Abstract: The self-opening closure consists of a pouring spout (10), which can be assembled leak-proof on a combipack or on a container spout to be sealed with foil material, appropriate twist cap (9) as well as a self-opening sleeve (1) arranged inside the pouring spout (10). This can be made to rotate by the twist cap (9). The self-opening sleeve (1) forms on its upper edge an indentation (4), which becomes smaller towards the bottom edge (6) and tapers off into the same. There are guiding means present on the outer side of the self-opening sleeve (1) and on the inner side of the pouring spout (10) so that the self-opening sleeve (1) is guided downwards by the rotation on the pouring spout (10). The indentation (4) lies partially inside the pouring spout (10) and partially below the same after the unscrewing of the cover cap and forms an air inlet channel, which results in a steady outpour during the pouring out of the liquid content of a combipack.

Abstract: The invention is an integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container (2) and preform (1) for making it. The bag-in-container (2) has an inner layer (21) forming the bag and an outer layer (22) forming the container, and a mouth (5) fluidly connecting the volume defined by the bag to the atmosphere. The container further has at least one interface vent (3) fluidly connecting the interface (14) between inner and outer layers to the atmosphere, wherein the at least one vent (3) runs parallel to the interface between inner and outer layers (21) (22) and opens to the atmosphere at a location (4) adjacent to, and oriented coaxially with the bag-in-container's mouth (5). Processes for manufacturing a preform and a bag-in-container as defined above are defined too.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a tobacco product package device can be used to enhance freshness and other characteristics of tobacco products or other products contained therein. Certain features can improve product freshness both during shelf life and during consumer use.

Abstract: There is provided a gasket element having at least one first inner layer and at least one first outer layer. Each of the at least two layers have differing material properties. The gasket element is well suited to cooperate with an ingress/egress opening of a container that in turn is well suited to retain an active pressure and/or temperature sensitive substance. The gasket element may be operatively connected to a cap element that is suitable to selectively close the at least one ingress/egress opening of the container. The cap element may be a stand alone sealing cap or may be operatively associated with a spray nozzle or the like.

Abstract: A plug structure which allows attachment to a container whose cap attachment screw at the container inlet port is an outer screw is provided. There is provided a plug structure used for a container whose cap attachment screw of a container inlet port is an outer screw, configured to be attached to the container inlet port, and provided with a siphon tube for taking out liquid in the interior of the container including a plug body to be press-fitted into the container inlet port being resiliently deformable in a radial direction at a lower portion thereof, and a locking claw provided on an outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the plug body so as to project toward an inner wall surface of the container inlet port.

Abstract: A closure cap comprises a base having at an inner side thereof an annular gland for receiving an annular seal. The annular gland has a bottom surface and an annular side surface depending from the bottom surface. A skirt depends from base and has an internal fastening thread for attaching the cap to a correspondingly but externally threaded body. Additionally, the annular side surface of the annular gland has a venting thread depending from the bottom surface of the gland to enable venting of air that may otherwise be trapped behind the annular seal when fitted in the gland. Also disclosed is a method of molding the cap.

Abstract: A produce packaging system incorporates a container having ample top ventilation enabling efficient ingress of cooling water into container to cool produce contained inside. The container also having a sloped bottom for draining water toward a bottom vent and out of the container during hydrocooling. The system also includes a cooling box configured for holding the containers in an upright orientation enabling inflow of cooling water into the containers and out of the box.

