol %, the container is considered capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere. The CO2concentration can be measured with non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) spectroscopy.

FIGS.2A-2Dillustrate a container200of the present disclosure in a variety of configurations as the container200transitions from a single-layer configuration201inFIG.2Ato an assembled-closed configuration204ofFIG.2D. More specifically,FIG.2Ais a top view of the container200in the single-layer configuration201.FIG.2Bis a perspective view of the container200in the assembled-open configuration202between the single-layer configuration201and an assembled-open configuration203.FIG.2Cis a perspective view of the container200in the assembled-open configuration203.FIG.2Dis a perspective view of the container200in the assembled-closed configuration204.

InFIGS.2A-2Dsolid lines indicate edges and dashed lines indicate fold lines.

The container200comprises a single piece of corrugated cardboard250having a first side250a(illustrated as white) and a second side250b(illustrated with hatching). As illustrated, the first side250aforms most of the inner surfaces of the container200in the assembled-closed configuration204while the second side250bforms all of the outer surfaces in the assembled-closed configuration204.

The container200includes four walls (illustrated as first wall251, second wall252, third wall253, and fourth wall254), a bottom255, and a top256. In the single-layer configuration201, the top256, the fourth wall254, the bottom255, and the second wall252are, in that order, linearly contiguous in a first direction257. In the single-layer configuration201, the third wall253, the fourth wall254, and the first wall251are, in that order, linearly contiguous in a second direction258that is perpendicular to the first direction257. The fourth wall254is a rectangle that is contiguous with the top256and the bottom255at opposing long sides along fold lines259and260, respectively and contiguous with the first wall251and the third wall253at opposing short sides along fold lines261and262, respectively.

Each of the first wall251and third wall253are continuous on opposing sides in the first direction257with a corresponding flap and fold over. The first wall251is contiguous with a first wall fold over263at double fold line264a,band contiguous with a first bottom flap265at fold line266where the double fold line264a,bis at an opposing side of the first wall251from the fold line266. The third wall253is contiguous with a third wall fold over267at double fold line268a,band contiguous with the second bottom flap269at fold line270where the double fold line268a,bis at an opposing side of the third wall253from the fold line270.

Each of the corresponding flaps and fold overs have a notch and a tab that are configured to engage during folding and be engaged in the assembled-open configuration203and the assembled-closed configuration204. More specifically, the first bottom flap265has a notch271a, which is a hole with a length (or longest dimension) extending in the second direction along fold line266, that is configured to engage with a tab271bextending from the first wall fold over263. The tab271bextends from the side of the first wall fold over263that opposes the double fold line264a,b. The second bottom flap269has a notch272a, which is a hole with a length (or longest dimension) extending in the second direction along fold line266, along fold line270that is configured to engage with a tab272bextending from the third wall fold over267. The tab272bextends from the side of the third wall fold over267that opposes the double fold line268a,b.

Each of the fold overs also have a notch in a side perpendicular to the sides with the tabs and along that side proximal to but not at the double fold lines. The first wall fold over263has notch273ain the side furthest from the top256and proximal to the double fold line264a,balong that side. The third wall fold over267has notch274ain the side furthest from the top256and proximal to the double fold line274a,balong that side. The notches273a,274aare configured to mate with latching flaps273b,274b(described in more detail below) in the assembled-closed configuration204.

The second wall252is contiguous in the second direction258on opposing sides with a first wall flap275at fold line276and a third wall flap277at fold line278. The second wall252is continuous with the bottom at fold line279.

In the first direction, the top256is contiguous with the closing flap280at fold line281, which is at the side of the top256opposite the fold line259. At the side of the closing flap280opposite fold line281, the closing flap280is wider in the first direction than the side of the closing flap280opposite the fold line281because latching flaps273b,274bextend from opposing sides of the closing flap280in the second direction. Each of the latching flaps273b,274bmay extend 0.1 inches to 0.5 inches, preferably 0.2 inches to 0.4 inches, beyond the width of the fold line281. Each of the latching flaps273b,274bmay extend 0.5 inches to 2 inches, preferably 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches, in the second direction along the opposing sides of the closing flap280. Each of the latching flaps273b,274bmay be dimensioned to correspond to 75% or less, preferably 10% to 60%, more preferably 30% to 60%, of the total height of the closing flap in the first direction.

