PASSIVE AND FORCED AIR COOLING FOR FRESH PRODUCE

Abstract

Cases and containers for cooling produce may be cooperatively designed to provide cooling efficiencies in both passive ventilation and forced air cooling environments. Each container may include an element for helping form an opening or ventilation funnel within the center area of the cases, with a corresponding opening in the same area of the case for allowing cooling fluid to pass therethrough. Further, each container may include an element for parsing or dividing incoming forced cooling fluid into both the lid and the base. In some versions of the containers, the air may be divided based at least in part on the design of the container, including the proportions of the containers lid to base structure. In this way the forced cooling fluid may be proportionately passed into the overall container to more efficiently cool the produce therein.

Claims

1. A cooling system for produce comprising: (a) a case comprising: (i) a wall; (ii) a master vent slot defined by the wall and configured to pass a fluid therethrough; and (b) a container configured to be received in the case in a cooling position and configured receive the fluid passed through the master vent slot, the container comprising: (i) a base; (ii) a lid, wherein the lid includes a lip; (iii) a main clamshell vent defined between the lid and the base and configured to fluidly communicate with the master vent slot when the container is disposed in the base in the cooling position, wherein the lip is positioned to direct a portion of the fluid passing through the master vent slot away from the main clamshell vent when the container is disposed in the base in the cooling position.

2. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the master vent slot includes a master vent slot size, wherein the lip is positioned based at least in part on the master vent slot size.

3. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the main clamshell vent includes a main clamshell vent size, wherein the lip is positioned based at least in part on the main clamshell vent size.

4. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a lid height, wherein the base includes a base height, wherein the lip is positioned based at least in part on the lid height and the base height.

5. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a side wall and a lid vent defined in the sidewall, wherein the lip is positioned to direct the portion toward the lid vent.

6. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the lip extends into the master vent slot when the container is disposed in the base in the cooling position.

7. A cooling system for produce comprising: (a) a set of containers, each container comprising: (i) a base, wherein the base includes two opposed sidewalls, two opposed end walls, and a bottom wall; (ii) a lid, wherein the lid includes two opposed sidewalls, two opposed end walls, and a top wall; (iii) an end recess, wherein the end recess includes an end portion recessed into one of the end walls of the base and a bottom portion recessed into the bottom wall of the base; (iv) a side recess, wherein the side recess is recessed into one of the side walls of the base; (v) a first mid-range vent defined by one of the end walls of the base and disposed in the end portion of the end recess; (vi) a second mid-range vent defined by one of the sidewalls of the base and disposed in the side recess; (vii) a bottom ramp vent defined by the bottom wall of the base and disposed in the bottom portion of the end recess; and (b) a case, wherein the case includes two opposed sidewalls, two opposed end walls, and a bottom wall, wherein the case is configured to receive the set of containers therein, the case comprising: (i) a plurality of master vent slots defined by each end wall of the case; and (ii) a plurality of funnel vents defined by the bottom wall of the case.

8. The cooling system of claim 7, wherein the case further comprises an imaginary longitudinal center line extending along the center of the bottom wall of the case from one end wall to the other end wall, wherein the plurality of funnel vents includes a set of master funnel vents disposed along the imaginary longitudinal center line.

9. The cooling system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of funnel vents includes a set of minor funnel vents disposed on both sides of the imaginary longitudinal center line.

10. The cooling system of claim 9, wherein a group of four containers in the set of containers define an opening therebetween, wherein the opening is in fluid communication with at least one of the master funnel vents when the group of four containers is disposed in the case.

11. The cooling system of claim 10, wherein the set of containers is a set of eight containers, wherein the case is sized to receive the eight containers in two rows and four columns therein with three openings defined therebetween, wherein the set of master funnel vents comprises three master funnel vents disposed whereby each funnel vent is in fluid communication with an opposing one of the three openings.

12. The cooling system of claim 7, wherein each container is a clamshell container, each container further comprising a hinge, wherein the lid is connected to the base via the hinge.

13. A method comprising: (a) disposing a first container, a second container, a third container, and a fourth container in a case, wherein the first container, the second container, the third container, and the fourth container define an opening therebetween; (b) aligning a master funnel vent defined by a bottom wall of the case with the opening, wherein the master funnel vent and the opening are in fluid communication; (c) defining a pair of first main clamshell vents between a lid of the first container and a base of the first container; (d) defining a pair of second main clamshell vents between a lid of the second container and a base of the second container; and (e) aligning a pair of master vent slots defined by a pair of sidewalls of the case with the pair of first main clamshell vents and the pair of second main clam shell vents, wherein the pair of master vent slots, the pair of first main clamshell vents, and the pair of second main clamshell vents are in fluid communication.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising forcing fluid into one of the pair of master vent slots, through the pair of first main clamshell vents, through the pair of second main clamshell vents, and out the other one of the pair of master vent slots.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising forming a bottom ramp vent in a bottom wall of the base of the first container.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising aligning a minor vent slot defined by a bottom wall of the case with the bottom ramp vent, wherein the minor vent slot and bottom ramp vent are in fluid communication.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising forming a mid-range vent in an end wall of the base of the first container.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the bottom ramp vent is disposed in a recessed portion of the bottom wall of the base of the first container.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the mid-range vent is disposed in a recessed portion of the end wall of the base of the first container.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the recessed portion of the bottom wall and the recessed portion of the end wall are contiguous.