Abstract: A method for providing a cured coating on a tube, comprising masking and sealing an end of the tube with a self-venting cap and plug, the cap and plug comprising a tubular member comprising a resilient material having an open end and a closed end, and having an outermost sidewall; the outermost sidewall having an interior surface having an annular ridge; the closed end having a hollow dome portion defined by an annular recess, the annular recess defining an inner sidewall with an upwardly-extending annular recess, the inner sidewall containing at least one gas venting groove terminating along the longitudinal extent of the inner sidewall, and the inner sidewall being spaced from the interior surface of the outermost sidewall of the tubular member a distance greater than the height of the inwardly-directed ridge; coating the tube with a curable coating; and curing the curable coating at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A cover for closing a top opening of a thermite reaction chamber of a crucible is substantially continuous and is secured to an annular filter lining via a bottom peripheral edge for making contact on a top peripheral edge of the crucible. The filter lining is substantially continuous and is suitable for constituting a substantially continuous contact medium between the bottom edge and top edge. The cover is applicable, for example, to thermite welding, e.g., for use in tunnels or underground.

Abstract: A cap is provided for a laboratory vessel. The cap includes a lid that can be rotated relative to the laboratory vessel from a closed position to an open position. The lid includes at least one tab dimensioned and disposed for receiving manual digital pressure for opening and/or closing the lid. The tab is in an offset position to prevent a thumb or forefinger from passing over and in contact with the opening to the vessel. Additionally, the lid includes a shield inwardly from the tab for further preventing contact between a finger and the open top of the vessel.

Abstract: A produce packaging system incorporates a container having ample top ventilation enabling efficient ingress of cooling water into container to cool produce contained inside. The container also having a sloped bottom for draining water toward a bottom vent and out of the container during hydrocooling. The system also includes a cooling box configured for holding the containers in an upright orientation enabling inflow of cooling water into the containers and out of the box.

Abstract: A lid for a cooking vessel comprises a body portion having a rim, an underside, and a handle, wherein the rim has a support surface and an outer surface, and is matched to a brim on the cooking vessel brim in size and shape. The lid is configured to be placed in a closed position on the cooking vessel brim and is configured to be placed in a displaced position on a plane of the cooking vessel brim. The lid includes at least one pair of lugs, wherein each lug has an underside configured to be supported by the cooking vessel brim when the lid is in the displaced position. Each lug of the pair has an axis of symmetry forming a central angle with respect to each other of less than about 180°.

Abstract: A vacuum sealing device comprises a lid having a rigid rim with a lower opening for receiving a dish, an impermeable elastic membrane peripherally affixed to the rigid rim for sealing the dish, and a valve-less air evacuator formed between the elastic membrane and the dish rim. The valve-less evacuator allows air to flow out of the dish when the lid is being pressed and becomes closed when the lid is released to cause said lid to rebound to form a vacuum in the dish. The rigid rim prevents lid deformation when the lid is pressed, thus enabling the vacuum formation. To facilitate lid removal, the device has a valve-less vacuum releaser comprising a finger-receiving chamber and a section of the elastic membrane located above the chamber and connected to the rigid rim for releasing the vacuum in the dish. To prevent vacuum loss during storage in freezer or fridge, the elastic membrane is sufficiently thinned prior to being affixed to the rigid rim.

Abstract: A plug structure is provided that can be installed on a container in which the thread of a container inlet for installing a cap is an outer thread, and furthermore, bubbles are not produced at the fluid surface inside the container even during fluid circulation. In a plug structure that is used in a container in which the thread of the container inlet for attaching the cap is an external thread, that is installed on the container inlet, that is capable of removing a fluid inside the container by using the siphon hose method, and that is capable of circulating the fluid that is inside the container, a fluid circulation path is provided that causes a fluid that is returning into the container during fluid circulation to fall along an external wall of a siphon hose during fluid removal.

Abstract: A method for providing a cured coating on a tube, comprising masking and sealing an end of the tube with a self-venting cap and plug, the cap and plug comprising a tubular member comprising a resilient material having an open end and a closed end, and having an outermost sidewall; the outermost sidewall having an interior surface having an annular ridge; the closed end having a hollow dome portion defined by an annular recess, the annular recess defining an inner sidewall with an upwardly-extending annular recess, the inner sidewall containing at least one gas venting groove terminating along the longitudinal extent of the inner sidewall, and the inner sidewall being spaced from the interior surface of the outermost sidewall of the tubular member a distance greater than the height of the inwardly-directed ridge; coating the tube with a curable coating; and curing the curable coating at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A cap is provided for a laboratory vessel. The cap includes a lid that can be rotated relative to the laboratory vessel from a closed position to an open position. The lid includes a shield for at least partly surrounding the open top of the laboratory vessel. Ribs are disposed on outer surfaces of the shield for receiving manual digital pressure for opening and/or closing the lid.