Assembling the container200may include folding along fold lines266and270, then along fold lines261and262, and finally along fold line255so that the second side250aof the first and second bottom flaps265,269engage the first side250aof the bottom255(shown in the intermediate configuration202ofFIG.2B). Another step of assembling the container200may include folding along fold lines276and278and then along fold line279so that the second side250bof the first wall flap275engages the first side250aof the first wall251and the second side250bof the third wall flap277engages the first side250aof the third wall253.FIG.2Billustrates an intermediate configuration202in the process of completing the fold along fold line279. Then, folding along the double fold lines264a,band268a,bso that the first side250aof the first wall fold over263engages with the first side250aof the first wall flap275and the first side250aof the third wall fold over267engages with the first side250aof the third wall flap277facilitates insertion of the tabs271band272binto the corresponding notches271aand272a(also referred to as mating of the taps and corresponding notches), which assists with maintaining the first wall fold over263and the third wall fold over267in their proper positions in the assembled-open configuration203and assembled-closed configuration204. As a result, the container200is in the assembled-open configuration203(FIG.2C), which includes a cavity282defined by the second side250bof the first wall flap251, the first side250aof the second wall252, the second side250bof the third wall flap267, the first side250aof the fourth wall, the first and second bottom flaps265,269, optionally a portion of the first side250aof the bottom255(if the first and second bottom flaps265,269do not completely cover the bottom255), and any portion of the first side250aof the first and third walls251,253exposed as a result of the notches273a,274ain the first and third wall flaps251,267.

Other methods of transitioning from the single-layer configuration201to the assembled-open configuration203can also be used. One of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will recognize other methods for folding the cardboard250to achieve assembled-open configuration203.

Transitioning from the assembled-open configuration203(FIG.2C) to the assembled-closed configuration204(FIG.2D) may include folding along fold lines281so that the closing flap280and the latching flaps273band274bare inside the cavity282of the container200when the container200is closed by folding at folding line259, which results in the assembled-closed configuration204(FIG.2D). In the assembled-closed configuration204, at least a portion of the latching flaps273band274bmate with (or insert into) the notches273aand274a, respectively, to assist with maintaining the top256in place and a closed cavity.

In the assembled-closed configuration203, the container200may be capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere (e.g., an atmosphere having a different gas composition compared to ambient conditions at the point of closing). A container capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere may be assessed by modifying the gas composition in the cavity282to air with 2 vol % CO2, closing the container with the modified atmosphere and not products in the cavity282, storing the closed container at room temperature (21° C.) in air (unmodified CO2concentration) at atmospheric pressure for 24 hours, and measuring the composition of the atmosphere inside the container after said storing. If the atmosphere inside the container has maintained a CO2concentration of 1.8 vol % to 2 vol %, the container is considered capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere. The CO2concentration can be measured with non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) spectroscopy.

FIG.3illustrate a container300of the present disclosure in a single-layer configuration301. The container300has the same components as the container200except the closing flap configuration and the exclusion of notches in the first and third wall fold overs263,267. The disclosure of folding and configuration of the container200applies to the container300where the same number are used for the same components. In the container300, the closing flap390can be folded so that the first side250aof the closing flap390engages with the second side250bof the second wall252or the second side250bof the closing flap390engages with the first side250aof the second wall252. In either instance, an adhesive or other coating may be used to assist with maintaining the engagement between the closing flap390and the second wall252.

