STACKABLE CONTAINERS WITH MANUALLY OPENABLE HATCH FOR SAMPLE REMOVAL IN STACKED CONFORMATION

Abstract

Disposable monolithic containers with a manually openable hatch for sample removal, methods of manufacturing and using the same are described; the containers are configured with a closure essentially obstructing the hatch, configured for manual opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of US20190337677 filed 23 May 2019 entitled CONTAINERS WITH TAMPER INDICATIVE HATCH FOR SAMPLE REMOVAL, which is a national phase application PCT/IB2017/057639 filed 5 Dec. 2017 entitled CONTAINERS WITH TAMPER INDICATIVE HATCH FOR SAMPLE REMOVAL, which claims the benefit of Paris priority from GB1620681.5 filed 5 Dec. 2016 entitled CONTAINERS WITH TAMPER INDICATIVE HATCH FOR SAMPLE REMOVAL.

The contents of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In general, the present invention pertains to the art of transportation. In particular, the invention relates to disposable monolithic stackable containers with manually openable hatch for sample removal whilst in stacked conformation.

BACKGROUND ART

It is believed that the current state of the art is represented by the following patent literature: U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,054,785, 537,026, 4,056,210, 5,542,598, 7,340,995, US20110240657, US2013146602, US2015197374, US2016039598, US2016096667, EP2698322, GB2489326, GB1324670 and WO2014176292.

It is often desirable to randomly sample a fruit while it is in boxes or crates that are frequently stacked several layers high in ripening rooms or cargo shipment containers. Corrugated boxes and disposable plastic containers are typically cut open for sampling, using a knife. Such a procedure commonly used in the art is potentially damaging for the fruit and may lead to unnecessary contributing to further box failure and fruit damage. Conventional plastic containers, known in the art, however, do not have an optimal completely non-destructive means for fruit sampling when crates are stacked. Moreover, disposable plastic containers in the art are not known to contain a means for fruit sampling when crates are stacked. Furthermore, prior art teaches nether an effective means of forming a rotation hinge for the door of the hatch for sample removal nor a means of securing the door of the sample removal hatch in an open conformation.

US2016039598 and WO2014176292 teach a collapsible, reusable plastic container that can be used for the storage and transportation of produce. The container according to US2016039598 may also have a sample door with a clip for easy access to the produce contained in the container when it is stacked among other containers. The sample door of US2016039598 provides fruit graders with access to fruit in every crate on a pallet without de-stacking. The access door in US2016039598 can be opened and closed repeatedly throughout the life of the crate without affecting the structural integrity of the crate, the protection of the fruit (e.g., bananas) or produce in the crate, or the life of the crate.

US20110240657 teaches a reusable crate having a bottom and two respective pairwise opposing side walls and end walls, where the end wall has a thinned portion, so that the thinned portion is adapted to allow the user to cut the end wall for providing an inspection opening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a container with a manually openable hatch configured for sample removal.

It is another objective of the present invention to facilitate convenient sample removal from selected containers, while containers are stacked-up in several layers on the pallet, for instance in ripening rooms or cargo shipment containers.

In order to address the aforementioned objectives, there are provided in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention containers with a manually openable hatch configured for sample removal.

in some embodiments, the container of the invention is provided with a hatch door surrounded by perforation or other structural feature, such as peripheral groove, weakening the material of the container around the hatch door.

In some embodiments, the hatch door is connected to the container by a bendable hinge portion.

The plastic containers of the invention are preferably monolithic.

In some embodiments, the hatch door in the plastic containers of the invention is surrounded by perforation and connected to the container by a plurality of cleavable interconnectors, thereby facilitating convenient sample removal from the containers.

In some embodiments, the hatch door in the containers of the invention facilitates convenient opening of the door, merely by manual force and without any auxiliary means, such as sizers or knife, thus provides an optimal and completely non-destructive means for fruit sampling when containers are stacked.

In some embodiments, the hatch door in the plastic containers of the invention facilitates convenient opening of the sample removal door, merely by manual force and without any auxiliary means, such as scissors or knife, only by tearing or detaching the perforation or peripheral groove surrounding the hatch door, by bare hands.

In some embodiments, the hatch door in the plastic containers of the invention provides an optimal and completely non-destructive means for fruit sampling when containers are stacked, effectively preventing a potential damage to the contents of the container when using auxiliary means, such as scissors or knife, to open hatch.

In accordance with some aspects and embodiments of the invention, a disposable monolithic stackable container with a hatch, configured for removal of sample from the container, the disposable monolithic stackable container includes: a rectangular bottom plate, configured for the stacking the disposable monolithic stackable container; two pairs of rectangular sidewalls erecting from edges of the bottom plate; at least one hatch disposed in at least one of the sidewalls, the hatch is configured for removal of a sample from the disposable monolithic stackable container, in which the hatch is confined by a plurality of edges, which are disposed interiorly offset to exterior perimeter of the rectangular sidewalls; at least one closure element, configured for essentially obstructing the hatch, in which the at least one closure element is confined by a plurality of edges, which are disposed interiorly offset to the edges of the hatch; at least one structural element, forming a manually breakable connection between the plurality of edges of the closure element and the plurality of edges of the hatch, including at least one of: a perforation pattern including a plurality of essentially elongated gaps and a plurality of detachable connectors disposed in-between the gaps, and a peripheral groove including a portion of weakened material, configured for being teared; a hinge portion extending between one edge of the plurality of edges of the closure element and one edge of the plurality of edges of the hatch, in which the hinge portion is configured to sustain partial rotation of the closure element, relatively to the sidewall, by being bent or deformed; in which the closure element is configured to assume: a closed conformation, in which the at least one structural element, forming a manually breakable connection between the plurality of edges of the closure element and the plurality of edges of the hatch, remains essentially in its entirety and the at least one closure element essentially obstructing the hatch; an open conformation, in which the at least one sidewall remains in place and remains essentially in its entirety, except of an interior partial opening of the hatch formed in a center of the at least one sidewall; in which in the open conformation, the interior partial opening of the hatch formed in the center of the at least one sidewall, maintains integrity of the exterior perimeter of the at least one sidewall; in which the at least one structural element, forming the breakable connection, is configured to be opened without any auxiliary external opening or cutting tools, only by a manual force of a user; in which the at least one structural element, forming the breakable connection is configured for effectively detaching the plurality of edges of the closure element from the plurality of edges of the hatch, by tearing up the at least one structural element forming the breakable connection, thereby providing for sampling whilst containers are stacked; in which the at least one structural element, forming the breakable connection is configured for effectively detaching the plurality of edges of the closure element from the plurality of edges of the hatch, by tearing up the at least one structural element forming the breakable connection, whilst effectively preventing a potential accidental damage to contents of containers, entailed by usage of the external opening or cutting tools.