Abstract: A packaging suitable for microwaves and made of plastic film, having a packaging recess in which a packaged product is introduced, and of a closing film which is sealed on a margin of the packaging recess along a sealing seam, the margin having a region which is formed as a duct and is initially closed and through which, after opening along a weakening line, steam can escape during the heating of the packaged product. A method for heating the packaged product in the packaging is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ventable spin lock container comprising a container member having a bottom, an upper annular rim and a substantially continuous side wall extending from the bottom and terminating at the rim, the bottom and side wall defining a first member cavity, the rim including a first member skirt having a plurality of first threads, the plurality of first threads having substantially equidistant engagement points; and a closure member having a peripheral sealing portion, the sealing portion including a skirt having a plurality of second threads adapted and positioned to cooperate with the first threads, wherein sealable engagement of the container member and closure member is effectuated when the first and second threads are in a first position, and wherein a venting passage from the container member cavity to the container surroundings is provided when the first and second threads are in a second position.

Abstract: There is provided a gasket element having at least one first inner layer and at least one first outer layer. Each of the at least two layers have differing material properties. The gasket element is well suited to cooperate with an ingress/egress opening of a container that in turn is well suited to retain an active pressure and/or temperature sensitive substance. The gasket element may be operatively connected to a cap element that is suitable to selectively close the at least one ingress/egress opening of the container. The cap element may be a stand alone sealing cap or may be operatively associated with a spray nozzle or the like.

Abstract: A cap and plug for use in sealing the end of a pipe or tube is provided which comprises a tubular member comprised of a resilient material having an open end and a closed end, and having a sidewall extending therebetween, the sidewall having an interior surface having an inwardly-directed ridge extending circumferentially along a centrally-disposed portion of said interior surface of said sidewall, the closed end comprising a centrally-positioned hollow dome portion defined by an inwardly-extending open-ended annular recess, said annular recess defining a sidewall spaced from said interior surface of said sidewall of the tubular member whereby said annular recess is formed therebetween, said sidewall defined by said annular recess containing at least one groove extending along the longitudinal extent of said sidewall from an upper portion of said sidewall toward a lowermost portion of said sidewall, and said sidewall defined by said annular recess being spaced from said interior surface of said sidewall of sa

Abstract: Cooking pot (1) for preparing food comprising a pot (2) with a circular horizontal cross section and at least one drainage device (3) and at least one handle (4) on the outside of the cooking pot. The cooking pot also comprises a cover (5) with a perpendicular, annular flange (6), the diameter of which is slightly less than the inner diameter of the pot (2). The flange (6) has at least one radially arranged through hole (7), and the cover has at least one handle (8), wherein the through hole (7) is arranged so that when the cover (5) is arranged on the pot (2), the peripheral position of the hole (7) coincides with that of the drainage device (3) when the peripheral positions of the handles (4, 8) on the pot (2) and of the cover (5) coincide with each other and the peripheral position of the hole (7) does not coincide with that of the drainage device (3), when the peripheral positions of the handles (4, 8) on the pot (2) and the cover (5) do not coincide with each other.

Abstract: A produce packaging system incorporates a tray for receiving a plurality of produce carrying baskets. The baskets each include upper ventilation slots and lower ventilation channels. The lower ventilation channels are formed by arching the bottoms of the baskets to form transversely oriented channels in the bottoms of the baskets configured to enable bi-directional cooling airflow to pass underneath the baskets in at least two transverse directions. Bi-directional airflow is also achieved in the upper portion of the baskets through the ventilation slots. The trays are configured such that, when the baskets are loaded into the trays, the upper ventilation slots and the lower cooling channels are aligned with sets of cooling vents in the trays thereby facilitating efficient cooling of produce contained in the baskets.