The containers of the present disclosure may be capable of maintaining a CO2concentration of 2 vol % to 50 vol % (or 2 vol % to 20 vol %, or 10 vol % to 35 vol %, or 20 vol % to 40 vol %, or 35 vol % to 50 vol %) in air for 6 hours to 50 days or more (or 6 hours to 24 hours, or 12 hours to 48 hours, or 1 day to 10 days, or 5 days to 25 days, or 15 days to 30 days, or 25 days to 50 days, or more) with a CO2concentration change of ±10% at temperatures of −10° C. to 50° C. (e.g., cold storage temperatures (2° C. to 8° C.)) regardless of the CO2concentration in the surrounding environment. The container of the present disclosure may be capable of maintaining an O2concentration of 0.5 vol % to 30 vol % (or 0.5 vol % to 10 vol %, or 5 vol % to 20 vol %, or 10 vol % to 30 vol %) in air for 6 hours to 50 days or more (or 6 hours to 24 hours, or 12 hours to 48 hours, or 1 day to 10 days, or 5 days to 25 days, or 15 days to 30 days, or 25 days to 50 days, or more) with a O2concentration change of ±10% at temperatures of −10° C. to 50° C. regardless of the O2concentration in the surrounding environment. The containers of the present disclosure may be capable of maintaining a relative humidity of 10% to 95% (or 10% to 50%, or 25% to 60%, or 50% to 85%, or 60% to 95%, or 85% to 90%) in air for 6 hours to 50 days or more (or 6 hours to 24 hours, or 12 hours to 48 hours, or 1 day to 10 days, or 5 days to 25 days, or 15 days to 30 days, or 25 days to 50 days, or more) with a relative humidity change of ±10% at temperatures of −10° C. to 50° C. regardless of the relative humidity in the surrounding environment. Therefore, in the assembled-closed configuration105, the atmosphere in the containers may be established and maintained with optimal reduced O2and elevated CO2concentrations as well as optimal humidity (e.g., via active or passible gas composition modification) to the packed products like produce, flowers, and plants during the storage, shipping, and distribution for periods of 50 days or more.

The atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration may be (i) the ambient gas composition at the point of closing, (ii) a passively modified gas composition where the ambient gas composition at the point of closing is passively modified (e.g., reduced O2concentration and elevated CO2and H2O concentrations) due to respiration of the packed products, or (iii) an actively modified gas composition where a gas (e.g., nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, the like, and any combination thereof) is added to the cavity before, during, and/or after, adding product to the cavity.

The atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration may change over time during storage, shipping, and distribution. For example, at closing, the atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration may be the ambient gas composition. Then, passive modification of the gas composition may occur during storage, shipping, and/or distribution so that at the point of unpacking the product therein, the gas composition is different than the gas composition at the time of closing. In another example, at closing, the gas composition in the assembled-closed configuration may be actively modified (e.g., by adding nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, the like, and any combination thereof). Then, modification of the gas composition may occur during storage, shipping, and/or distribution so that at the point of unpacking the product therein, the gas composition is different than the actively modified gas composition at the time of closing.

When modifying the gas composition in the container, the type and amount of gas added may be chosen to achieve a modified atmosphere with preferred ranges of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The preferred ranges may vary based on the type of product and the temperature expected to be encountered during storage, shipping, and/or distribution. Table 1 provides nonlimiting examples of preferred ranges of oxygen and carbon dioxide for different products being stored, shipped, and/or distributed at room temperature.

Without being limited by theory it is believed that the modified atmosphere in the container along will extend the shelf life of the product therein during storage, shipping, and/or distribution. Table 3 are prophetic examples of the shelf life of various products without and with MAP like that described herein.