In some embodiments, the disposable monolithic stackable container further includes at least one pulling tab, configured for exerting the manual force onto the at least one closure element, in which the at least one pulling tab includes an aperture into which a finger is introducible and in which the at least one pulling tab forms an integral part of the at least one closure element.

In some embodiments, the hinge portion configured to sustain the partial rotation of the closure element, relatively to the sidewall, by being bent or deformed, further includes at least one structural element including at least one of: a perforation pattern including a plurality of gaps interposed by a plurality of detachable connectors, and a groove including a portion of weakened material, configured for being bent.

In some embodiments, the at least one structural element, forming the breakable connection between the at least one edge of the closure element and at least one respective edge of the hatch, is weakened to a distinctively different extent than the hinge portion forming a bendable or deformable connection between the closure element and the sidewall sustaining partial rotation of the closure element relatively to the sidewall.

In some embodiments, the at least one closure element further includes a planar surface, configured for inscribing miscellaneous information thereon.

In some embodiments, the at least one closure element is spontaneously driven by the elastic bias of the hinge portion, into an essentially re-closed conformation.

In accordance with some aspects and embodiments of the invention, a method of manufacturing a disposable monolithic container with a manually openable hatch, configured for sample removal, the method includes: forming a rectangular bottom plate, configured for the stacking the disposable monolithic stackable container; forming two pairs of rectangular sidewalls erecting from edges of the bottom plate; forming at least one hatch disposed in at least one of the sidewalls, the hatch is configured for removal of a sample from the disposable monolithic stackable container, in which the hatch is confined by a plurality of edges, which are disposed interiorly offset to exterior perimeter of the rectangular sidewalls; forming at least one closure element, configured for essentially obstructing the hatch, in which the at least one closure element is confined by a plurality of edges, which are disposed interiorly offset to the edges of the hatch; forming at least one structural element, forming a manually breakable connection between the plurality of edges of the closure element and the plurality of edges of the hatch, including at least one of: a perforation pattern including a plurality of essentially elongated gaps and a plurality of detachable connectors disposed in-between the gaps, and a peripheral groove including a portion of weakened material, configured for being teared; forming a hinge portion extending between one edge of the plurality of edges of the closure element and one edge of the plurality of edges of the hatch, in which the hinge portion is configured to sustain partial rotation of the closure element, relatively to the sidewall, by being bent or deformed; in which the closure element is configured to assume: a closed conformation, in which the at least one structural element, forming a manually breakable connection between the plurality of edges of the closure element and the plurality of edges of the hatch, remains essentially in its entirety and the at least one closure element essentially obstructing the hatch; an open conformation, in which the at least one sidewall remains in place and remains essentially in its entirety, except of an interior partial opening of the hatch formed in a center of the at least one sidewall; in which in the open conformation, the interior partial opening of the hatch formed in the center of the at least one sidewall, maintains integrity of the exterior perimeter of the at least one sidewall; in which the at least one structural element, forming the breakable connection, is configured to be opened without any auxiliary external opening or cutting tools, only by a manual force of a user; in which the at least one structural element, forming the breakable connection is configured for effectively detaching the plurality of edges of the closure element from the plurality of edges of the hatch, by tearing up the at least one structural element forming the breakable connection, thereby providing for sampling whilst containers are stacked; in which the at least one structural element, forming the breakable connection is configured for effectively detaching the plurality of edges of the closure element from the plurality of edges of the hatch, by tearing up the at least one structural element forming the breakable connection, whilst effectively preventing a potential accidental damage to contents of containers, entailed by usage of the external opening or cutting tools.

In some embodiments, the method further includes forming at least one pulling tab, configured for exerting the manual force onto the at least one closure element, in which the at least one pulling tab includes an aperture into which a finger is introducible and in which the at least one pulling tab forms an integral part of the at least one closure element.

In some embodiments, the forming of the hinge portion configured to sustain the partial rotation of the closure element, relatively to the sidewall, by being bent or deformed, further includes forming at least one structural element including at least one of: a perforation pattern including a plurality of gaps interposed by a plurality of detachable connectors, and a groove including a portion of weakened material, configured for being bent.

In some embodiments, the method the forming of the at least one structural element, forming the breakable connection between the at least one edge of the closure element and at least one respective edge of the hatch, includes weakening the at least one structural element to a distinctively different extent than the hinge portion forming a bendable or deformable connection between the closure element and the sidewall.

In some embodiments, the forming of the at least one closure element further includes forming a planar surface, configured for inscribing miscellaneous information thereon.