Abstract: There is provided a gasket element having at least one first inner layer and at least one first outer layer. Each of the at least two layers have differing material properties. The gasket element is well suited to cooperate with an ingress/egress opening of a container that in turn is well suited to retain an active pressure and/or temperature sensitive substance. The gasket element may be operatively connected to a cap element that is suitable to selectively close the at least one ingress/egress opening of the container. The cap element may be a stand alone sealing cap or may be operatively associated with a spray nozzle or the like.

Abstract: A produce packaging container having an arched bottom surface and raised feet is described herein. The containers each can include upper ventilation slots and lower ventilation channels. The lower ventilation channels are formed by arching the bottoms of the baskets to form cooling flow channels that direct cool air under the bottoms of the containers. Raised supports enable bi-directional cooling airflow to pass underneath the baskets in at least two transverse directions. Bi-directional airflow is also achieved in the upper portion of the baskets through the ventilation slots.

Abstract: The closure has a bung bushing (10) of elastic material which fits sealingly into the charging hole of the container. The bung bushing (10) has a central opening. A bung plug (18) is seated sealingly in the central opening. The bung plug (18) can be pushed out in the direction of the inside of the container. It is the valve member of a manually operable pressure-compensating valve.

Abstract: A ventable container comprising a container bottom having an inner cavity, the container bottom further having a side wall that terminates in a container rim; and a selectively detachable lid, the lid including a central panel and peripheral sealing lip that surrounds the panel, the peripheral sealing lip having a generally inverted U-shaped cross-section that defines a lid channel, the lid channel being adapted to receive the container rim, the lid channel being further adapted to position the lid at a first position wherein sealed engagement of the container is effectuated and at a first position relative to the container rim wherein an air passage from the inner cavity to the container surroundings is provided.

Abstract: A container unit includes a container body having a ledge unit on the bottom thereof. A lid is slidably stored on the ledge unit and is thus stored with the container body and is readily available for use when needed. The container body also has air vent slits defined therein near the top rim thereof and the lid covers these vents when in place.

Abstract: A reusable flexible seal is disclosed having a flexible main portion and a peripheral ring surrounding the flexible main portion adapted to engage the rim of a container. The flexible main portion includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and is dimensioned and configured to generally eliminate the head space over the contents of the container when assembled on the container. A venting mechanism includes at least one tab member extending inwardly from the peripheral ring for creating a gap between the lower surface of a portion of the peripheral ring and the upper surface of a portion of the edge of container wall.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved food enclosure designed to harness the steam produced during cooking so as to rapidly thaw and cook the food; however, the enclosure also advantageously vents the steam in order to provide a crispier, more desirable food product. A “venting” container according to one embodiment of the present invention, includes a tubular body having at least one open end and a cap for engaging the open end. The cap comprises upper and lower ends, which define an intermediate region therebetween. The tubular body and cap are at least partially sealed together by frictional forces resulting from the interference between opposing radially extending protrusions disposed on both the tubular body and the cap. These frictional forces are opposed and eventually overcome by a steam pressure generated from within the container, whereby the cap is driven from a closed to a vented position.

Abstract: A device for packaging and dispensing a product, in particular a cosmetic product, which includes a container holding the product. The container is surmounted by a neck, such that a free edge of the neck delineates a first dispensing aperture for the product. A detachable lid is capable of engaging with the neck to selectively close off the first dispensing aperture. In an illustrated example, the free edge of the neck at least partially delineates a second dispensing aperture, with the second dispensing aperture capable of passing from a closed off position to an open position in response to a movement of the lid relative to the neck, so that (i) in a first dispensing mode, the lid is in an intermediate position relative to the neck between a closed-off position of the first aperture and a detached position from the neck, and the product is dispensed via the second aperture, and (ii) in a second dispensing mode, the lid is detached from the neck, and the product is dispensed via the first aperture.