TABLE 3Prophetic Shelf Life Without Or With MAPProductShelf Life Without MAPShelf Life With MAPStrawberries5-7days*7-10days*Tomatoes1-2weeks2-3weeksKiwifruit2-3weeks*4-6weeks*Avocados (once ripe)2-4days7-10daysPineapple (once ripe)4-6days*7-10days*Mangoes (once ripe)2-5days7-10daysLettuce5-7days*2-3weeks*Broccoli1-2weeks*2-3weeks*Spinach5-7days*10-14days*Cucumbers1week*2weeks*Carrots4-5weeks*2-3months**also with refrigeration

Optionally, adhesives may be used in conjunction with the containers. That is, the container may further comprise adhesive in at least one location on the first side and/or in at least one location on the second side of the corrugated cardboard. Alternatively, the container may be devoid of adhesive.

The adhesive may provide sealing and/or improve structural strength for the containers. Adhesive may be located between any two surfaces that are described herein as engaging. For example, the first fold portions111a,112a,113a,114aof the gusset folds111,112,113,114may be adhered to wall to which each engages (see above description regarding engagement). In another example, the top flaps133,134,135may be adhered to the top128. In another example, the closing flap132may be adhered to the second wall108. In yet another example, the tabs111c,112c,113c,114cmay be adhered to the second fold portions111b,112b,113b,114bof the gusset folds111,112,113,114. Further, the first fold portions111a,112a,113a,114aof the gusset folds111,112,113,114may be adhered to the second fold portions111b,112b,113b,114bof the gusset folds111,112,113,114. Any combination of the foregoing may be implemented.

The adhesive may be applied during assembly. Alternatively, the adhesive may be applied before assembly (e.g., using a pressure sensitive adhesive or an adhesive having a removable, barrier film thereon that can be removed to access the adhesive). A combination of the foregoing may be used.

The first side and/or the second side of the corrugated cardboard may have one or more layers disposed thereon. The layers may, for example, be coatings or laminates. The layers may be on all or portions of the corrugated cardboard. The layers coatings/laminates may adjust permeability of gases through the corrugated cardboard, improve mechanical properties of corrugated cardboard, allow for printing on corrugated cardboard, improve the antimicrobial and/or antibacterial properties of the containers, the like, and any combination thereof. Examples of materials that may be present in said layers may include, but are not limited to, wax, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate ethylene copolymers, cellulose esters, acrylics, polyvinyl alcohols, polyolefins, polyesters (e.g., polylactic acid, poly(butylene adipate terephthalate), polyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxybutyrate-valerate, and polybutylene succinate), the like, and any combination thereof. Preferably, the composition of each of the layers is paper recycle compatible (e.g., polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-based ethylene copolymers, cellulose esters, and polyesters).

In full, that is, with any coatings, laminates, adhesives, print, and the like applied, at least 98 wt % (or 98 wt % to 100 wt %, or 98 wt % to 99.5 wt %, or 99 wt % to 100 wt %, or 99.5 wt % to 100 wt %) the containers may be paper recycle compatible.

In the assembled-closed configuration, the container may be characterized by a height (distance from bottom to top), a width (largest distance between two opposing walls), and a depth (smallest distance between two opposing walls). For applications containing perishables like produce, flowers, and plants, preferred dimensions may include a height of 25 cm to 50 cm (or 25 cm to 40 cm, or 30 cm to 45 cm, or 35 cm to 50 cm), a width of 25 cm to 75 cm (or 25 cm to 50 cm, or 35 cm to 60 cm, or 50 cm to 75 cm), and a depth of 25 cm to 50 cm (or 25 cm to 40 cm, or 30 cm to 45 cm, or 35 cm to 50 cm). Larger and smaller dimensions are contemplated.

The corrugated cardboard may be a single-wall corrugated cardboard, a double-wall corrugated cardboard, or a triple-wall corrugated cardboard. The corrugated cardboard layers may have any flute structure one or more of: A flute, B flute, C flute, D flute, E flute, and F flute. Combinations of flutes may be used including, but not limited to F/E flute, E/B flute, E/C flute, and B/C flute. Individual flutes within the corrugated cardboard may be water repellant.

