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: A produce packaging container incorporates a basket body with an opening for inserting items inside the container and a pair of lids for covering the opening in the basket body. Each basket also includes latch elements for securing the lids in a closed configuration. In some implementations the container is vented. Also, containers can include lids having lid-mounted latches to seal the container. Moreover, top mounted latches can be employed to engage the lids together in a closed configuration.

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 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: Method for improved packing and cooling of produce by improving the flow of ventilation air to the produce, and apparatus to practice the method. 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. After packing the baskets with produce, they are loaded into trays. The trays may be provided with tray vents which 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 can be efficiently chilled by introducing a flow of cooling air into the baskets and thence through the produce packed inside.

Abstract: Method for improved packing and cooling of produce by improving the flow of ventilation air to the produce, and apparatus to practice the method. 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. After packing the baskets with produce, they are loaded into trays. The trays may be provided with tray vents which 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 can be efficiently chilled by introducing a flow of cooling air into the baskets and thence through the produce packed inside.

Abstract: Method for improved packing and cooling of produce by improving the flow of ventilation air to the produce, and apparatus to practice the method. 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. After packing the baskets with produce, they are loaded into trays. The trays are provided with tray vents which align with the ventilation channels. In this manner, entire pallets of produce-filled baskets can be efficiently chilled by introducing a flow of cooling air into the tray vents, through the ventilation channels and thence through the produce packed inside. The trays and baskets are sized so as to occupy all of the surface area of a standard shipping pallet, and to minimize the movement of the baskets within the trays, and of the trays with respect to one another.

Abstract: Insulated waterproof container for the shipment of produce which is especially suited to the storage and shipment of floral produce. The container of the present invention includes a tray for receiving therein floral or other produce, and a cover for covering the tray. Both tray and cover include insulating panels which, when the tray and cover are assembled, form a substantially continuous insulating barrier on the interior of the container. The tray is rendered waterproof by forming if of waterproof materials, or by applying a waterproof coating thereto. The watertight integrity of the tray is further ensured by the formation of a gusset at each comer which serve to render at least a portion of the tray watertight. The tray and cover may include ventilation ports for the cooling of produce stored inside the tray.