Abstract: There is described a neck structure in combination with a closure. The neck structure defines a neck opening with a cylindrical sealing surface surrounding the neck opening and an external neck surface. The closure comprises a cap formed of resilient material having a top and a downwardly extending skirt portion depending from the top. An annular plug depends from an underside of the top and one or more ribs are formed on an internal surface of the downwardly extending skirt portion. The annular plug and the one or more ribs are arranged concentrically and are dimensioned such that, upon application of the cap to the neck structure, the annular plug projects into the neck opening and engages the cylindrical sealing surface. At the same time the one or more ribs engage the external neck surface.

Abstract: An assembly for facilitating the use of paint applicator accessories in connection with a plastic container is provided. The assembly includes a nozzle device housed within a container lid and having a suction line, which extends into the paint container. The assembly also includes one or more vent holes. The assembly can be used to supply paint to a paint applicator device by attaching an intake conduit of the paint applicator to the nozzle device. As paint is siphoned out of the container by the applicator device, the vent holes allow air to flow into the container to replace the volume of withdrawn paint.

Abstract: A tank according to the invention comprises a casing, a filling port (5) extending, on the outside of said tank, into a filling neck (7), which is provided with a screw thread having a pitch (p) and which cooperates with a cap (9). The inner surface of the cap cooperating with the screw thread, at least one outlet port for the hydraulic-fluid flow towards a hydraulic circuit. The inner space (3) of the tank is connected with ambient air through two channels (45), that extend from a first lengthwise end (47) of the filling neck (7) to a second lengthwise end (49) of the filling neck (7) and through a helical passage (41) between the filling neck (7) and the cap (9) to connect the inside of the tank with the ambient air to avoid the development of negative pressure in the tank.

Abstract: A fresh packaging system for roast and ground coffee having a top load capacity of at least about 16 pounds (7.3 Kg) comprising a container with a closed bottom, an open top, and a body enclosing a perimeter between the bottom and the top. A protuberance is continuously disposed around the perimeter of the body proximate to the top and forms a ridge external to the body. A flexible closure is removeably attached and sealed to the protuberance so that the closure seals the interior volume of the container. The container bottom and container body are constructed from a material having a tensile modulus number ranging from at least about 35,000 to at least about 650,000 pounds per square inch (at least about 2,381 to at least about 44,230 atm).

Abstract: A metal cap 3 for a container, the metal cap having a knurl part formed on the outer perimeter thereof so as to release outside the inner pressure of the container generated from the content such as carbonated drinks etc., wherein the knurl part comprises plural of knurls 6 having short width slits 6a and plural of knurls 7 having long width slits 7a, and knurls 7 is formed in the mixture with knurls 6.

Abstract: An ovoid flexible pressure vessel is described. At least one hollow pressure cell, formed of resilient material, a passageway, a valving means, a capillary tube, hoop winding, high-strength braiding material and at least one reinforcing ring are provided. The ovoid flexible pressure vessel has a pressure relief device comprising a reduction in thickness of the hollow pressure cell at a predetermined location whereby, when the hollow pressure cell is subjected to an overpressure condition it will fail at the predetermined location. Further pressure release devices include the following: a reduction in thickness of the cell, an indentation, a projecting member, a weakened section of the passageway, a weakening or an absence of high-strength braiding material or hoop winding at a predetermined location along the passageway, a weakening or spreading of fibers in either of the reinforcing panels or in either flexible blankets.