The corrugated cardboard may be characterized by a thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm (or 1 mm to 3 mm, or 2 mm to 4 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm). Accordingly, in the folded-collapsed configuration, the container may be characterized by a thickness (or maximum thickness since the thickness will vary in said configuration) of 3 mm to 20 mm (or 3 mm to 10 mm, or 7 mm to 15 mm, or 10 mm to 20 mm).

Methods of the present disclosure may include assembling the container described herein to the assembled-open configuration, adding product to the cavity of the assembled-open configuration, and closing the container (or transitioning the container to the assembled-closed configuration).

Assembling the container to the assembled-open configuration may include (i) transitioning the container from the folded-collapsed configuration to the assembled-open configuration and/or (ii) transitioning the container from the single-layer configuration the folded-collapsed configuration, then transitioning from the folded-collapsed configuration to the assembled-open configuration. Further, assembling the container to the assembled-open configuration may include applying adhesive to one or more locations on the first side and/or the second side of the container.

Optionally, before closing the container, the method may include adding a gas to the cavity (described in more detail above).

The steps of assembling the container to the assembled-open configuration, adding product to the cavity of the assembled-open configuration, closing the container, and adding the gas to the cavity (if included) may occur at a first site. The method may then include transporting the container having the product therein to a second site. The first site may be a harvesting location (e.g., a farm or orchard where produce is harvested and packaged before shipping), a production location (e.g., a location with an assembly line that packages several assembled products in a single package), a packaging location (e.g., a location that combines receives, stores, and/or sorts products into a single packages based on orders like an e-commerce packaging location), or the like. The second site may be a storage facility, a consumer's location, a store or other commerce location, or the like. The first and second sites may be any distance apart (e.g., 1 mile to 10,000 miles or more). The container having the product therein may be further transported to any number of sites.

The amount of time from closing the container to reopening the container may be any amount of time (e.g., 8 hours to 1 month or longer).

Embodiment 1. A container comprising: a single piece of corrugated cardboard that, in an assembled-closed configuration, comprises (i) four walls connected via gusset folds to form four corners, (ii) a bottom contiguous with the four walls, (iii) a top contiguous with one of the four walls and not contiguous with three of the four walls, (iv) three top flaps each contiguous with one of the three of the four walls not contiguous with the top such that each of the top flaps fold into the container and engage the top, and (v) a closing flap contiguous with the top such that the closing flap engages an opposing wall to the one of the four walls contiguous with the top; wherein each gusset fold comprises a first fold portion having a tab and a second fold portion having a notch, wherein the tab and notch of each gusset fold are configured to interlock in the assembled-closed configuration; and wherein the container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration.

Embodiment 2. The container of Embodiment 1, wherein one or both sides of the corrugated cardboard has one or more layers disposed thereon.

Embodiment 3. The container of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein an adhesive is present at one or more locations on the corrugated cardboard.

Embodiment 4. The container of Embodiment 1 or 2 further comprising: an adhesive located so that, in the assembled-closed configuration, (i) the first fold portion of each of the gusset folds is adhered to one of the four walls, (ii) the first fold portion is adhered to the second fold portion for each of the gusset folds, (iii) each of the three top flaps are adhered to the top, and/or (iv) the closing flap is adhered to the one of the four walls not contiguous with the top.

Embodiment 5. The container of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the container is devoid of adhesive.

Embodiment 6. The container of any preceding Embodiment, wherein at least 98 wt % of the container is paper recycle compatible.

Embodiment 7. The container of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the corrugated cardboard comprises one or more of: A flute, B flute, C flute, D flute, E flute, and F flute.

Embodiment 8. The container of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the corrugated cardboard is a single-wall corrugated cardboard or a double-wall corrugated cardboard.

Embodiment 9. The container of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the corrugated cardboard has a weight of 350 g/m2to 650 g/m2.

Embodiment 10. The container of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the corrugated cardboard has a thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm.

Embodiment 11. The container of any preceding Embodiment, wherein the single piece of the corrugated cardboard, in a collapsed configuration, has at maximum thickness of 3 mm to 20 mm.

