Patent Publication Number: US-2017355480-A1

Title: Compactly Transportable Collapsible Frame

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is related to packaging, shipping and warehousing, and more specifically, to a stackable collapsible container for perishable goods. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There is known in the art PGP 2014/0291193 to Yosef Heyman disclosing an open collapsible top container for loading, storing and shipping goods in bulk. The container comprises a rigid structure including a rectangular carrying sub-frame of at least four frame members defining a perimeter of said frame; and four legs extending from the four corners of said frame. A bag has a main portion for accommodating the goods in bulk and a rim of the bag. The bag rim is mechanically secured to the perimeter of the rectangular carrying sub-frame such that the portion for accommodating the goods is downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame. 
     The abovementioned containers are reusable and delivered to a loading location in flat-packs. The containers are assembled in situ and loaded with perishable goods. Thus, there is a long-felt and unmet need to reduce physical volume of the empty containers during their conveyance to the loading location. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is hence one object of the invention to disclose a compactly transportable collapsible frame for supporting a soft bag accommodating perishable goods. The aforesaid frame comprises: (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; and (b) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame. 
     It is a core purpose of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprising two oppositely positioned first Π-shaped members having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion each and two first straight members. The two said first straight members releasably interconnect said terminal portions of said two first Π-shaped members therebetween. Each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion and two second straight members releasably connecting said two terminal portions of said second Π-shaped member to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame. 
     Another object of the invention is to disclose the first straight members of an identical cross dimension releasably interconnect said terminal portions of said two first Π-shaped members. A length of said terminal portions is equal to two said cross dimension of first straight members. 
     A further object of the invention is to disclose the second straight members releasably connecting said terminal portions of said two second Π-shaped members to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame which are of an identical cross dimension. A length of said terminal portions is equal to four said cross dimension of first straight members. 
     A further object of the invention is to disclose a compactly transportable collapsible frame for supporting a soft bag accommodating perishable goods. The aforesaid frame comprising: (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame. 
     It is another core purpose of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprising four successively connected to each other Γ-like shaped members; each Γ-like shaped member comprises a main elongate portion having a longitudinal axis and first and second terminal connectors oriented is along and perpendicularly to said axis, respectively. One of said connectors is of a female type, and another connector is of male type. 
     A further object of the invention is to disclose a compactly transportable collapsible frame for supporting a soft bag accommodating perishable goods. The aforesaid frame comprising: (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame. 
     It is further core purpose of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprising four first Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member comprises two second Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each of said first and second members comprises two elongate portions arranged perpendicular to each other. Each of said elongate portions has a connector conformable to a counterpart. Each of said first Γ-shaped members has a corner slot configured for receiving a terminal of said second Γ-shaped member. 
     A further object of the invention is to disclose the lengths of elongate portions of said first and second members which are identical. 
     A further object of the invention is to disclose the first and second members packable in a cornerwise nested manner. 
     A further object of the invention is to disclose a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods. The aforesaid container comprises (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; and (c) a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods. 
     A further object of the invention is to disclose a method of transporting and storing perishable goods in a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods. The aforesaid method comprising the steps of (a) providing said container comprising: (i) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (ii) supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; and (iii) a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods; said rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises two oppositely positioned first Π-shaped members having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion each and two first straight members; two said first straight members releasably interconnect said terminal portions of said two first Π-shaped members therebetween; each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion and two second straight members releasably connecting said two terminal portions of said second Π-shaped member to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) packing into flat packs; (c) delivering to a loading location; (d) assembling said containers; (e) loading said containers with perishable goods; (f) shipping said containers to a delivery location; (g) unloading said containers; (h) cycling steps b to g, as needed. 
     It is a further core purpose of the invention to provide the step of packing into flat packs comprising packing two first and second Π-shaped members and straight members connectable thereto into compact flat pack. 
     A further object of the invention is to disclose the step of packing into flat packs comprising packing said first straight members of an identical cross dimension between said two first Π-shaped members having a length of said terminal portions equal to two said cross dimension of first straight members. 
     A further object of the invention is to disclose the step of packing into flat packs comprising packing said four said second straight members of an identical cross dimension between two second Π-shaped members having a length of said terminal portions equal to four said cross dimension of first straight members. 
     A further object of the invention is to disclose a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods. The aforesaid container comprises: (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; (c) a bag  230  downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods. 
     It is further core purpose of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprising four first Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member comprises two second Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each of said first and second members comprises two elongate portions arranged perpendicular to each other. Each of said elongate portions has a connector conformable to a counterpart; each of said first Γ-shaped members has a corner slot configured for receiving a terminal of said second Γ-shaped member. 
