Abstract: A pre-stretched plastic strap is produced for subsequent use in a strapping machine. Two mated pairs of rollers are attached to a drive mechanism causing each roller pair to roll at a predetermined rate. Each roller pair comprises a nip therebetween, one serving as a brake nip and one the other serving as a tensioner nip. The rolling speed of the tensioner nip is controlled higher than the rolling speed of the brake nip. A plastic strap is conducted through the brake nip and tensioner nip, and the rolling speed differential between brake and tensioner nips causes elongation of the strap conducted therethrough, with the strap having a predetermined tendency to return to its original, unstretched length. This abstract is submitted in compliance with USPTO rules, and is not intended to limit or otherwise indicate the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A container system for the shipping and storing of product such as bananas, comprising: (a) a substantially rigid outer container having at least one ventilation opening; (b) a closable inner container positioned within the outer container receiving the product, the inner container having a bottom portion and a top portion; and (c) means attached to the top portion of the inner container for opening the inner container so as to provide increased ventilation to the product. The inner container preferably comprises a flexible bag having a sealed bottom as its bottom portion, an open top adjacent the top portion, and a perforation extending about at least a portion of the bag, so that the opening means opens the bag by severing the bag at the perforation. The opening means may comprise a cord attached to the top portion of the bag. A method of packing, shipping and storing product utilizing this container is provided.

Abstract: A unitized, stable stacking system with a tier sheet stabilizer is provided, along with a method for stacking containers. The tier sheet includes a substantially planar top surface, a bottom surface, peripheral retainers disposed about and extending away from the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, and a plurality of protuberances extending downwardly away form the bottom surface such that said protuberances engage the sidewalls of each container to secure the tier sheet to the containers positioned below the tier sheet. The protuberances are positioned so that the tier sheet can be utilized with several different container layering patterns.