21. A method of cooling produce, the method comprising: (a) filling a set of four containers with produce; (b) disposing the set of four containers in a case, wherein the set of four containers are disposed in the same general plane in a two by two configuration; (c) allowing fluid to passively rise via convection from below the case to above the case through a master funnel vent defined by a bottom wall of the case and an opening defined between the set of four containers; and (d) in response to the fluid passively rising through the master funnel vent, drawing heat out of the set of four containers through a plurality of vents defined therein to entrain the heat in the passively rising fluid.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: (a) defining a first master slot in a first sidewall of the case, wherein the first sidewall extends from the bottom wall; (b) defining a second master slot in a second sidewall of the case, wherein the second sidewall extends from the bottom wall, wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall are parallel; and (c) forcing fluid into the first master slot, wherein the fluid forced into the first master slot passes through a first container in the set of four containers and a second container in the set of four containers and out the second master slot.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising orienting the first container and the second container within the case to dispose a first main clamshell vent of the first container proximate the first master slot, a second main clamshell vent of the first container proximate a first main clamshell vent of the second container, and a second main clamshell vent of the second container proximate the second master slot.

24. The method of 23, further comprising: (a) forming a bottom recessed portion in a bottom wall of a base of the first container, wherein the bottom recessed portion is recessed inwardly toward an interior of the first container; and (b) venting the interior of the first container through a bottom ramp vent defined by the bottom wall of the base and within the bottom recessed portion.

25. The method of 24, further comprising: (a) forming an end recessed portion in a side wall of the base of the first container, wherein the end recessed portion is recessed inwardly toward the interior of the first container; and (b) venting the interior of the first container through a mid-range vent defined by the end wall of the base and within the end recessed portion, wherein the bottom recessed portion and the end recessed portion are contiguous.

26. The method of claim 21, further comprising: (a) inserting a portion of a first container in the set of four containers into a master vent slot defined by a sidewall of the case, wherein the sidewall extends from the bottom wall; (b) forcing fluid into the master vent slot toward the first container; (c) dividing the forced fluid into a first portion and a second portion; (d) receiving the first portion of the forced fluid in a lid vent defined by a lid of the first container; and (e) receiving the second portion of the forced fluid in a main clamshell vent defined by the lid and a base of the first container.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the first portion and the second portion are based on a size of the master vent slot and a size of main clamshell vent.

28. A method of cooling produce, the method comprising: (a) forcing a fluid through a case toward a container disposed within the case; and (b) directing a first portion of the fluid through a lid of the container; and (c) directing a second portion of the fluid into a main clamshell vent defined between the lid and a base of the container.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising directing the first portion through the lid of the container via an element of the container.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising directing the second portion through the main clamshell vent via the element.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the element is an angled lip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

[0053] FIG. 1 is an isometric of the invention depicting both hot and cold air flow.

[0054] FIG. 2 is an isometric view perspective view of the present invention depicting the base only with particular attention to the channel/pathway and venting structure within.

[0055] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a three-dimensional air vent depicting open vents on 2 sides of the ribbed structure and a directional air feature on the non-vented or non-cut wall.

[0056] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a combination air channel/pathway combined with a three-dimensional air vent at both the front and back of the pathway and two ramp style channel vents.

[0057] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a channel or pathway with 8 ramp style vents along the base, as well as, a close up view of the ramp style vent.

[0058] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a dual ramp style pathway vent.

[0059] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of several preferred embodiments depicted within a rigid retail container.

[0060] FIG. 8 is an alternative isometric view of several preferred embodiments within a rigid retail container.

[0061] FIG. 9 is of 2 top down views of rigid retail containers with differing bottom preferred embodiments.

[0062] FIG. 10 is a similar view of a rigid retail container in FIG. 9 with a different preferred embodiment on the lid structure.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a diagram depicting how the rigid retail units may be stacked both within the master case and on the retail shelf.

[0064] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a master shipping case with its corresponding rigid retail unit configuration.

[0065] FIG. 13 is of two differing isometric views of the same master shipping container and its corresponding retail found in FIG. 12.