     A further object of the invention is to disclose a method of transporting and storing perishable goods in a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods; said method comprising the steps of (a) providing said container comprising: (i) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (ii) supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; and (iii) a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods; said rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises four successively connected to each other Γ-like shaped members; each Γ-like shaped member comprises a main elongate portion having a longitudinal axis and first and second terminal connectors oriented is along and perpendicularly to said axis, respectively; one of said connectors is of a female type, and another connector is of male type; (b) packing into flat packs; (c) delivering to a loading location; (d) assembling said containers; (e) loading said containers with perishable goods; (f) shipping said containers to a delivery location; (g) unloading said containers; (h) cycling steps b to g, as needed; 
     It is a further core purpose of the invention to provide the step of packing into flat packs comprising packing said F -shaped members into said compact flat pack pairwise with opposite orientation; second connectors are directed to each other. 
     A further object of the invention is to disclose the step of providing said supporting members further comprising providing two second Π-shaped members having terminal portions and straight members releasably connecting to said terminal portions; said straight members are of an identical cross dimension and a length of said terminal portions is equal to four said cross dimension of first straight members; The step of packing into flat packs comprises packing said four straight members of an identical cross dimension between two Π-shaped members having a length of said terminal portions equal to four said cross dimension of straight members. 
     A further object of the invention is to disclose a method of transporting and storing perishable goods in a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) providing said container comprising (i) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (ii) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; (iii) a bag  230  downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods. 
     It is a further core purpose of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises four first Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member comprises two second Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each of said first and second members comprises two elongate portions arranged perpendicular to each other. Each of said elongate portions has a connector conformable to a counterpart; each of said first Γ-shaped members has a corner slot configured for receiving a terminal of said second Γ-shaped member; (b) packing into flat packs; (c) delivering to a loading location; (d) assembling said containers; (e) loading said containers with perishable goods; (f) shipping said containers to a delivery location; (g) unloading said containers; (h) cycling steps b to g, as needed. 
     It is further core purpose of the invention to provide the step of packing into flat packs comprising packing said Γ-shaped members into said compact flat pack in a cornerwise nested manner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments is adapted to now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which 
         FIGS. 1 a  to 1 c    are general schematic exploded general view of a frame and separated views of first and second Π-shaped members, respectively; 
         FIGS. 2 a  to 2 c    are schematic top views of exemplar flat packs; 
         FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b    are schematic assembled and exploded general views a frame formed by Γ-shaped members; 
         FIGS. 4 a  to 4 d    are general and enlarged partial views of a Γ-shaped member; 
         FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    schematically illustrate bag securement to a sub-frame; 
         FIG. 6  is a general view of an alternative embodiment of a frame; 
         FIGS. 7 a  to 7 e    are prospective views of Γ-shaped members; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic view of an alternative flat pack; and 
         FIGS. 9 a  to 9 c    schematically illustrate reinforcement ribs of Γ-shaped members. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following description is provided, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a collapsible container for perishable goods and a method of storing and shipping the perishable goods. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1 a  to 1 c   , presenting a schematic exploded general view of a frame  100  formed by Π-shaped and straight members. The frame comprises a rectangular carrying sub-frame  110  which is configured for securing a bag accommodating goods in bulk, for example, perishable fruits or vegetables. Sub-frame is supported by two supporting members  120 . According to an exemplar embodiment of the present invention, sub-frame  110  comprises two first Π-shaped members  10  and two straight members  20 . Supporting members  120  are identical. Each of them comprises one second Π-shaped member  30  and two straight members  40 . Numeral  50  referring to interconnecting means is marked in the only location in order to not to over-complicate  FIG. 1   a.    
     In the assembled position, two first Π-shaped members  10  are interconnected by two straight members  20 . Specifically, straight members  20  are connected to perpendicular terminal portions  15  contiguous to main portion  13  of first Π-shaped members  10 . Concerning supporting members  120 , two second Π-shaped members  30  are connected to sub-frame  110  via two straight members  40 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2 a  to 2 c   , presenting exemplar embodiments of the present invention relating to packing the frame components during transportation in collapsed position to loading location. 
     Specifically,  FIG. 2 a    shows relative orientation of two first or second Π-shaped members  10 / 30  toward each other.  FIG. 2 b    presents an exemplar arrangement optimal for first Π-shaped members  10  packed with corresponding straight member  20 . According to the present invention, straight members  20  of an identical cross dimension interconnect terminal portions  15  of first Π-shaped members  10 . A length of terminal portions  15  is equal to two said cross dimension of first straight members  20 . A volume of the obtained pack is minimized by placing straight members  20  between first Π-shaped members  10 . Similar to components of sub-frame, straight members  40  of an identical cross dimension connect terminal portions  35  of second Π-shaped members  30 . A length of terminal portions  15  is equal to four cross dimension of second straight members  40 . Second straight members  40  are placed between second Π-shaped members  30 . 