Abstract: A flexible pressure vessel is constructed from at least one pair of upper and mating lower dome shaped cell portions. The dome portions are molded from sheets of resilient material and joined together by radio frequency welding or high-strength adhesives. Upper and lower passageway portions extend outwardly from each cell portion to the surrounding sheet material. When the cell portions are joined the passageway portions are joined to form a passageway for connection to a valve or another cell. Upper and lower rings surround the upper and lower cell portions to provide reinforcement for the cells. First and second blankets of heavy-duty fiber reinforced material are attached over the upper and lower cell portions and stitched in place with heavy-duty stitching extending through the resilient material surrounding the cell portions. Cell shaped sponges impregnated with absorbent materials are encased in liquid and gas impermeable plastic tubing and inserted into the cells prior to joining of the cell portions.

Abstract: A container including a container body having an interior edge delimiting an aperture. The container further including a protective element for sealing the interior of the container body. The protective element includes an inner surface, an outer surface and a peripheral edge adapted to be supported on the edge of the container body to form a seal between the container body and protective element. The protective element also includes a gripping element located on the outer surface of the protective element and positioned along a first axis. The container further includes At least one interrupted area and at least one rib for facilitating the breaking of the seal formed between the container body and the protective element to allow separation of the protective element from the container body.

Abstract: Method for improved packing and cooling of produce. According to the present invention, baskets for the packing of fruit are provided with ventilation channels disposed upon a lower surface of the basket. Vent apertures communicate between the ventilation channels and the produce stored in the baskets. Upper vents are formed on four sides of an upper portion of the baskets. After packing the baskets with produce, they are loaded into trays. The trays may be provided with tray vents that align with the ventilation channels. Alternatively, the trays may be formed without tray vents to improve some cooling regimes. In this manner, entire pallets of produce-filled baskets, oriented in either the “X” or “Y” directions can be efficiently chilled by introducing a flow of cooling air into the baskets and thence through the produce packed inside, regardless of the orientation of the trays.

Abstract: A hermetically sealable container with internal partial vacuum making facilities, comprising a base body with which a lid is hermetically associable, the lid having, at least in its peripheral region, an elastically flexible portion that has a groove arranged peripherally and open toward the edge of the base body. On the edge of the base body, at least one through hole is provided, arranged at a distance from the free border of the edge of the base body that is shorter than the depth of the groove.

Abstract: A plate container with detachable cover is disclosed. The container includes a base in the form of a plate and a cover. The plate and the cover include first and second closure portions, respectively, which are engageable with each other to maintain the cover in a secure position relative to the base and also forms a substantially leak-proof seal. The cover can include gripping tabs for facilitating the separation of the cover from the base and permit container venting. The plastic container is suited for microwave cooking, machine dishwashing, and freezer use.

Abstract: A container system for microwave oven cooking comprises a main body, a lid, and a cap disposed in a recess in the lid. The cap is movable upward and downward through a limited range in the recess depending on steam pressure, and grooves, formed in a side wall of the cap, or in a side wall of the recess, allow escape of steam when the cap is moved upward as a result of steam pressure. The lid is also allowed to move upward and downward relative to the main container body in response to steam pressure, and, when the lid is moved upward, an additional path for the escape of stem is provided at the location where the rims of the lid and main body meet each other.

Abstract: A modular reactor system comprises a backplane connected to a computer and a thermal control unit. The backplane includes a plurality of seats for releasably holding a plurality of modules. Each module holds a reactor vessel that may be used to conduct experiments. A plurality of laboratory instruments, such as motors, switches, sensors and pumps are included within the backplane and on the reactor modules. These laboratory instruments are utilized to perform work on the contents of the reactor vessels when the modules holding the reactor vessels are positioned in the backplane. A computer is connected to the backplane and controls the laboratory instruments within the backplane and on the reactor modules positioned within the backplane. A thermal control unit provides a thermal control fluid that is delivered to the reactors in the reactor modules when the modules are properly seated in the backplane.