[0066] FIG. 14 is a top down view of a pallet in the preferred embodiment configuration.

[0067] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the pallet configuration in FIG. 12.

[0068] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a corrugated vent pattern and clamshell vent structures within.

[0069] FIG. 17 is a similar isometric view of FIG. 16 with an alternative corrugated vent pattern that is specific to the internal packaging vents.

[0070] FIG. 18 is an identical isometric view of FIG. 16 with the percentage vent split between the lid vents and the main vents identified for reference.

[0071] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of a cross section where the rigid plastic container extends into the corrugated wall and divides the airflow into separate pathways (main vent 80% and lid vent 20%).

[0072] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a cross section depicting the lower corrugated vent and the aligning rigid plastic vents including the mid-range vent, bottom side vent, and the bottom ramp vent.

[0073] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a cross section of the case depicting how 2 rigid containers interlock and the airflow pathways on the lower level of the container.

[0074] FIG. 22 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 21 depicting the lowest airflow pathway and the flow through the case vent into the case beneath to complete the circuit.

[0075] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the front panel of the rigid container and a close up of the ramp vent depicting the two angled side vents at 30 degrees.

[0076] FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the new preferred six down case with clamshells depicting the funnel vent pathway and hot air escaping the case during a passive stacked environment.

[0077] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0079] It will be appreciated that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. that are described herein. The following-described teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0080] FIG. 1 shows the front and side view of a rigid retail unit and use of three-dimensional side vents (10) with two open side vents directed into the path of the vacuum. Dark arrows, indicated by the hot air flow (20) being pulled from the rigid container via the three-dimensional side vent structure (10) and cold air flow (30) entering the container from alternative suction points along the width direction of the container.

[0081] FIG. 2 shows how the pathway or channel at base of clamshell (40) running along the base of the container can be formed by raising the base of the container off the box floor with a series of corner blocks or feet at base of clamshell (50). The drawing also shows how two oblong vent structures at front of ramp vents (60) at either end of the channel can be cut into the side wall of the container thus creating a pathway to reach the channel or pathway within. In addition, this drawing shows the use of two alternating ramp style vents (70) adjacent to the center pathway to pull air at alternating points within the container and therefore causing turbulence from within the container.

[0082] FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of two three-dimensional side vent structures (10) side by side, with two open side wall cuts on adjacent side walls (100) of a ribbed feature (110) and a third smooth indented wall feature (120) on the non-vented structure to push or guide airflow into the container as the forces of the vacuum draw directly into the vent. A ribbed indented wall feature (90) is provided as illustrated.

[0083] FIG. 4 shows a detailed side view of a center pathway or channel at base of clamshell (40) combined with two large three dimensional side vents (10) located at the beginning and ending of the pathway or channel at base of clamshell (40). The pathway or channel at base of clamshell (40) draws air from the center of the container by use of two center ramp style vents (70) while the two large three dimensional side vents (10) pull air from the outside of the container. This combined effect creates a two directional flow air, both outside in and inside out at the same time, causing turbulence inside the container rarely reached by conventional venting of one method or another. Additionally, smooth side walls (100) as well as the use of ribbed features (110) create the three-dimensional side venting structures (10). Two directional ramp style vents (70) are used in the center of pathway or channel at base of clamshell (40) to create the most effective penetration of the air into the container as the air follows up the ramp of the first style vent (70) penetrating the container and then exists down the second ramp style vent (70) on the backside.

[0084] FIG. 5 depicts the base of a rigid retail package with 8 ramp style vents (70) running in a two by four parallel down the center of the pathway or channel at base of clamshell (40) with curved walls, creating a smooth transition on base of container (180) into the pathway or channel at base of clamshell (40) to protect soft fruit from rough edges or hard transitions. This system of using directional ramp style vents (70) inside of a pathway or channel at base of clamshell (40) may be utilized if the directional air flow of the vacuum can be predictable and reliable. If the directional air flow changes from one direction to the other depending on which way the box is positioned on the pallet layer, then a dual sided ramp vent, not pictured, must be used as not to block the path of the incoming vacuum along the base of the pathway or channel at base of clamshell (40).

[0085] FIG. 6 is of a close-up of a dual directional ramp style three-dimensional vent structure, (200). These dual directional ramp vent structures (200) may be placed anywhere on the base of the container where air is directed to draw air from or into the container. The dual sloping ramp vent base feature (160) is far superior to that of a simple round or circular vent positioned at the top of a channel or pathway because the angle is not as steep and creates a smooth transitional draw of air into the container. Air flows into the container through the ramp vent aperture (140) transitions up into the container and then back out down the dual directional ramp vent (200). This feature is especially advantageous while air is traveling at a high rate of speed.