     Reference is now to  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b   , presenting schematic assembled and exploded general views a frame  200  formed by Γ-shaped members. Frame  200  comprises sub-frame  203  and two supporting members  205 . Sub-frame  203  is formed by two pair of Γ-shaped members  210   a  and  210   b  differing from each other by a length thereof. Each Γ-shaped member has a main elongate portion with a longitudinal axis and first and second terminal connectors oriented is along and perpendicularly to the axis, respectively. One of the connectors is of a female type, and another connector is of a male type. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4 a  to 4 d   , presenting Γ-shaped members  210   a / 210   b  in detail. Each Γ-shaped member  210   a / 210   b  has a longitudinal axis  211  and two connectors  215  and  217 . As emphasized above, one of them, connector  215  is of a male type, while another connector  217  is of a female type. Connector  215  is configured to be inserted into connector  217  such that a releasable connection is established. Connector  217  is coaxial with axis  211 , while an axis  218  of male connector  215  is perpendicular to longitudinal axis  211  of Γ-shaped member  210   a / 210   b . Sub-frame  203  is formed when Γ-shaped members  210   a / 210   b  are successively interconnected, whereat each male connector  215  of preceding Γ-shaped member  210   a / 210   b  is inserted into female connector  217  of succeeding Γ-shaped member  210   a / 210   b.    
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b   , illustrating bag securement to a sub-frame. In  FIG. 5 a   , bag has main portion  250  for accommodating the goods in bulk and a rim portion  270  of the bag. The rim portion is bent over when Γ-shaped members  210   a / 210   b  and mechanically secured to outer surface  260  of the main portion  250  of the bag. The portion  320  for accommodating the goods is downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame formed by Γ-shaped members  210   a / 210   b  such that goods to be loaded, stored or shipped within the portion  320  can be placed in its internal volume so formed. 
     An alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 3 b   , rim portion  270  is mechanically secured to Γ-shaped members  210   a / 210   b . The bag can be of a rectangular cross-section enlarging from a bottom to the rim portion. The bag is secured to the frame by means of glue, clamps, sutures and any combination thereof. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 6 , showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Frame  300  comprises sub-frame  305  and Π-shaped members  308 . Sub-frame  305  includes two pairs of Γ-shaped members  310  and  320  interconnected with each other. Each Π-shaped member  308  includes Γ-shaped members  330  and  340 . Free ends of interconnected Γ-shaped members  330  and  340  are connected to sub-frame  305 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7 a  to 7 c   , showing two Γ-shaped members  310  and  320 . Γ-shaped member  310  includes two elongate members  314  orthogonally related to each other. Members  314  are provided with male connectors  312  at their free ends. Projections  317  are designed for stacking frames  300  one onto another. Slot  315  is configured for receiving free ends of Π-shaped members  308  (as described below). Numeral  319  refers to a projection configured for fastening male connector  312  within a counterpart. 
     Γ-shaped member  210  includes two elongate members  324  orthogonally related to each other. Members  324  are provided with female connectors  322  at their free ends. Projections  327  are designed for stacking frames  300  one onto another. Slot  325  is configured for receiving free ends of Π-shaped members  308  (as described below). Numeral  329  refers to a opening configured for fastening a counterpart (projection  319 ) within female connectors  322 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 b   , male connector  312  inserted into female connector  322 , thereat projection  319  in opening  329  secures male connector  312  within female connector  322 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7 d  to 7 e   , showing two Γ-shaped members  330  and  340 . Γ-shaped member  330  includes two elongate members  333  and  335  orthogonally related to each other, and male connector  337  with projection  339 . Numeral  331  refers to free end  331  configured for connecting to sub-frame  305 . 
     Γ-shaped member  340  includes two elongate members  343  and  345  orthogonally related to each other, and female connector  347  with projection  349 . Numeral  341  refers to free end  331  configured for connecting to sub-frame  305 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 e   , male connector  337  inserted into female connector  347 , thereat projection  339  in opening  349  secures male connector  337  within female connector  347 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 8 , showing an alternative exemplar embodiment of the present invention relating to packing the frame components during transportation in collapsed position to loading location. Γ-shaped members  360  are placed into plat pack  350  in a cornerwise nested manner. According to one embodiment of the present invention, Γ-shaped members  310 ,  320 ,  330  and  340  have identical overall dimensions and can be treated at packing procedure as identical Γ-shaped members  360 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 9 a  to 9 c   , showing an exemplar reinforcing rib arrangement in Γ-shaped member  340 . In non-limiting manner, elongate member  345  is provided with diagonal ribs  344  while elongate member  343  has internal longitudinal ribs  346 . 
     According to the present invention, a compactly transportable collapsible frame for supporting a soft bag accommodating perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid frame comprises: (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; and (b) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame. 
