Patent ID: 7044326

Claim:
An aluminum alloy container for cooling produce, comprising: a container made of a light aluminum alloy, the container including a first container piece forming a bottom and opposite sides with embossed stiffening ribs to add strength to the light aluminum alloy and upper flanges, a second container piece welded to the first container piece to form an end with embossed stiffening ribs, end holes, and upper flanges, and a third piece welded to the first container piece to form an opposite end with embossed stiffening ribs, end holes, and upper flanges, the sides and ends including vent holes configured to maximize refrigerated air flow there through and angled relative to vertical to allow for horizontal as well as vertical airflow when multiple adjacent stacks of the aluminum alloy container are provided in a produce shipping load; and a lid made of a light aluminum alloy supportable by the upper flanges, the lid including a lid plate with embossed stiffening ribs to add strength to the light aluminum alloy and configured to mate with the embossed stiffening ribs of the bottom for stacking aluminum alloy containers, and an interface bracket welded to the lid plate and including projections configured to lock in place with the end boles of one of the ends for securing the lid to one of the ends, wherein the aluminum alloy container is reusable, nestable, and recyclable.