Abstract: A combination comprising a bunch of tomatoes on-the-vine contained in a closed wrapping is provided for retail sale to a consumer. The tomatoes are wrapped without detaching each tomato from a common stem and a bunch of at least about 3 substantially ripe tomatoes are kept together. The wrapping advantageously has a cone shape and air openings to accommodate the bunch of tomatoes on-the-vine. The tomatoes are shipped from the grower to the consumer without damage from handling during packing and transportation using the present wrapping and shipping boxes having a bulb-like, cushioning layer of material simulating a lower layer of tomatoes.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 15, 1996
Date of Patent:
April 14, 1998
Assignee:
B.V. Frugifera
Inventors:
Gerrit Jan Kornet, Ferdinandus Jozef Maria Streng