Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a biodegradable container designed for holding produce items. Specifically exemplified is a biodegradable container that includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has an image of produce provided thereon. The bottom portion has an image of a basket provided thereon. The top portion also defines a window for the customer to view the produce product disposed within the container. The window has a biodegradable film which covers the window.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 60/943,112 filed Jun. 11, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Marketing products to a consumer and gaining repeat business has become more difficult as an increasing number of companies sacrifice innovation for financial stability by offering competing products having substantially similar features and specifications. 
         [0003]    Products designed to match the best product in a class often sell, but these products fail to encourage customer loyalty and repeat business because customers fail to distinguish one product from another. Today, differentiating a product, innovating, and engaging the customer on an emotional level are the keys to a successful marketing plan (Ealey, L. and L. Troyano-Bermudez,  The McKinsey Quarterly,  1996 (4):62-75). Traditional “face-to-face, or “one-on-one” selling time with a buyer continues to decline in both quantity and quality. Without some constant reminder, and more particularly a reminder that draws attention to itself, the client may fail to recommend the product, or select it over a similar competing product when re-ordering. 
         [0004]    It is axiomatic that in the field of advertisement/marketing, perception is often reality. Thus, a fresh and new presentation, such as packaging, may make an immediate, and indelible positive first impression, whereas the presentation of an ordinary, nondescript product may actually foreclose future business opportunities. 
         [0005]    Materials such as paper, paperboard, plastic, polystyrene, and even metals are presently used in enormous quantity in the manufacture of articles such as containers, separators, dividers, lids, tops, cans, and other packaging materials. Modern processing and packaging technology allows a wide range of liquid and solid goods to be stored, packaged, and shipped in packaging materials while being protected from harmful elements, such as gases, moisture, light, microorganisms, vermin, physical shock, crushing forces, vibration, leaking, or spilling. Many of these materials are characterized as being disposable, but actually have little, if any, functional biodegradability. For many of these products, the time for degradation in the environment can span decades or even centuries. 
         [0006]    Each year, over 100 billion aluminum cans, billions of glass bottles, and thousands of tons of paper and plastic are used in storing and dispensing soft drinks, juices, processed foods, grains, beer and other products. In the United States alone, approximately 5.5 million tons of paper are consumed each year in packaging materials, which represents only about 15% of the total annual domestic paper production. 
         [0007]    Packaging materials (e.g., paper, paperboard, plastic, polystyrene, glass, or metal) are all, to varying extents, damaging to the environment. For example, the manufacture of polystyrene products involves the use of a variety of hazardous chemicals and starting materials, such as benzene (a known mutagen and a probable carcinogen). Chlorofluorocarbons (or “CFCs”) have also been used in the manufacture of “blown” or “expanded” polystyrene products. CFCs have been linked to the destruction of the ozone layer. 
         [0008]    Due to widespread environmental concerns, there has been significant pressure on companies to discontinue the use of polystyrene products in favor of more environmentally safe materials. The produce packaging industry is a 3.4 billion industry and is a major contributor to the amount of disposed packages into the environment. Some groups have favored the use of products such as paper or other products made from wood pulp. However, there remain drawbacks to the sole use of paper due to the tremendous amount of energy that is required to produce it. A strong need to find new, easily degradable materials that meet necessary performance standards remains. 
         [0009]    Degradability is a relative term. Some products which appear to be degraded merely break apart into very small pieces. These pieces are hard to see, but can still take decades or centuries to actually break down. Other products are made from materials which undergo a more rapid breakdown than non-biodegradable products. If the speed of this degradation is such that the product will degrade within a period of less than approximately 24 days under normal environmental conditions, the product is said to be compostable. Achievement of products made of compostable materials which also meet a variety of needs, such as containers for products in a damp or wet condition, has posed a significant challenge. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    The present invention provides a container comprised of a foldable unit of biodegradable material. The container is especially designed to hold and present fresh produce, although other suitable products could be stored therein. The material of the container is comprised of biodegradable cellulose-based material. The container is generally of a ‘clamshell’ design, i.e., it has a receptacle component comprising a bottom portion and walls extending up from the bottom portion. On one wall, a lid component is attached which allows for pivoting of the lid component for closure over the receptacle component. Alternatively, the lid component is not attached and simply acts as a removable lid. 
         [0011]    The top component comprises an aperture which serves as a window for the consumer to view and inspect the produce stored within. The aperture comprises a precut, preprinted transparent label, which is also made of a biodegradable material. The label is attached to the top component over the aperture and serves as a barrier between the product and the outside environment. 
         [0012]    One unique feature of the container is that it comprises an attractive print covering the outside surface. In one embodiment, the outside surface of the top component comprises a detailed print (photograph, image, etc.) of the produce contained therein and the outside receptacle component comprises a print of a basket. The result is a container which portrays an attractive basket of fresh produce. This container embodiment provides for an attractive display on store shelves and can entice customers to purchase the item given the ‘fresh’ and wholesome image of the container. This variable of the container can be controlled whereas blemishes on fruit or other produce, as revealed in conventional clear plastic containers, can be a disincentive to the customer even though there may be nothing wrong with the fruit. Accordingly, the container serves not only as a unique biodegradable container but also as a marketing tool. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, the container is comprised of dimensions suitable for placement on convention packaging equipment. The container is also equipped with strategically placed apertures which facilitate the handling of the container during the packaging process. These apertures serve the additional purpose of providing ventilation to the produce disposed within the container, thereby cooling the produce. 