[0086] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a rigid plastic retail unit, clamshell, with preferred embodiments which are advantageous to the increased cooling of fresh produce within. These preferred embodiments are part of a five-tiered system of ventilation, (Top Vent, Master Side Vent, Mid-Range Vent, Bottom Side Vent, and Base Vent/Ramp Vent) that provide cooling effects in both a passive stacked ventilation environment and in a forced air cooling system. The container (80) has both top external lid vents (230) as well as internal lid vents (240) on the label and stacking platform. These top side vents are particularly advantageous to cool fruit in a vertical stacked system as well as reduce the amount of condensation present on the lid. The main clamshell vent (210) with its extended main vent lip (220) locks into the master case to provide both a source of cooler airflow within a stacked ventilation system, as well as, a forced air cooling source linked directly from outside of the pallet into each clamshell within the cooling web. The mid-range vent (250) allows for air circulation in between layers of packed fruit. This unique mid-range vent breaks up the side walls (100) or the ribbed feature (110) allowing for both the vertical air flow in a passive stacked ventilation system, as well as, the horizontal air flow in a forced air cooling environment. It is critical to have both directional airflows at this key range of product heat to best ventilate each stacked layer of fruit along the walls of the container. The bottom side vents (260) are positioned at the base of the container to allow for both vertical and horizontal airflow. The pathway or channel at base of clamshell (40) creates space for the base or bottom tier of vents, not pictured. This bottom tiered vent system links to the minor funnel vents located within the master shipping case to maximize the rise of hot air up the pallet in-between the pallet layers.

[0087] FIG. 8 shows an alternative isometric view found in FIG. 7the bottom side view. Positioned within the pathway or channel at base of clamshell (40) is the preferred embodiment bottom ramp vent two-dimensional (270). The ramp or tunnel and corresponding bottom vent allows for a near center ventilation of the base layer of fruit without creating a failed air circuit within the shipping case, as previously noted with a continuous tunnel or pathway. Airflow is pulled from the bottom layer of fruit by the forced air cooling environment with 100% of the air drawing up from the closed tunnel or ramp vent system. Any combination, number, or shape of bottom ramp vent two-dimensional (270) in combination with the minor funnel vents within the master case, may be created to maximize the airflow from the bottom of the container and within the case.

[0088] FIG. 9 is a top down view of the preferred embodiments found in FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 with an alternative indented vent aperture (280). The indented vent aperture (280) differs from the tunnel or ramp vent system in that the vent aperture extends into cut outs within the master case while the ramp vent aperture (140) is raised off the master case floor. The indented aperture rests just above the lid area of the lower clamshell in the stacked pallet layer, this creates a unique pulling of air in-between pallet layers creating a larger passive stacked effect of air rising throughout the system. Air will rise or be pulled from the surrounding side vent, mid-range vent, and master vent along the cooling web to both draw hot air up and out of the pallet. Additionally, the indented vent aperture (280) may be more advantageous with soft fruit as the indented aperture is not raised and does not come in contact with fruit but yet provides adequate lower ventilation.

[0089] FIG. 10 is of both a top down view and an isometric view of the preferred embodiments found in FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 with the addition of a lid bridge vent (290). The center bridge vent or possible multiple bridge vents across a lid platform, not pictured, are advantageous when combined with the bottom indented vent aperture (280) especially on larger pack sizes such as a 2 lb, 3 lb, and 4 lb container. Traditionally these larger containers have large label platforms with little to no ventilation causing condensation and trapping of hot air within the stacked ventilation environment. The lid bridge vent (290) corresponds in height to the depth of the indented vent aperture (280) allowing for the even stacking or layering of clamshells at retail with the combined continued ventilation of both systems. The combination of the raised bridge vent and the inverted base vent also provide a greater rigidity to the light weight rigid container allowing for greater number of stacked containers without risk of lid failure or collapse that may result in the toppling of the container stack on retail shelves, especially with heavier containers. Furthermore, the raised bridge vent may also be combined with a raised bridge or tunnel on the base separating the container into compartments. The raised vented compartments walls may also have side vents that correspond in size and number to that on the raised bridge to increase airflow within the separate compartments. Non-uniform venting patterns and structures within both the raised compartment bridge or tunnel and the raised lid bridge may also be advantageous depending on the commodity of fresh produce and the size and shape of each compartment, not pictured.

[0090] FIG. 11 is an example of how the raised lid bridge vent (290) and the lower indented vent aperture (280) might be positioned both within the stacked at case (310) with the corrugated tray layer in between (300) and the stacked at retail shelf (320) once removed from a master shipper case.