     It is a core feature of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprising two oppositely positioned first Π-shaped members having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion each and two first straight members. The two said first straight members releasably interconnect said terminal portions of said two first Π-shaped members therebetween. Each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion and two second straight members releasably connecting said two terminal portions of said second Π-shaped member to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first straight members of an identical cross dimension releasably interconnect said terminal portions of said two first Π-shaped members. A length of said terminal portions is equal to two said cross dimension of first straight members. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the second straight members releasably connecting said terminal portions of said two second Π-shaped members to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame are of an identical cross dimension. A length of said terminal portions is equal to four said cross dimension of first straight members. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a compactly transportable collapsible frame for supporting a soft bag accommodating perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid frame comprising: (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame. 
     It is another core feature of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprising four successively connected to each other Γ-like shaped members; each Γ-like shaped member comprises a main elongate portion having a longitudinal axis and first and second terminal connectors oriented is along and perpendicularly to said axis, respectively. One of said connectors is of a female type, and another connector is of male type. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a compactly transportable collapsible frame for supporting a soft bag accommodating perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid frame comprising: (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame. 
     It is further core feature of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprising four first Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member comprises two second Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each of said first and second members comprises two elongate portions arranged perpendicular to each other. Each of said elongate portions has a connector conformable to a counterpart. Each of said first Γ-shaped members has a corner slot configured for receiving a terminal of said second Γ-shaped member. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the lengths of elongate portions of said first and second members are identical. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first and second members are packable in a cornerwise nested manner. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid container comprises (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; and (c) a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid container comprises: (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; (c) a bag  230  downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods. 
     It is further core feature of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprising four first Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member comprises two second Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each of said first and second members comprises two elongate portions arranged perpendicular to each other. Each of said elongate portions has a connector conformable to a counterpart; each of said first Γ-shaped members has a corner slot configured for receiving a terminal of said second Γ-shaped member. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of transporting and storing perishable goods in a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid method comprising the steps of (a) providing said container comprising: (i) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (ii) supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; and (iii) a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods; said rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises two oppositely positioned first Π-shaped members having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion each and two first straight members; two said first straight members releasably interconnect said terminal portions of said two first Π-shaped members therebetween; each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion and two second straight members releasably connecting said two terminal portions of said second Π-shaped member to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) packing into flat packs; (c) delivering to a loading location; (d) assembling said containers; (e) loading said containers with perishable goods; (f) shipping said containers to a delivery location; (g) unloading said containers; (h) cycling steps b to g, as needed. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the step of packing into flat packs comprises packing two first and second Π-shaped members and straight members connectable thereto into compact flat pack. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the step of packing into flat packs comprises packing said first straight members of an identical cross dimension between said two first Π-shaped members having a length of said terminal portions equal to two said cross dimension of first straight members. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the step of packing into flat packs comprises packing said four said second straight members of an identical cross dimension between two second Π-shaped members having a length of said terminal portions equal to four said cross dimension of first straight members. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of transporting and storing perishable goods in a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid method comprising the steps of (a) providing said container comprising: (i) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (ii) supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; and (iii) a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods; said rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises four successively connected to each other Γ-like shaped members; each Γ-like shaped member comprises a main elongate portion having a longitudinal axis and first and second terminal connectors oriented is along and perpendicularly to said axis, respectively; one of said connectors is of a female type, and another connector is of male type; (b) packing into flat packs; (c) delivering to a loading location; (d) assembling said containers; (e) loading said containers with perishable goods; (f) shipping said containers to a delivery location; (g) unloading said containers; (h) cycling steps b to g, as needed; 
     It is a further core feature of the invention to provide the step of packing into flat packs comprising packing said F -shaped members into said compact flat pack pairwise with opposite orientation; second connectors are directed to each other. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the step of providing said supporting members further comprises providing two second Π-shaped members having terminal portions and straight members releasably connecting to said terminal portions; said straight members are of an identical cross dimension and a length of said terminal portions is equal to four said cross dimension of first straight members; The step of packing into flat packs comprises packing said four straight members of an identical cross dimension between two Π-shaped members having a length of said terminal portions equal to four said cross dimension of straight members. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of transporting and storing perishable goods in a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) providing said container comprising (i) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (ii) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; (iii) a bag  230  downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods. 
     It is a further core feature of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises four first Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member comprises two second Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each of said first and second members comprises two elongate portions arranged perpendicular to each other. Each of said elongate portions has a connector conformable to a counterpart; each of said first Π-shaped members has a corner slot configured for receiving a terminal of said second Π-shaped member; (b) packing into flat packs; (c) delivering to a loading location; (d) assembling said containers; (e) loading said containers with perishable goods; (f) shipping said containers to a delivery location; (g) unloading said containers; (h) cycling steps b to g, as needed. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the step of packing into flat packs comprising packing said Γ-shaped members into said compact flat pack in a cornerwise nested manner.