In accordance with some aspects and embodiments of the invention, a method of using a plurality disposable monolithic containers with a manually openable hatch, the method includes: providing a plurality of disposable monolithic containers, in which each one of the plurality of disposable monolithic containers including: a rectangular bottom plate, configured for the stacking the disposable monolithic stackable container; two pairs of rectangular sidewalls erecting from edges of the bottom plate; at least one hatch disposed in at least one of the sidewalls, the hatch is configured for removal of a sample from the disposable monolithic stackable container, in which the hatch is confined by a plurality of edges, which are disposed interiorly offset to exterior perimeter of the rectangular sidewalls; at least one closure element, configured for essentially obstructing the hatch, in which the at least one closure element is confined by a plurality of edges, which are disposed interiorly offset to the edges of the hatch; at least one structural element, forming a manually breakable connection between the plurality of edges of the closure element and the plurality of edges of the hatch, including at least one of: a perforation pattern including a plurality of essentially elongated gaps and a plurality of detachable connectors disposed in-between the gaps, and a peripheral groove including a portion of weakened material, configured for being teared; a hinge portion extending between one edge of the plurality of edges of the closure element and one edge of the plurality of edges of the hatch, in which the hinge portion is configured to sustain partial rotation of the closure element, relatively to the sidewall, by being bent or deformed; in which the closure element is configured to assume: a closed conformation, in which the at least one structural element, forming a manually breakable connection between the plurality of edges of the closure element and the plurality of edges of the hatch, remains essentially in its entirety and the at least one closure element essentially obstructing the hatch; an open conformation, in which the at least one sidewall remains in place and remains essentially in its entirety, except of an interior partial opening of the hatch formed in a center of the at least one sidewall; in which in the open conformation, the interior partial opening of the hatch formed in the center of the at least one sidewall, maintains integrity of the exterior perimeter of the at least one sidewall; in which the at least one structural element, forming the breakable connection, is configured to be opened without any auxiliary external opening or cutting tools, only by a manual force of a user; in which the at least one structural element, forming the breakable connection is configured for effectively detaching the plurality of edges of the closure element from the plurality of edges of the hatch, by tearing up the at least one structural element forming the breakable connection, thereby providing for sampling whilst containers are stacked; stacking-up the plurality of disposable monolithic containers, one on top of another; exerting a manual force onto the at least one closure element, so as to break the breakable structural element; opening the at least one closure element; removing a sample from at least one of the plurality of the disposable monolithic containers via the hatch, whilst the plurality of the disposable monolithic containers are stacked-up, one on top of another.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more comprehensively from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is perspective view of a sample removal door of a reusable prior art container, without tamper indication capabilities, disclosed in US2016039598 and WO2014176292;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of sample removal door of another reusable prior art crate, disclosed in US20110240657, requiring auxiliary opening or cutting tools to render the sample removal door open;

FIG. 1C is a perspective and enlarged views of an openable portion of the reusable prior art crate, disclosed in US20110240657, requiring auxiliary opening or cutting tools to render the sample removal door open;

FIG. 2A is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of a disposable monolithic container, according to the present invention, configured with a manually openable hatch for sample removal;

FIG. 2B is an enlarged isometric view of an embodiment of a door of the manually openable hatch for sample removal, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2C is a schematic front view of an embodiment of the disposable monolithic container, according to the present invention, configured with a manually openable hatch for sample removal;

FIG. 3A is a schematic isometric view of another embodiment of a disposable monolithic container, according to the present invention, configured with a manually openable hatch for sample removal;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged isometric view of another embodiment of a door of the manually openable hatch for sample removal, according to the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a schematic front view of another embodiment of the disposable monolithic container, according to the present invention, configured with a manually openable hatch for sample removal;

FIG. 4A is a schematic isometric view of yet another embodiment of a disposable monolithic container, according to the present invention, configured with a manually openable hatch for sample removal;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged isometric view of yet another embodiment of a door of the manually openable hatch for sample removal, according to the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a schematic front view of yet another embodiment of the disposable monolithic container, according to the present invention, configured with a manually openable hatch for sample removal.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown merely by way of example in the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily complete and components are not essentially to scale; emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles underlying the present invention.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF EMBODIMENTS

Prior to elaborating any embodiment of the present invention, in order to present the background of the inventive concept more clearly, reference is firstly made to FIG. 1A, showing a hatch for sample removal known in the art, in wall 10 of the container disclosed in a more detail in US2016039598 and WO2014176292. Wall 10 with hinge 16 has an opening in which a door 12 is mounted in such a way that does not cut through the perimeter of wall 10. Such door 12 constructed from the same material as wall 10 is hingeably mounted or attached to the opening to allow the door 12 to pivot and be opened and closed. Opening the door 12 permits visual inspection and/or sampling of the product in the container, even when the container is within a stack of other containers on a pallet. The door 12 can be closed again, renewing the protective barrier that wall 10 to the contents of the container in storage or transport. Optionally, when door 12 is in the closed position, door 12 is coupled or attached to wall 10 by a clip 14 that prevents the door 12 from opening without user action.

The opening and door 12 in wall 10 and clip 14 having the form of a spring tang. The curved fruit sampling door 12 incorporates clip 14 that, when engaged, holds the door 12 closed and when disengaged allows door 12 to open to provide access to the contents of the container. Optionally, the clip 14 is a “low profile spring tang” mechanism which fits within the thickness of wall 10, not extending inside the curved surface of wall 10 or outside the plane as defined by the outside surface of wall 10. The mechanism of the clip 14 is reusable, allowing for repeated opening and closing of the sample door 12. The clip 14 is rotated outward to disengage clip 14 and allow door 12 to open. Door 12 and clip 14 are rotated inward with slight pressure to engage clip 14 and the latch bracket (not shown). Because of the door's 12 material, its hinged connection 18 and the use of clip 14 to secure it, the door 12 can be opened and closed repeatedly throughout the life of the container without affecting the structural integrity of the container, the protection of the product in the container or the life of the container.