Embodiment 12. The container of any preceding Embodiment, wherein, in the assembled-closed configuration, the container has a height of 25 cm to 50 cm, a width of 25 cm to 75 cm, and a depth of 25 cm to 50 cm.

Embodiment 13. A method comprising: transitioning a container from a folded-collapsed configuration to an assembled-open configuration, the container comprising: a single piece of corrugated cardboard that, in an assembled-closed configuration, comprises (i) four walls connected via gusset folds to form four corners, (ii) a bottom contiguous with the four walls, (iii) a top contiguous with one of the four walls and not contiguous with three of the four walls, (iv) three top flaps each contiguous with one of the three of the four walls not contiguous with the top such that each of the top flaps fold into the container and engage the top, and (v) a closing flap contiguous with the top such that the closing flap engages an opposing wall to the one of the four walls contiguous with the top; wherein each gusset fold comprises a first fold portion having a tab and a second fold portion having a notch, wherein the tab and notch of each gusset fold are configured to interlock in the assembled-closed configuration; wherein the container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration; and wherein the four walls, the four corners, and the bottom define a cavity in the assembled-open configuration; adding a product to cavity; and transitioning the container from the assembled-open configuration to the assembled-closed configuration.

Embodiment 14. The method of Embodiment 13 further comprising: adhering (i) the first fold portion of each of the gusset folds to one of the four walls, (ii) the first fold portion to the second fold portion for each of the gusset folds, (iii) each of the three top flaps to the top, and/or (iv) the closing flap to the one of the four walls not contiguous with the top.

Embodiment 15. The method of Embodiment 14 further comprising: applying an adhesive in a location on the corrugated cardboard to accomplish the adhering.

Embodiment 16. The method of any of Embodiments 13-15 further comprising: adding a gas to the cavity before the transitioning of the container from the assembled-open configuration to the assembled-closed configuration, wherein the gas comprises nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, or any combination thereof.

Embodiment 17. The method of any of Embodiments 13-16 further comprising: allowing the product in the cavity of the container in the assembled-closed configuration to respirate and passively modify a gas composition in the cavity; and maintaining the modified gas composition for at least 8 hours.

Embodiment 18. The method of any of Embodiments 13-17, wherein (i) the transitioning of the container from the folded-collapsed configuration to the assembled-open configuration, (ii) adding the product to the cavity, and (iii) the transitioning of the container from the assembled-open configuration to the assembled-closed configuration all occur at a first site; and wherein the method further comprises transporting the container having the product therein to a second site.

Embodiment 19. The method of any of Embodiments 13-18, wherein the product is a perishable product.

Embodiment 20. The method of any of Embodiments 13-19, wherein the product comprises produce, a flower, a plant, or any combination thereof.

Embodiment 21. A method comprising: transitioning a container from a folded-collapsed configuration to an assembled-open configuration at a first site, the container comprising: a single piece of corrugated cardboard that, in an assembled-closed configuration, comprises (i) four walls connected via gusset folds to form four corners, (ii) a bottom contiguous with the four walls, (iii) a top contiguous with one of the four walls and not contiguous with three of the four walls, (iv) three top flaps each contiguous with one of the three of the four walls not contiguous with the top such that each of the top flaps fold into the container and engage the top, and (v) a closing flap contiguous with the top such that the closing flap engages an opposing wall to the one of the four walls contiguous with the top; wherein each gusset fold comprises a first fold portion having a tab and a second fold portion having a notch, wherein the tab and notch of each gusset fold are configured to interlock in the assembled-closed configuration; wherein the container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration; and wherein the four walls, the four corners, and the bottom define a cavity in the assembled-open configuration; adding a product to cavity at the first site; transitioning the container from the assembled-open configuration to the assembled-closed configuration at the first site; transporting the container having the product therein to a second site; and storing the product at the second site.

