Biodegradable Produce Enclosure

Abstract

A mesh basket (100) is described that includes a rigid lattice structure (102) having a fibrous side and bottom. The structure has a plurality of lattice elements (110) that can collectively define a plurality of visually non-occluded lattice holes (112), such that a consumer can view the contents of the basket. Preferably, the apparent collective area of the holes is at least 40% of the apparent collective area of the lattice structure (102). The basket (100) can also have a film layer (120) covering at least a portion of the basket to thereby regulate moisture within the basket (100).

Description

[0001]The application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application with Ser. No. 61 / 221188 filed on Jun. 29, 2009. This and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field of the invention is produce enclosures.BACKGROUND[0003]The modern world currently produces massive amounts of waste. Much of the waste comes from plastic and / or metal, which decomposes at a very slow rate. These materials must be recycled, dumped into the oceans or waterways, or deposited into landfills where they will remain for centuries.[0004]In order to reduce the waste in our ever-filling landfills, it is advantageous to create containers that are biodegradable a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]Optionally, the basket can have one or more film layers that preferably cover at least 100 cm2 of the apparent collective area of the lattice holes. Preferably, the film layers are essentially transparent, although translucent film is also contemplated.

[0014]Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

Problems solved by technology

The modern world currently produces massive amounts of waste.

Much of the waste comes from plastic and / or metal, which decomposes at a very slow rate.

Such clamshell packaging is problematic for perishable items such as produce that require a certain range of moisture, as the packaging fails to provide precise control of internal moisture, which often accelerates spoilage of the contents.

Clamshell packaging (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,845,878 to Hayes) can also be problematic in that consumers increasingly see plastic as ecologically irresponsible and often unwilling to purchase contents in such packaging.

While plastic baskets are also used such as those used for various types of berries, such packaging is generally not biodegradable and increases the waste in the landfills.

Although biodegradable for the most part, the paper containers known to Applicant suffer from similar disadvantages as the plastic clamshell packaging.

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