To elaborate the background of the inventive concept of the present invention further, by depicting another hatch for sample removal known in the art, reference is now made to FIG. 1B, showing crate 100 disclosed in a more detail in US20110240657, notably requiring auxiliary opening or cutting tools to render the sample removal door open. As shown in FIG. 1B, each side wall 120 comprises a plurality 125 of vent holes, while each end wall 130 comprises a grip hole 135. Referring now to FIG. 1C, showing crate 100 with an openable portion. The end wall 130 comprises a thinned portion 910, where the thinned portion 910 may be configured as a groove. This groove 910 is made in the end wall 130 and surrounds at least three sides of a predefined area 905. As can be seen in FIG. 1C embodiment, the predefined area 905 is substantially rectangular. The zoom view shows that the groove 910 comprises a thickness I-(GR) in a direction perpendicular to the end wall 130, which is more than half of the thickness I(EW) of the end wall 130. This characteristic of the groove 910 allows for an easy cutting thereof. Furthermore, along the groove 910, a plurality 915 of holes may be arranged, wherein each hole may have a diameter 917 larger than a width 912 of the groove 910. The width 912 may typically be equal or larger than 6 mm. The dimensioning of the holes 915 is therefore such that a knife, which is commonly used by a controller, can be easily introduced into them and then cut along the groove 910. By cutting the groove 910, an openable portion 920 may be provided, which is essentially attached to the end wall 130. The openable portion 920 can be unfolded as indicated by the arrow. The purpose of providing such an openable portion is that the user can take a look inside the interior of the crate 100 for inspecting the accommodated products. For example, it can be checked whether carried fruits such as bananas have already reached a certain degree of ripeness. The end wall 130 may be made of plastic, such that a normal knife can be used by the controller. FIG. 1C shows also that the predefined area 905 may be more than one third of an area of the end wall 130 so as to provide a large enough inspection opening.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with technology- or business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the effort of such a development might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG. 2A to 2C, showing disposable monolithic container 20. Disposable monolithic container 20 is preferably stackable and comprises a bottom plate and two pairs of sidewalls. Disposable monolithic container 20 of the embodiment of FIG. 2A to 2C illustrates various features that may be interchangeable with elements of any other embodiment described in the specification.

Disposable monolithic container 20 is preferably monolithic. The term monolithic as referred to herein is intended to encompass any structure that is formed as a single piece. The term monolithic specifically excludes any multi-part assemblies, comprising a plurality of components that are manufactured separately. It is clarified that non-monolithic containers are not configured to be disposable monolithic, because the recourses required for manufacturing the different parts separately and assembling these parts together thereafter, into the entire assembly of the non-monolithic container ,renders such non-monolithic containers impracticable for being disposable monolithic and/or unsuitable for a single use.

Disposable monolithic container 20 comprises hatch 22, facilitating removal of a sample from disposable monolithic container 20. Sample removal hatch 22 is obstructed by hatch closures 24A and 24B. Hatch closures 24A and 24B comprise a mechanism providing for manually opening closures 24A and 24B. Exemplary mechanism providing for manually opening closures 24A and 24B embodies perforation pattern 26A disposed in-between the top edges of closures 24A and 24B and the top edge of hatch 22, perforation pattern 26B disposed in-between the bottom edges of closures 24A and 24B and the bottom edge of hatch 22 as well as perforation pattern 26C disposed in-between the diagonal edge of closure 24A and the diagonal edge of closure 24B.

It is noted that disposable monolithic container 20 is configured for sample removal via the hatch formed in the sidewall thereof. Therefore disposable monolithic container 20 is configured for sample removal via the hatch, whilst a plurality of disposable monolithic containers 20 are stacked-up and/or piled-up, one on top of another. This is contradistinctively to prior art, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,210, where the opening is formed in the lid, covering the main top opening of the cup, thereby rendering the opening in the lid of the cup according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,210 inaccessible, when a plurality of cups with lids of U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,210 stacked-up and/or piled-up, one on top of another.

Perforation patterns 26A, 26B and 26C comprise essentially elongated gaps 28A, 28B and 28C interposed by detachable connectors 30A, 30B and 30C. Elongated gaps 28A, 28B and 28C as well detachable connectors 30A, 30B and 30C are preferably not equidistant. Detachable connectors 30A interconnect the top edges of closures 24A and 24B with the top edge of hatch 22, while detachable connectors 30B interconnect the bottom edges of closures 24A and 24B with the bottom edge of hatch 22, whereas detachable connectors 30C interconnect the distal diagonal edge of closure 24A with the distal diagonal edge of closure 24B.

Disposable monolithic container 20 further comprises hinge perforation patterns 32A and 32B, disposed in-between lateral proximal edges of hatch 22 and proximal edges of hatch closures 24A and 24B. Hinge perforation patterns 32A and 32B are configured to sustain partial rotation of hatch closures 24A and 24B, typically outwards disposable monolithic container 20, by being slightly bent or deformed, without disconnecting hatch closures 24A and 24B lateral edges of hatch 22 and while substantially maintaining structural integrity of hinge perforation patterns 32A and 32B.

Hatch closures 24A and 24B further comprise annular finger tabs 34A and 34B, facilitating initially disconnecting detachable connectors 30A, 30B and 30C of perforation patterns 26A, 26B and 26C, by pulling onto finger tabs 34A and 34B, as well as then driving hatch closures 24A and 24B into an open conformation (not shown), by slightly bending or deforming hinge perforation patterns 32A and 32B.