         [0014]    The biodegradable material may be made of corrugated cellulose based material. The material may be coated with a waterproofing sealant that helps prevent moisture from the produce internally or moisture originating from the environment from unduly weakening the container structurally. Conversely, the waterproof treatment should not be so effective that it impedes biodegradation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a container embodiment of the subject invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of another container embodiment of the subject invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  in a closed state. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of another embodiment in a closed state. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 4  in an open state. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  shows a planar top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  shows a planar bottom view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  shows a planar side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  shows a planar side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  opposite the side shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  shows a planar side view of an end of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 . A planar view of the opposite end mirrors the view shown in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of an embodiment shown in a closed state. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the embodiment in  FIG. 11  shown in an open state. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of an embodiment shown in a closed state. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12  in a open state. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of an embodiment similar to that shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of an embodiment similar to that shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a container embodiment  10  for holding produce. The container  10  comprises a lid component  12  and a receptacle component  11  comprising a bottom portion  14 . The bottom portion comprises four walls  50 ,  51 ,  52 ,  53  upon comprise four flange sections  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 , respectively. In the embodiment  10 , the lid component  12  is connected to the receptacle component  11  via flange section  16 . The flange section  16  comprises a fold  21  which bends or pivots to allow the lid component  12  to superimpose over the flange sections  17 ,  18 , and  19  and over the receptacle component  11 . Flange section  18  comprises a male locking member  23  which is inserted into the slot member  25  of the lid component  12  to secure the lid component  12  into a closed position. The flange sections  16 - 19  serve in assisting the containment of produce disposed in the container  10 . Furthermore, the top portion  12  comprises apertures  26  and the flange sections  16 - 19  comprise slots  24 . The apertures  26  and slots  24  are placed so that they are aligned upon closing the top portion  12 . The result is a plurality of openings which serve to ventilate and cool the produce disposed within the container  10 . 
         [0032]    The lid component  12  comprises walls  55 ,  56 ,  57  having an image  60  provided thereon representing fruit or vegetables that are disposed within the container. The flange sections  16 - 19  also are shown with a similar image  62  provided thereon. The receptacle component  11  comprises an image of a basket provided thereon. The result is an appealing image of a basket holding delicious looking produce. The image conjures up visions of freshly harvested produce. This combination of images on the container acts to attract the eye of the customer and encourages sales of the product. 
         [0033]    The lid component  12  comprises a top portion  29  that defines an opening  28  and which is covered from the inside of the lid component  12  by a biodegradable transparent film  30 . The opening allows for the customer to view the produce disposed within the container  10 . The film  30  may comprise marketing information printed thereon as well, such as written information regarding the product, the company, trademarks, etc. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 2 and 3  show an embodiment similarly configured to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  except lacking the provision of images on the outside surface. 
         [0035]    As discussed above, one of the advantageous features of certain biodegradable container embodiments of the subject invention is that the containers act as there own on the shelf marketing. Because of the material used for the container, this allows flexibility with the presentation of the produce product. Indeed, images of fresh, attractive looking fruit and vegetables can be provided on the outer surface of the container. In one embodiment, the top component comprises an outer surface wherein at least 50 percent of the outer surface of the top component is covered with images of product representative of the product disposed in the container. In specific embodiments, the outer surface of the top component comprises at least 60 percent, 70 percent, 80 percent or 90 percent with images of product representative of the product disposed in the container. 
         [0036]    In those container embodiments comprising a flange portion extending from a wall, the flange portion may also be provided with an image similar to that provided on the top portion. 
         [0037]    In addition, in certain container embodiments, the top component comprises images of product while the receptacle component comprises an outer surface onto which an image of a woven material such as a basket is provided. Alternatively, other images of a container can be provided on the receptacle component such as a solid colored carton or box. In addition, the receptacle component may comprise an outer surface onto which a solid green, tan or brown color is provided. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 4 and 5  show an embodiment  400  similar to that shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  except that a slit  425  and male tab member  423  are provided on the longitudinal side as opposed to the end. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 6-10  show planar views of the top, bottom, side with slit and male tab member, side opposite slit and male tab member, and end, respectively. The end opposite to the view shown in  FIG. 10  is a mirror image. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 11 and 12  show a perspective view of an embodiment similar to that shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The lid component has an image of cherry tomatoes provided thereon and the receptacle component has an image of a basket provided thereon. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 13 and 14  show a perspective view of an embodiment similar to that shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The lid component has an image of strawberries provided thereon and the receptacle component has an image of a basket provided thereon. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 15 and 16  show a perspective view of an embodiment similar to that shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The lid component has an image of blueberries provided thereon and the receptacle component has an image of a basket provided thereon. 
         [0043]    In view of the foregoing, one can recognize that the present invention provides a unique container that is biodegradable and which acts as a unique marketing tool. It is noted that the figures depicting this invention are merely representative of particular embodiments and are not meant to limit the range of possible configurations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope of this invention should be measured by the claims appended hereto, and not merely by the specific embodiments exemplified herein.