Abstract: A container for hot carry-out food includes a container body and a cover, each having flanges and the flanges defining a pair of seals between which is a condensation collecting chamber and radially outboard of an outermost seal is a second condensation collecting chamber which is continuously vented to atmosphere through radial venting passages or channels. Under elevated pressures, as might occur when hot food is packages in the container, the innermost seal opens permitting steam/gasses to vent into the innermost condensation collection chamber in which the steam might condense as condensate. Under higher internal container pressures, the outboardmost seal may also open and vent gasses from the innermost condensation chamber through/into the outermost condensation collection chamber and continuously from the latter to atmosphere through a plurality of continuously open circumferential spaced radial venting passages or channels.

Abstract: A vented liquid containment device has a cup member located within the structure of a threaded cap so that a filter material can be placed within the cup member to prevent liquids from being splashed in an upward direction into contact with a vent that is formed within an inside portion of the cap. When used in conjunction with a marine vessel, rough water can cause oil within an oil reservoir to splash upwardly and come into contact with the vent opening which is intended to allow air and other gases to pass back and forth between the cavity of the reservoir and the atmosphere. The presence of the filter material prevents the liquids from being splashed into direct contact with the vent openings which could otherwise allow oil to spill outwardly onto surfaces of the reservoir and nearby components.

Abstract: A cap assembly cooperates with a container to form a vent portion and a pour portion when a cap is oriented in an open position relative to the container. The cap is dimensioned to seal the container opening in a closed position. The cap and opening are oblong, preferably oval in configuration, and have cooperating thread assemblies that permit the cap to be selectively rotated between the open and closed positions. The cap preferably has a threaded shank that is engaged along a portion of its periphery by central threaded portions disposed on opposite sides of the generally oval container opening.

Abstract: A selectively detachable container lid includes a center panel and a peripheral sealing lip surrounding the panel. The peripheral sealing lip has a generally inverted U-shaped cross section so as to define a channel into which a bowl rim fits. The lid also includes at least one ridge formed between the panel and the peripheral sealing lip. The ridge is interrupted by at least one gap. The ridge and the peripheral sealing lip partially overlap when viewed in a direction substantially normal to the panel. The ridge also abuts the bowl when the lid is placed loosely on the bowl. Also disclosed is a container that includes such a lid.

Abstract: A produce packaging system incorporates a tray for receiving a plurality of produce carrying baskets. The baskets each include upper ventilation slots and lower ventilation channels. The lower ventilation channels are formed by arching the bottoms of the baskets to form transversely oriented channels in the bottoms of the baskets configured to enable bi-directional cooling airflow to pass underneath the baskets in at least two transverse directions. Bi-directional airflow is also achieved in the upper portion of the baskets through the ventilation slots. The trays are configured such that, when the baskets are loaded into the trays, the upper ventilation slots and the lower cooling channels are aligned with sets of cooling vents in the trays thereby facilitating efficient cooling of produce contained in the baskets.

Abstract: A container (100) includes a bowl (200) and a lid (300) for the bowl (200). The lid (300) includes at least one opening (330). The lid (300) can be sealed to the bowl (200) in a plurality of orientations, including (i) an open orientation and (ii) a closed orientation. In the open orientation, the opening (330) is arranged over the bowl (200) such that flow is allowed from the interior of the container (100) to the exterior of the container (100), and vice versa. In the closed orientation, no flow is allowed between the interior of the container (100) and the exterior of the container (100).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a container comprises a basket and a lid. The basket has a base, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of endwalls. The base, pair of sidewalls, and pair of endwalls are integrally connected. The pair of sidewalls and the pair of endwalls integrally extend outwardly to form a first latching portion. The base forms a concave channel, a first concave region, and a second concave region. The concave channel extends along a major axis of the base. The first concave region extends from the concave channel to one of the pair of sidewalls, and the second concave region extends from the concave channel to the other of the pair of sidewalls. At least one of the sidewalls and endwall intersections forms a wall ventilation aperture. The lid is connected to the first latching portion of the base. The lid has a second latching portion corresponding to the first latching portion of the base. The first and second latching portions are adapted to retain the lid and the basket in a closed relationship.