At least one of hatch closures 24A or 24B preferably further comprises a planar surface, such as planar surface 36 on hatch closures 24A, configured for inscribing miscellaneous information thereon, such as lot number, shipment date, etc.

Disposable monolithic container 20 preferably further comprises lateral grooves 38A and 38B. Lateral grooves 38A and 38B are configured to receive finger tabs 34A and 34B, in an open conformation, and lock the former within the former. Upon opening hatch closures 24A and 24B, by pulling onto finger tabs 34A and 34B and bending or deforming hinge perforation patterns 32A and 32B as well as by bending or deforming hatch closures 24A and 24B, finger tabs 34A and 34B are cable of being drawn towards lateral grooves 38A and 38B, respectively.

Upon introducing finger tabs 34A and 34B into lateral grooves 38A and 38B and releasing hatch closures 24A and 24B, hatch closures 24A and 24B are spontaneously locked within lateral grooves 38A and 38B, due to the elastic bias of perforation patterns 32A and 32B as well as the elastic bias of hatch closures 24A and 24B, thereby rendering hatch 22 in an open conformation (not shown) and facilitating sample removal from disposable monolithic container 20. Upon completion of sample removal from disposable monolithic container 20, finger tabs 34A and 34B are typically released from lateral grooves 38A and 38B by forcefully pulling finger tabs 34A and 34B away from disposable monolithic container 20 and hatch closures 24A and 24B are spontaneously driven by the elastic bias of perforation patterns 32A and 32B as well as the elastic bias of hatch closures 24A and 24B, into a re-closed conformation (not shown), essentially resembling to the closed conformation shown in FIG. 2A to 2C.

It is emphasized, however, that contradistinctively to the container disclosed in US2016039598 shown in FIG. 1, upon completion of sample removal from disposable monolithic container 20 and return of hatch closures 24A and 24B into a re-closed conformation (not shown), essentially resembling to the closed conformation shown in FIG. 2A to 2C, the mechanism of perforation patterns 26A, 26B and 26C still bears a clear indication vividly apparent upon visual inspection that hatch closures 24A and 24B have been tampered and/or opened since detachable connectors 30A, 30B and 30C remain disconnected and closures 24A and 24B typically remain slightly bent or disposed somewhat outwards hatch 22.

In accordance with some other preferred embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG. 3A to 3C, showing disposable monolithic container 40. Disposable monolithic container 40 of the embodiment of FIG. 3A to 3C illustrates various features that may be interchangeable with elements of any other embodiment described in the specification.

Disposable monolithic container 40 comprises hatch 42, facilitating removal of a sample from disposable monolithic container 40. Sample removal hatch 42 is obstructed by hatch closure 44. Hatch closure 44 comprises a mechanism providing for manually opening hatch closure 44. Exemplary mechanism providing for manually opening hatch closure 44 embodies peripheral groove 46A disposed in-between the top edge of closure 44 and the top edge of hatch 42, peripheral groove 46B disposed in-between the bottom edge of closure 44 and the bottom edge of hatch 42 as well as peripheral groove 46C disposed in-between the distal diagonal edges of closure 44 and the diagonal edges of hatch 42.

Peripheral grooves 46A, 46B and 46C comprise a portion of removed or lesser material, forming purposefully weakened connection between the top edge of closure 44 and the top edge of hatch 42, the bottom edge of closure 44 and the bottom edge of hatch 42 as well as between the distal diagonal edges of closure 44 and the diagonal edges of hatch 42. The purposefully weakened connection formed by peripheral grooves 46A, 46B and 46C rendering the top edge of closure 44, the bottom edge of closure 44 and the distal diagonal edges of closure 44 tearable or cleavable or otherwise disconnectable from the top, bottom and distal diagonal edges of hatch 42, respectively.

Disposable monolithic container 40 further comprises hinge perforation pattern 52, disposed in-between proximal edge of hatch closure 44 and respective edge of hatch 42. Hinge perforation pattern 52 is configured to sustain partial rotation of hatch closure 44, typically outwards disposable monolithic container 40, by being slightly bent or deformed, without disconnecting hatch closure 44 from the respective edge of hatch 42 and while substantially maintaining structural integrity of hinge perforation pattern 52.

Hatch closure 44 further comprises annular finger tab 54, facilitating initially disconnecting or cleaving the purposefully weakened connection formed by peripheral grooves 46A, 46B and 46C, by pulling onto finger tab 54, as well as then driving hatch closure 44 into an open conformation (not shown), by slightly bending or deforming hinge perforation pattern 54. Hatch closure 44 preferably further comprises a planar surface 56, configured for inscribing miscellaneous information thereon.

Disposable monolithic container 40 preferably further comprises lateral groove 58. Lateral groove 58 is configured to receive finger tab 54, in an open conformation (not shown), and lock the former within the latter. Upon opening hatch closure 44, by pulling onto finger tab 54 and slightly bending or deforming hinge perforation pattern 52 as well as by slightly bending or deforming hatch closure 44, finger tabs 54 is cable of being drawn towards lateral groove 58.

Upon introducing finger tab 54 into lateral groove 58 and releasing hatch closure 44, hatch closure 44 is spontaneously locked within lateral groove 58, due to the elastic bias of perforation pattern 52 as well as the elastic bias of hatch closure 44, thereby rendering hatch 42 in an open conformation (not shown) and facilitating sample removal from disposable monolithic container 40. Upon completion of sample removal from disposable monolithic container 40, finger tab 54 are typically released from lateral groove 58 by forcefully pulling finger tab 54 away from disposable monolithic container 40 and hatch closure 44 is spontaneously driven by the elastic bias of perforation pattern 54 and hatch closure 44, into a re-closed conformation (not shown), essentially resembling to the closed conformation shown in FIG. 3A to 3C.