[0091] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the preferred master shipping case (330) and the preferred clamshell arrangement or rigid retail unit configuration (350) as well as, the primary vertical master vent slots location (340). In this particular example, the preferred new master case configuration is a two by three layer across the cooling web of 48 long by 40 deep. The preferred internal clamshell arrangement (350) is four containers long and two containers deep within each case. The vertical master vent slots (340) are present on both sides of the case creating a straight airflow system that exists within the clamshell. Air flow is repositioned every two units as it passes through three trays during the forced air cooling process.

[0092] FIG. 13 is of both an isometric view and a top down view of the master shipping case (330) highlighting both the master funnel vents (360) and vertical minor funnel vents (370). In this example of the preferred master shipping case (330) there are three master funnel vents (360) and sixteen minor funnel vents (370). The master funnel vents (360) are aligned to gaps in-between the clamshell arrangement. This is best depicted in the top down perspective in which the major funnel vents can be seen through the rounded corners in-between the clamshell arrangement. Both the master funnel vents (360) and minor funnel vents (370) are designed to maximize the amount of hot air escaping out the top of the pallet while cooler air is drawn into the pallets through the master vent slots (340) during the passive stacked ventilation cooling process.

[0093] FIG. 14 is a top view of a master pallet configuration (380) with 18 master funnel vents (360) present within the pallet layer. A typical pallet layer configuration with a box height of 3.50 inches, would consist of twenty to twenty-two cases high or 360 to 396 master funnel vents within the total pallet configuration. This massive increase in air flow during the passive stacked cooling environment greatly improves air flow within the system both while the pallet is being built in the field and while it waits on a cooling dock.

[0094] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a pallet configuration of the preferred embodiment pallet configuration (390) with an internal clamshell arrangement (350) four long and two deep within each case across the cooling web. This figure best shows how cold air will travel across the cooling web through the master vent slots (340) on the master shipping case (330) during the forced air cooling process. It also is particularly visible that the air will be repositioned every two units in width as the cold air is pulled by a vacuum from one side of the pallet to the other through three master shipping cases. This diagram also depicts how eight units might be cooled at one time across the cooling web versus the current 1 lb. strawberry unit of six units, not pictured. Cooling a larger number of units across the web, as well as, repositioning airflow over a shorter number of units within each case is the most efficient use of cold air while cooling fresh produce in a horizontal forced air cooling environment.

[0095] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the side panel of the master corrugated box (300) and retail container unit, clamshell (80) held within. In the main vent view the drawing clearly shows the main vent (210) the extended lip (220) that locks the retail unit (80) into the box (300) and splits the air flow pathways. This unique interlocking feature serves a dual purpose in securing the container to the box to limit failed air circuits but also slits the air flow pathway into the main vent and the lid vent located directly above (230). The lid vent (230) pictured here is a slot or side wall vent punch on the lid, but it may also be advantages for future designs to have a horizontal vent located directly above the extended lip and on the wall of the lid, not pictured. The lower case vent (400) clearly exposes both mid-range vents (250) and the lower ramp vent apertures (270). The lower-case vent (400) provides a direct line of sight of the bottom air flow pathways into the retail container, clamshell, and thus limit the percentage of failed circuit airflow on the lower portion of the container. In addition, these multiple ventilation pathways allow cool air to penetrate the fruit within the container at varying depths and layers of fruit. This system provides the most allowable air flow pathways into the container and fruit within, while limited the potential failed circuit pathways. Considering that hot air will rise and transfer heat from lower levels to top layers of fruit it is critical to remove heat from container/fruit at varying layers to decrease heat or energy transfer.

[0096] FIG. 17 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 16 with an alternative bottom corrugated vent shape (410). The alternative corrugated vent is to show how the size and shape of the vent may be altered to increase access to the various retail container unit ventilation while limiting failed air circuits. The shape and size of the vent may be contoured to match any number of vents along the side wall of the container including but not limited to the mid-range vents (250) the side wall bottom vent (not pictured), or the ramp vent (270).