Embodiment 22. A container comprising: a single piece of corrugated cardboard having a first side and a second side that, in an assembled-closed configuration, comprises four walls, a bottom, a top, two bottom flaps, two wall flaps, two wall fold overs, and a closing flap, wherein each of the foregoing have a first side corresponding to the first side of the corrugated cardboard and a second side corresponding to the second side of the corrugated cardboard; wherein a fourth wall is continuous with a first wall, a bottom, a third wall, and a top, wherein in a first direction and in order the following are contiguously connected: the closing flap, the top, the fourth wall, the bottom, and a second wall, wherein in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and in order the following are contiguously connected: the third wall, the fourth wall, and the first wall, wherein the second side of each of the two bottom flaps engages the first side of the bottom, wherein the second side of a first of the two side flaps engages the first side of a first wall and the second side of a second side of the two side flaps engages the first side of a third wall, wherein the first side of a first of the two wall fold overs engages the first side of the first of the two sidewall flaps and the first side of a second of the two wall fold overs engages the first side of the second of the two sidewall flaps, and wherein the closing flap engages the second wall; and wherein the container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration.

Embodiment 23. The container of Embodiment 22, wherein the single piece of corrugated cardboard further comprises two latching flaps contiguous with the closing flap in the second direction such that in the second direction and in order is a first of the two latching flaps, the closing flap, and a second of the two latching flaps are contiguous, and wherein each of the two wall fold overs have a notch therein each capable of mating with a corresponding one of the two latching flaps in the assembled-closed position.

Embodiment 24. The container of any of Embodiments 22-23, wherein each of the two bottom flaps have a notch and each of the two wall fold overs have a tab configured to mate with the notch corresponding thereto.

Embodiment 25. The container of any of Embodiments 22-24, wherein the second side of the closing flap engages the second side of the second wall

Embodiment 26. The container of any of Embodiments 22-25, wherein one or both sides of the corrugated cardboard has one or more layers disposed thereon.

Embodiment 27. The container of any of Embodiments 22-26, wherein an adhesive is present at one or more locations on the corrugated cardboard.

Embodiment 28. The container of any of Embodiments 22-26, wherein the container is devoid of adhesive.

Embodiment 29. The container of any of Embodiments 22-28, wherein at least 98 wt % of the container is paper recycle compatible.

Embodiment 30. The container of any of Embodiments 22-29, wherein the corrugated cardboard comprises one or more of: A flute, B flute, C flute, D flute, E flute, and F flute.

Embodiment 31. The container of any of Embodiments 22-30, wherein the corrugated cardboard is a single-wall corrugated cardboard or a double-wall corrugated cardboard.

Embodiment 32. The container of any of Embodiments 22-31, wherein the corrugated cardboard has a weight of 350 g/m2to 650 g/m2.

Embodiment 33. The container of any of Embodiments 22-32, wherein the corrugated cardboard has a thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm.

Embodiment 34. The container of any of Embodiments 22-33, wherein, in the assembled-closed configuration, the container has a height of 25 cm to 50 cm, a width of 25 cm to 75 cm, and a depth of 25 cm to 50 cm.

Embodiment 35. A method comprising: transitioning a container from a single-layer configuration to an assembled-open configuration, the container comprising: a single piece of corrugated cardboard having a first side and a second side that, in an assembled-closed configuration, comprises four walls, a bottom, a top, two bottom flaps, two wall flaps, two wall fold overs, and a closing flap, wherein each of the foregoing have a first side corresponding to the first side of the corrugated cardboard and a second side corresponding to the second side of the corrugated cardboard; wherein a fourth wall is continuous with a first wall, a bottom, a third wall, and a top, wherein in a first direction and in order the following are contiguously connected: the closing flap, the top, the fourth wall, the bottom, and a second wall, wherein in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and in order the following are contiguously connected: the third wall, the fourth wall, and the first wall, wherein the second side of each of the two bottom flaps engages the first side of the bottom, wherein the second side of a first of the two side flaps engages the first side of a first wall and the second side of a second side of the two side flaps engages the first side of a third wall, and wherein the first side of a first of the two wall fold overs engages the first side of the first of the two sidewall flaps and the first side of a second of the two wall fold overs engages the first side of the second of the two sidewall flaps; and wherein the container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration; and wherein a cavity in the container in the assembled-open configuration is defined by at least the first side of the two bottom flaps, the second side of the two fold overs, the second wall, and the fourth wall; adding a product to cavity; and transitioning the container from the assembled-open configuration to the assembled-closed configuration by engaging the closing flap and the second wall.