It is emphasized, however, that contradistinctively to the container disclosed in US2016039598 shown in FIG. 1, upon completion of sample removal from disposable monolithic container 40 and return of hatch closure 44 into a re-closed conformation (not shown), essentially resembling to the closed conformation shown in FIG. 3A to 3C, the mechanism of peripheral grooves 46A, 46B and 46C still bears a clear indication vividly apparent upon visual inspection that hatch closure 44 has been tampered and/or opened since the top edge of closure 44, the bottom edge of closure 44 and the distal diagonal edges of closure 44 remain disconnected from the top edge of hatch 42, the bottom edge of hatch 42 and the diagonal edges of hatch 42, respectively, whereas closure 44 typically remain slightly bent or disposed somewhat outwards hatch 42.

In accordance with yet some other preferred embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG. 4A to 4C, showing disposable monolithic container 60. Disposable monolithic container 60 of the embodiment of FIG. 4A to 4C illustrates various features that may be interchangeable with elements of any other embodiment described in the specification.

Disposable monolithic container 60 comprises hatch 62, facilitating removal of a sample from disposable monolithic container 60. Sample removal hatch 62 is obstructed by hatch closure 64. Hatch closure 64 comprises a mechanism providing for manually opening hatch closure 64. Exemplary mechanism providing for manually hatch closure 64 embodies perforation pattern 66A disposed in-between the top edges of closure 64 and the top edge of hatch 62 and perforation patterns 66B disposed in-between the lateral edges of closure 64 and the lateral edges of hatch 62. Perforation patterns 66A and 66B comprise essentially elongated gaps 68A and 68B interposed by detachable connectors 70A and 70B. Elongated gaps 68A and 68B as well detachable connectors 70A and 70B are preferably equidistant. Detachable connectors 70A interconnect the top edge of closure 64 with the top edge of hatch 62, while detachable connectors 70B interconnect the lateral edges of closure 64 with the lateral edges of hatch 62.

Disposable monolithic container 60 further comprises hinge groove 72, disposed in-between bottom edge of hatch closure 64 and bottom edge of hatch 62. Hinge groove 72 comprises a portion of removed or lesser material, forming purposefully weakened connection between bottom edge of hatch closure 64 and bottom edge of hatch 62, configured to sustain partial rotation of hatch closure 64, typically outwards disposable monolithic container 60, by being slightly bent or deformed, without disconnecting hatch closure 64 from the respective edge of hatch 62 and while substantially maintaining structural integrity of hinge groove 72.

Hatch closure 64 further comprises annular finger tabs 74A, 74B and 74C, facilitating initially disconnecting detachable connectors 70A and 70B, by pulling onto finger tab 74, as well as then driving hatch closure 64 into an open conformation (not shown), by slightly bending or deforming hinge groove 72. Hatch closure 64 preferably further comprises a planar surface 76, configured for inscribing miscellaneous information thereon.

Upon completion of sample removal from disposable monolithic container 60, finger tabs 74A, 74B and 74C are typically released and hatch closure 64 is spontaneously driven by the elastic bias of hinge groove 72 and hatch closure 64, into a re-closed conformation (not shown), essentially resembling to the closed conformation shown in FIG. 4A to 4C. It is emphasized, however, that contradistinctively to the container disclosed in US2016039598 shown in FIG. 1, upon completion of sample removal from disposable monolithic container 60 and return of hatch closure 64 into a re-closed conformation (not shown), essentially resembling to the closed conformation shown in FIG. 4A to 4C, the mechanism of perforation patterns 66A and 66B still bears a clear indication vividly apparent upon visual inspection that hatch closure 64 has been tampered and/or opened since detachable connectors 70A and 70B remain disconnected, whereas closure 64 typically remain slightly bent or disposed somewhat outwards hatch 62.

It should be appreciated that the stackable container with a hatch for sample removal, according to the present invention, is of the disposable monolithic type; whereas the containers known in the art, such as in US20110240657 and/or WO2014176292 are of the reusable type. Accordingly, the solution of the present invention configured to provide a manually openable hatch for sample removal within limitations characteristic to the manufacture of disposable containers.

Moreover, the stackable container with a hatch for sample removal, according to the present invention, does not require auxiliary opening or cutting tools to render the sample removal door open, as opposed to US20110240657.

Furthermore, the stackable container with a hatch for sample removal, according to the present invention, provides an optimal and completely non-destructive means for fruit sampling when containers are stacked, effectively preventing a potential damage to the contents of the container when using auxiliary means, such as scissors or knife, to open hatch, as opposed to US20110240657.

Additionally, in some embodiments the stackable container with a hatch for sample removal, according to the present invention, provides a mechanism for securing of the door of the sample removal hatch in an open conformation, thereby facilitating a more convenient way for removing the sample by hand.

Ultimately, in some embodiments the stackable container with a hatch for sample removal, according to the present invention, is characterized by having a distinct portion forming a purposefully breakable connection between another closure element and/or an edge of the hatch, embodying a perforation pattern with gaps or a peripheral groove with weakened material, configured for being teared and detached, and may further include another distinct hinge portion, configured to sustain partial rotation of the closure element, by being slightly bent or deformed, while substantially maintaining structural integrity of the hinge portion, embodying another perforation pattern with gaps or another peripheral groove with weakened material, configured for being bent.

