Packing tray having cell pockets with expandable sidewalls and floating base, and method of manufacture
US9539757B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 10, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/7134
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Packing tray for protecting fragile and perishable food items, such as pears, which allows fruit items of varying dimensions and weights to be held securely in each pocket, and which allows a plurality of stacked trays and fruit to be packaged in boxes (e.g., standard carton sizes). The tray is a plastic foam sheet having a top wall and a plurality of recessed cell pockets, each cell pocket having a relatively thinner cell sidewall with expandable (accordion-like) flutes, and a relatively thicker bottom wall also with expandable flutes. This construction allows the cell bottoms in adjacent pockets and in adjacent trays of the stack to move relative to one another to accommodate various sizes and weights of fruit while still protecting the fruit from damage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.