Embodiment 36. The method of Embodiment 35 further comprising: applying an adhesive in a location on the corrugated cardboard to accomplish the adhering of two engaged surfaces.

Embodiment 37. The method of any of Embodiments 35-36 further comprising: adding a gas to the cavity before the transitioning of the container from the assembled-open configuration to the assembled-closed configuration, wherein the gas comprises nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide, or any combination thereof.

Embodiment 38. The method of any of Embodiments 35-37 further comprising: allowing the product in the cavity of the container in the assembled-closed configuration to respirate and passively modify a gas composition in the cavity; and maintaining the modified gas composition for at least 8 hours.

Embodiment 39. The method of any of Embodiments 35-38, wherein (i) the transitioning of the container from the single-layer configuration to the assembled-open configuration, (ii) the adding of the product to the cavity, and (iii) the transitioning of the container from the assembled-open configuration to the assembled-closed configuration all occur at a first site; and wherein the method further comprises transporting the container having the product therein to a second site.

Embodiment 40. The method of any of Embodiments 35-39, wherein the product comprises produce, a flower, a plant, or any combination thereof.

Embodiment 41. A method comprising: transitioning a container from a single-layer configuration to an assembled-open configuration, the container comprising: a single piece of corrugated cardboard having a first side and a second side that, in an assembled-closed configuration, comprises four walls, a bottom, a top, two bottom flaps, two wall flaps, two wall fold overs, and a closing flap, wherein each of the foregoing have a first side corresponding to the first side of the corrugated cardboard and a second side corresponding to the second side of the corrugated cardboard; wherein a fourth wall is continuous with a first wall, a bottom, a third wall, and a top, wherein in a first direction and in order the following are contiguously connected: the closing flap, the top, the fourth wall, the bottom, and a second wall, wherein in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and in order the following are contiguously connected: the third wall, the fourth wall, and the first wall, wherein the second side of each of the two bottom flaps engages the first side of the bottom, wherein the second side of a first of the two side flaps engages the first side of a first wall and the second side of a second side of the two side flaps engages the first side of a third wall, and wherein the first side of a first of the two wall fold overs engages the first side of the first of the two sidewall flaps and the first side of a second of the two wall fold overs engages the first side of the second of the two sidewall flaps; and wherein the container is capable of maintaining a modified atmosphere in the assembled-closed configuration; and wherein a cavity in the container in the assembled-open configuration is defined by at least the first side of the two bottom flaps, the second side of the two fold overs, the second wall, and the fourth wall; adding a product to cavity at the first site; transitioning the container from the assembled-open configuration to the assembled-closed configuration at the first site; transporting the container having the product therein to a second site; and storing the product at the second site.

There is thus disclosed an improved corrugated container and method of manufacturing the container. In the foregoing specification, the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims, including combinations of elements of the various illustrated embodiments. The specification and figures are illustrative, not restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described.

For example, the steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in the claims. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties (e.g., molecular weight), reaction conditions, and the like, used in the present disclosure and associated claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claim, the term “about” relative to each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

As used herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” or “the” includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The phrase “consisting essentially of” as used herein is intended to cover additional elements or functions that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Thus, “consisting essentially of” is intended to encompass not only those components specifically listed, but also separate or additional components that do not materially alter the specifically recited functions or elements.