Since in some embodiments the hinge portion is purposefully weakened, to a distinctively lesser extent than the detachable portion around the hatch, the present invention yet further sustains the closure element to be conveniently bent or deformed, notably still without any auxiliary opening or cutting tools but by a normal manual force of the user.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which follow:

Claims

1. A disposable monolithic stackable container with a hatch, configured for removal of sample from said container, said disposable monolithic stackable container comprises:

(a) a rectangular bottom plate, configured for said stacking said disposable monolithic stackable container;

(b) two pairs of rectangular sidewalls erecting from edges of said bottom plate;

(c) at least one hatch disposed in at least one of said sidewalls, said hatch is configured for removal of a sample from said disposable monolithic stackable container, wherein said hatch is confined by a plurality of edges, which are disposed interiorly offset to exterior perimeter of said rectangular sidewalls;

(d) at least one closure element, configured for essentially obstructing said hatch, wherein said at least one closure element is confined by a plurality of edges, which are disposed interiorly offset to said edges of said hatch;

(e) at least one structural element, forming a manually breakable connection between said plurality of edges of said closure element and said plurality of edges of said hatch, selected from the group consisting of: (I) a perforation pattern comprising a plurality of essentially elongated gaps and a plurality of detachable connectors disposed in-between said gaps, and (II) a peripheral groove comprising a portion of weakened material, configured for being teared;

(f) a hinge portion extending between one edge of said plurality of edges of said closure element and one edge of said plurality of edges of said hatch, wherein said hinge portion is configured to sustain partial rotation of said closure element, relatively to said sidewall, by being bent or deformed;

wherein said closure element is configured to assume: (I) a closed conformation, wherein said at least one structural element, forming a manually breakable connection between said plurality of edges of said closure element and said plurality of edges of said hatch, remains essentially in its entirety and said at least one closure element essentially obstructing said hatch; (II) an open conformation, wherein said at least one sidewall remains in place and remains essentially in its entirety, except of an interior partial opening of said hatch formed in a center of said at least one sidewall; wherein in said open conformation, said interior partial opening of said hatch formed in said center of said at least one sidewall, maintains integrity of said exterior perimeter of said at least one sidewall;

wherein said at least one structural element, forming said breakable connection, is configured to be opened without any auxiliary external opening or cutting tools, only by a manual force of a user;

wherein said at least one structural element, forming said breakable connection is configured for effectively detaching said plurality of edges of said closure element from said plurality of edges of said hatch, by tearing up said at least one structural element forming said breakable connection, thereby providing for sampling whilst containers are stacked;

wherein said at least one structural element, forming said breakable connection is configured for effectively detaching said plurality of edges of said closure element from said plurality of edges of said hatch, by tearing up said at least one structural element forming said breakable connection, whilst effectively preventing a potential accidental damage to contents of containers, entailed by usage of said external opening or cutting tools.

2. The disposable monolithic stackable container, as in claim 1, further comprises at least one pulling tab, configured for exerting said manual force onto said at least one closure element, wherein said at least one pulling tab comprises an aperture into which a finger is introducible and wherein said at least one pulling tab forms an integral part of said at least one closure element.

3. The disposable monolithic stackable container, as in claim 1, wherein said hinge portion configured to sustain said partial rotation of said closure element, relatively to said sidewall, by being bent or deformed, further comprises at least one structural element selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a perforation pattern comprising a plurality of gaps interposed by a plurality of detachable connectors, and

(b) a groove comprising a portion of weakened material, configured for being bent.

4. The disposable monolithic stackable container, as in claim 3, wherein said at least one structural element, forming said breakable connection between said at least one edge of said closure element and at least one respective edge of said hatch, is weakened to a distinctively different extent than said hinge portion forming a bendable or deformable connection between said closure element and said sidewall sustaining partial rotation of said closure element relatively to said sidewall.

5. The disposable monolithic stackable container, as in claim 1, wherein said at least one closure element further comprises a planar surface, configured for inscribing miscellaneous information thereon.

6. The disposable monolithic stackable container, as in claim 1, wherein said at least one closure element is spontaneously driven by the elastic bias of said hinge portion, into an essentially re-closed conformation.

7. A method of manufacturing a disposable monolithic container with a manually openable hatch, configured for sample removal, said method comprises:

(a) forming a rectangular bottom plate, configured for said stacking said disposable monolithic stackable container;

(b) forming two pairs of rectangular sidewalls erecting from edges of said bottom plate;

(c) forming at least one hatch disposed in at least one of said sidewalls, said hatch is configured for removal of a sample from said disposable monolithic stackable container, wherein said hatch is confined by a plurality of edges, which are disposed interiorly offset to exterior perimeter of said rectangular sidewalls;

(d) forming at least one closure element, configured for essentially obstructing said hatch, wherein said at least one closure element is confined by a plurality of edges, which are disposed interiorly offset to said edges of said hatch;

(e) forming at least one structural element, forming a manually breakable connection between said plurality of edges of said closure element and said plurality of edges of said hatch, selected from the group consisting of: (I) a perforation pattern comprising a plurality of essentially elongated gaps and a plurality of detachable connectors disposed in-between said gaps, and (II) a peripheral groove comprising a portion of weakened material, configured for being teared;

(f) forming a hinge portion extending between one edge of said plurality of edges of said closure element and one edge of said plurality of edges of said hatch, wherein said hinge portion is configured to sustain partial rotation of said closure element, relatively to said sidewall, by being bent or deformed;

wherein said closure element is configured to assume: (I) a closed conformation, wherein said at least one structural element, forming a manually breakable connection between said plurality of edges of said closure element and said plurality of edges of said hatch, remains essentially in its entirety and said at least one closure element essentially obstructing said hatch; (II) an open conformation, wherein said at least one sidewall remains in place and remains essentially in its entirety, except of an interior partial opening of said hatch formed in a center of said at least one sidewall;

wherein in said open conformation, said interior partial opening of said hatch formed in said center of said at least one sidewall, maintains integrity of said exterior perimeter of said at least one sidewall;

wherein said at least one structural element, forming said breakable connection, is configured to be opened without any auxiliary external opening or cutting tools, only by a manual force of a user;

wherein said at least one structural element, forming said breakable connection is configured for effectively detaching said plurality of edges of said closure element from said plurality of edges of said hatch, by tearing up said at least one structural element forming said breakable connection, thereby providing for sampling whilst containers are stacked;

wherein said at least one structural element, forming said breakable connection is configured for effectively detaching said plurality of edges of said closure element from said plurality of edges of said hatch, by tearing up said at least one structural element forming said breakable connection, whilst effectively preventing a potential accidental damage to contents of containers, entailed by usage of said external opening or cutting tools.