[0097] FIG. 18 is the identical isometric view of FIG. 16 with the percentage of internal corrugated wall air flow pathway division explained by percentages depicted by an air flow area (420) and an air flow area (430). The ability to lock the retail container unit within the corrugated wall and split the airflow ratio within its structure is unique in the field and represents an enormous leap in the cooling process. Considering that fruit within the retail container unit is held within both the lid and the base of the container and that fruit may block some of the main vent due to fruit size, shape or position within the container it is most advantageous to split the airflow pathway in relation to the percentage of fruit that may be positioned above the base basket line and held in the lid. In this illustrated example of the present invention, the retail container unit has a height of 3.25 inches with a split between the base and the lid structure of roughly 80/20. Therefore, by splitting the airflow within the corrugated wall at the same ratio it is certain that the proportional amount of airflow will be distributed within the clamshell. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the air flow is split into two portions, with the first portion being 80% of the incoming air, depicted as air flow area (420) and with the second portion being 20% of the incoming air, depicted as air flow area (430). This system of airflow diversification also helps to ensure that there are no hot spots in the corners of the containers or areas for condensation to build. It is important to be able to adjust the percentages of the air flow pathway split to match the amount of fruit that may be held or not held within the lid portion of the container. If by design the container has a taller lid to encompass more fruit capacity while the base remains the same then the ratio must be altered to reflect the amount of fruit expected to be held within the lid area. For example, if a similar container needed an expanded lid to hold larger fruit sizes and the ratio of base to lid is altered to 70/30 two things would be required (1) a taller box would be needed to hold the larger container, and (2) a larger main side wall vent to match the new larger dimensions and the new ratio of base to lid. Conversely is the lid is reduced to hold a lesser amount of fruit capacity than the opposite adjustments would be required (1) a smaller box to hold the decreased container size, and (2) a reduced main side wall vent to match the smaller dimensions and the new ratio of base to lid.

[0098] FIG. 19 is a cross section of the master box and the retail container unit at the intersection of the air flow pathways in the corrugated wall and the air flow pathways directional flow into the retail container unit. The cross section of the master case wall (440) provides a clear visual of the extended main vent lip (220) that not only locks the retail unit into the master corrugated box but also splits the airflow pathway in the desired percentage based on the container base and lid dimensions and the expected fruit held within. Extended main vent lip (220) is comprised of an upper lip (221) primarily responsible for dividing the air flowing into container (80) and lower lip (222) primarily responsible for locking container (80) with master shipping case (330).

[0099] In the present example, the main air flow pathway (450) flows directly into the container at 80% of the corrugated opening, while the lid air flow pathway (460) flows towards the lid vent apertures (230) at 20% of the corrugated opening. This ratio is determined by the placement of upper lip (221) relative to the size of main clamshell vent (210) and the size of container (80) and may be adjusted along with other features of container (80) to reach the desired ratio of air flowing into the lid and base of container (80).

[0100] As cooling fluid is forced into master vent slot (340) of master shipping case (330), a first potion of the fluid is directed toward along lid vent airflow path (450) and into lid vent apertures (230). Similarly, as fluid is forced into master vent slot (340), a second portion of the fluid is directed along main vent air flow pathway (450) and into main clamshell vent (210). In some versions of the present container (80), the structural component responsible for dividing the forced fluid is upper lip (221) of extended main vent lip (220). As shown in FIG. 19, upper lip (221) may be angled to ramp or cam the inflowing fluid upwardly toward external lid vents (230) and ultimately into the lid portion of container (80). Inasmuch as the inflowing cooling fluid is divided into two portions, fluid also flows below upper lip (221) and into main clamshell vent (210) to cool the base portion of container (80).

[0101] FIG. 20 is the exact isometric view of FIG. 19 with illustrations identifying the lower ventilation air flow pathways. The three lower air flow pathways are identified as: the mid-range air flow pathway (470) the bottom side wall airflow pathway (480) and the ramp vent air flow pathway (490) each air flow pathway travels into the retail container unit through the corresponding vent opening, mid-range aperture (250), side wall vent aperture (260), and the bottom ramp aperture (140). It is critical to not only have a multiple of bottom airflow pathways as differing locations and sizes during the forced air cooling process to quickly expel heat from the container as fast as possible but also during the passive stacked air cooling process. As hot air is expelled up an out of the pallet through the master funnel vents cooler air will flow into from the sides through the identified lower aperture vents outlined above.

[0102] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a cross section of the width direction of the master case encompassing two interlocked retail container units. The units are locked into one another and locked into the corrugated case walls. The illustration is depicting the airflow pathways of the mid-range (470) and the ramp aperture (490). The multilayered air flow pathways are depicted how they would travel through the interlocking retail container units within the case. It is critical not only to lock the containers to the corrugated box but also interlock them together to create the best possible air flow transfer during the forced air cooling process.

[0103] FIG. 22 is an identical isometric view of FIG. 21 but highlights the lowest air flow pathway in the case (500). The bottom-most pathway doesn't penetrate the retail container unit but rather travels through the ramp vent and down into the case beneath it through a minor funnel vent opening, and into the lid of the retail container unit beneath. It is critical to allow some air flow to be unrestricted in order to keep the air flow moving throughout the system. Directing an air flow pathway into the center portion of the lid of the case beneath is also a great way to create elevate trapped heat in the center of the lid area. The jump of air is minor to the overall airflow pathway and is intentionally limited as to not create a large center failed air circuit like in the previously stated examples of tunnels that are present at the bottom of container and found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,644,494 and 8,424,701.

[0104] FIG. 23 is of an isometric view of the ramp vent (70) and aperture (140) plus a close-up view of the same. Unlike any other current tunnel vent listed in prior art these aperture vents are not straight down punches but are at a 30-degree angle, and therefore providing a clear line of sight from the vent location to the air flow pathway. This is particularly advantageous as the ramp (70) is lowered at a lesser degree to the bottom of the corrugated case and thus forces most of the airflow pathway to pull up and into the retail container unit through the ramp aperture (140) as the ramp narrows. These two bottom apertures (140) are critical to providing an air flow pathway to the center part of the retail unit without creating a large failed air circuit. An enlarged view of ramp aperture (140) is depicted as element (510).

[0105] FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the new preferred six down case (300) with 8 retail container units (80), round funnel vents in the case (360), star shaped funnel vents (530), in between the intersecting retail container units (80), and the corresponding and hot air escaping the case (520) during a passive stacked environment. Considering during the peak of the season it may takes hours before a pallet of fresh fruit can reach the forced air coolers, it is most advantageous to have a pallet system that allows hot air to continually escape the pallet and thus reducing the core temperature of the pallet prior to forced air cooling. The specific rounded corners of the retail container unit (80) allow for the creating of the star shaped funnel vent (530) when grouped together within the case. It is not advantageous enough to have vents on the bottom of the case at random. Each corrugated bottom vent (360) must correspond with a matching container funnel vent (530) to create an unobstructed pathway up and out of the pallet. Unobstructed hot air rises faster and creates a larger energy force leading to the evacuation of center pallet core heat with the addition of cooler air being pulled in from the sides of the pallet causing a natural convection effect to cool the pallet before the forced air cooling process.

EXEMPLARY COMBINATIONS

[0106] The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor in interest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in this application or in subsequent filings related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability.

Example 1

[0107] A cooling system for produce comprising: a case comprising a wall, a master vent slot defined by the wall and configured to pass a fluid therethrough; and a container configured to be received in the case in a cooling position and configured receive the fluid passed through the master vent slot, the container comprising a base, a lid, wherein the lid includes a lip, a main clamshell vent defined between the lid and the base and configured to fluidly communicate with the master vent slot when the container is disposed in the base in the cooling position, wherein the lip is positioned to direct a portion of the fluid passing through the master vent slot away from the main clamshell vent when the container is disposed in the base in the cooling position.

Example 2

[0108] The cooling systems or methods of Example 1 or any of the subsequent Examples, wherein the master vent slot includes a master vent slot size, wherein the lip is positioned based at least in part on the master vent slot size.

Example 3

[0109] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the main clamshell vent includes a main clamshell vent size, wherein the lip is positioned based at least in part on the main clamshell vent size.

Example 4

[0110] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the lid includes a lid height, wherein the base includes a base height, wherein the lip is positioned based at least in part on the lid height and the base height.

Example 5

[0111] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the lid includes a side wall and a lid vent defined in the sidewall, wherein the lip is positioned to direct the portion toward the lid vent.

Example 6

[0112] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the lip extends into the master vent slot when the container is disposed in the base in the cooling position.

Example 7

[0113] A cooling system for produce comprising: a set of containers, each container comprising: a base, wherein the base includes two opposed sidewalls, two opposed end walls, and a bottom wall; a lid, wherein the lid includes two opposed sidewalls, two opposed end walls, and a top wall; an end recess, wherein the end recess includes an end portion recessed into one of the end walls of the base and a bottom portion recessed into the bottom wall of the base; a side recess, wherein the side recess is recessed into one of the side walls of the base; a first mid-range vent defined by one of the end walls of the base and disposed in the end portion of the end recess; a second mid-range vent defined by one of the sidewalls of the base and disposed in the side recess; a bottom ramp vent defined by the bottom wall of the base and disposed in the bottom portion of the end recess; and a case, wherein the case includes two opposed sidewalls, two opposed end walls, and a bottom wall, wherein the case is configured to receive the set of containers therein, the case comprising: a plurality of master vent slots defined by each end wall of the case; and a plurality of funnel vents defined by the bottom wall of the case.

Example 8

[0114] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the case further comprises an imaginary longitudinal center line extending along the center of the bottom wall of the case from one end wall to the other end wall, wherein the plurality of funnel vents includes a set of master funnel vents disposed along the imaginary longitudinal center line.

Example 9

[0115] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the plurality of funnel vents includes a set of minor funnel vents disposed on both sides of the imaginary longitudinal center line.

Example 10

[0116] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein a group of four containers in the set of containers define an opening therebetween, wherein the opening is in fluid communication with at least one of the master funnel vents when the group of four containers is disposed in the case.

Example 11

[0117] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the set of containers is a set of eight containers, wherein the case is sized to receive the eight containers in two rows and four columns therein with three openings defined therebetween, wherein the set of master funnel vents comprises three master funnel vents disposed whereby each funnel vent is in fluid communication with an opposing one of the three openings.