8. The method, as in claim 7, further comprises forming at least one pulling tab, configured for exerting said manual force onto said at least one closure element, wherein said at least one pulling tab comprises an aperture into which a finger is introducible and wherein said at least one pulling tab forms an integral part of said at least one closure element.

9. The method, as in claim 7, wherein said forming of said hinge portion configured to sustain said partial rotation of said closure element, relatively to said sidewall, by being bent or deformed, further comprises forming at least one structural element selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a perforation pattern comprising a plurality of gaps interposed by a plurality of detachable connectors, and

(b) a groove comprising a portion of weakened material, configured for being bent.

10. The method, as in claim 9, wherein said forming of said at least one structural element, forming said breakable connection between said at least one edge of said closure element and at least one respective edge of said hatch, comprises weakening said at least one structural element to a distinctively different extent than said hinge portion forming a bendable or deformable connection between said closure element and said sidewall.

11. The method, as in claim 7, wherein said forming of said at least one closure element further comprises forming a planar surface, configured for inscribing miscellaneous information thereon.

12. The method, as in claim 7, wherein said at least one closure element is spontaneously driven by the elastic bias of said hinge portion, into an essentially re-closed conformation.

13. A method of using a plurality disposable monolithic containers with a manually openable hatch, said method comprises:

(a) providing a plurality of disposable monolithic containers, wherein each one of said plurality of disposable monolithic containers comprising: (I) a rectangular bottom plate, configured for said stacking said disposable monolithic stackable container; (II) two pairs of rectangular sidewalls erecting from edges of said bottom plate; (Ill) at least one hatch disposed in at least one of said sidewalls, said hatch is configured for removal of a sample from said disposable monolithic stackable container, wherein said hatch is confined by a plurality of edges, which are disposed interiorly offset to exterior perimeter of said rectangular sidewalls; (IV) at least one closure element, configured for essentially obstructing said hatch, wherein said at least one closure element is confined by a plurality of edges, which are disposed interiorly offset to said edges of said hatch; (V) at least one structural element, forming a manually breakable connection between said plurality of edges of said closure element and said plurality of edges of said hatch, selected from the group consisting of: (i) a perforation pattern comprising a plurality of essentially elongated gaps and a plurality of detachable connectors disposed in-between said gaps, and (ii) a peripheral groove comprising a portion of weakened material, configured for being teared; (VI) a hinge portion extending between one edge of said plurality of edges of said closure element and one edge of said plurality of edges of said hatch, wherein said hinge portion is configured to sustain partial rotation of said closure element, relatively to said sidewall, by being bent or deformed;

wherein said closure element is configured to assume: (i) a closed conformation, wherein said at least one structural element, forming a manually breakable connection between said plurality of edges of said closure element and said plurality of edges of said hatch, remains essentially in its entirety and said at least one closure element essentially obstructing said hatch; (ii) an open conformation, wherein said at least one sidewall remains in place and remains essentially in its entirety, except of an interior partial opening of said hatch formed in a center of said at least one sidewall; wherein in said open conformation, said interior partial opening of said hatch formed in said center of said at least one sidewall, maintains integrity of said exterior perimeter of said at least one sidewall;

wherein said at least one structural element, forming said breakable connection, is configured to be opened without any auxiliary external opening or cutting tools, only by a manual force of a user;

wherein said at least one structural element, forming said breakable connection is configured for effectively detaching said plurality of edges of said closure element from said plurality of edges of said hatch, by tearing up said at least one structural element forming said breakable connection, thereby providing for sampling whilst containers are stacked;

(b) stacking-up said plurality of disposable monolithic containers, one on top of another;

(c) exerting a manual force onto said at least one closure element, so as to break said breakable structural element;

(d) opening said at least one closure element;

(e) removing a sample from at least one of said plurality of said disposable monolithic containers via said hatch, whilst said plurality of said disposable monolithic containers are stacked-up, one on top of another.

14. The method, as in claim 13, wherein said container further comprises at least one pulling tab, configured for exerting said manual force onto said at least one closure element, wherein said at least one pulling tab comprises an aperture into which a finger is introducible and wherein said at least one pulling tab forms an integral part of said at least one closure element.

15. The method, as in claim 13, wherein said hinge portion is configured to sustain said partial rotation of said closure element, relatively to said sidewall, by being bent or deformed, further comprises at least one structural element selected from the group consisting of:

(a) a perforation pattern comprising a plurality of gaps interposed by a plurality of detachable connectors, and

(b) a groove comprising a portion of weakened material, configured for being bent.

16. The method, as in claim 15, wherein said at least one structural element, forming said breakable connection between said at least one edge of said closure element and at least one respective edge of said hatch, is weakened to a distinctively different extent than said hinge portion forming a bendable or deformable connection between said closure element and said sidewall sustaining partial rotation of said closure element relatively to said sidewall.

17. The method, as in claim 13, wherein said at least one closure element further comprises a planar surface, configured for inscribing miscellaneous information thereon.

18. The method, as in claim 13, wherein said at least one closure element is spontaneously driven by the elastic bias of said hinge portion, into an essentially re-closed conformation.