Example 12

[0118] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein each container is a clamshell container, each container further comprising a hinge, wherein the lid is connected to the base via the hinge.

Example 13

[0119] A method comprising: disposing a first container, a second container, a third container, and a fourth container in a case, wherein the first container, the second container, the third container, and the fourth container define an opening therebetween; aligning a master funnel vent defined by a bottom wall of the case with the opening, wherein the master funnel vent and the opening are in fluid communication; defining a pair of first main clamshell vents between a lid of the first container and a base of the first container; defining a pair of second main clamshell vents between a lid of the second container and a base of the second container; and aligning a pair of master vent slots defined by a pair of sidewalls of the case with the pair of first main clamshell vents and the pair of second main clam shell vents, wherein the pair of master vent slots, the pair of first main clamshell vents, and the pair of second main clamshell vents are in fluid communication.

Example 14

[0120] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising forcing fluid into one of the pair of master vent slots, through the pair of first main clamshell vents, through the pair of second main clamshell vents, and out the other one of the pair of master vent slots.

Example 15

[0121] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising forming a bottom ramp vent in a bottom wall of the base of the first container.

Example 16

[0122] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising aligning a minor vent slot defined by a bottom wall of the case with the bottom ramp vent, wherein the minor vent slot and bottom ramp vent are in fluid communication.

Example 17

[0123] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising forming a mid-range vent in an end wall of the base of the first container.

Example 18

[0124] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the bottom ramp vent is disposed in a recessed portion of the bottom wall of the base of the first container.

Example 19

[0125] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the mid-range vent is disposed in a recessed portion of the end wall of the base of the first container.

Example 20

[0126] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the recessed portion of the bottom wall and the recessed portion of the end wall are contiguous.

Example 21

[0127] A method of cooling produce, the method comprising: filling a set of four containers with produce; disposing the set of four containers in a case, wherein the set of four containers are disposed in the same general plane in a two by two configuration; allowing fluid to passively rise via convection from below the case to above the case through a master funnel vent defined by a bottom wall of the case and an opening defined between the set of four containers; and in response to the fluid passively rising through the master funnel vent, drawing heat out of the set of four containers through a plurality of vents defined therein to entrain the heat in the passively rising fluid.

Example 22

[0128] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising: defining a first master slot in a first sidewall of the case, wherein the first sidewall extends from the bottom wall; defining a second master slot in a second sidewall of the case, wherein the second sidewall extends from the bottom wall, wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall are parallel; and forcing fluid into the first master slot, wherein the fluid forced into the first master slot passes through a first container in the set of four containers and a second container in the set of four containers and out the second master slot.

Example 23

[0129] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising orienting the first container and the second container within the case to dispose a first main clamshell vent of the first container proximate the first master slot, a second main clamshell vent of the first container proximate a first main clamshell vent of the second container, and a second main clamshell vent of the second container proximate the second master slot.

Example 24

[0130] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising: forming a bottom recessed portion in a bottom wall of a base of the first container, wherein the bottom recessed portion is recessed inwardly toward an interior of the first container; and venting the interior of the first container through a bottom ramp vent defined by the bottom wall of the base and within the bottom recessed portion.

Example 25

[0131] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising: forming an end recessed portion in a side wall of the base of the first container, wherein the end recessed portion is recessed inwardly toward the interior of the first container; and venting the interior of the first container through a mid-range vent defined by the end wall of the base and within the end recessed portion, wherein the bottom recessed portion and the end recessed portion are contiguous.

Example 26

[0132] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising: inserting a portion of a first container in the set of four containers into a master vent slot defined by a sidewall of the case, wherein the sidewall extends from the bottom wall; forcing fluid into the master vent slot toward the first container; dividing the forced fluid into a first portion and a second portion; receiving the first portion of the forced fluid in a lid vent defined by a lid of the first container; and receiving the second portion of the forced fluid in a main clamshell vent defined by the lid and a base of the first container.

Example 27

[0133] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, wherein the first portion and the second portion are based on a size of the master vent slot and a size of main clamshell vent.

Example 28

[0134] A method of cooling produce, the method comprising: forcing a fluid through a case toward a container disposed within the case; and directing a first portion of the fluid through a lid of the container; and directing a second portion of the fluid into a main clamshell vent defined between the lid and a base of the container.

Example 29

[0135] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising directing the first portion through the lid of the container via an element of the container.

Example 30

[0136] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous or subsequent Examples, further comprising directing the second portion through the main clamshell vent via the element.

Example 31

[0137] The cooling systems or methods of any of the previous Examples, wherein the element is an angled lip.