COLLAPSIBLE AGRICULTURAL CRATE

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/716,821 filed on Nov. 6, 2024, and entitled COLLAPSIBLE AGRICULTURAL CRATE, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to crates for shipping products, particularly agricultural products, and more particularly to collapsible crates for such products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Crates for shipping of products, particularly fruit and similar agricultural products, may be constructed from polymers such as but not limited to polyolefins. Their advantages over crates made of paper or cardboard (e.g. cartons) include greater sturdiness, aeration of the content and resistance to humidity. In some configurations, polymer crates may also be re-usable and therefore generally foldable for return shipping. Polymer crates may be in a fixed form, in which panels of the crate are fixedly joined, or a collapsible form, in which, side panels are hingedly connected with a base between a folded and erected configuration.

SUMMARY

The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

According to certain embodiments, a collapsible crate includes a base and at least one side wall. The base includes a base surface and a perimeter wall extending upwards from the base surface, and the base surface includes at least three different elevations. The side wall is connected to the perimeter wall of the base and is movable between a collapsed configuration and an erected configuration relative to the base.

According to some embodiments, a collapsible crate includes a base with a base surface and opposing perimeter walls extending along a length of the base and extending upwards from the base surface. The base surface includes first elevations at or adjacent to the perimeter walls, a second elevation between the first elevations, and third elevations between each of the first elevations and the second elevation. In certain embodiments, the first elevation is lower than the third elevation and the third elevation is lower than the second elevation. The collapsible crate also includes a side wall connected to one of the perimeter walls. The side wall is movable between a collapsed configuration and an erected configuration relative to the base.

According to various embodiments, a collapsible crate includes a base and a side wall. The base includes a base surface and a perimeter wall extending upwards from the base surface. The side wall is connected to the perimeter wall of the base and is movable between a collapsed configuration and an erected configuration relative to the base. In some embodiments, the side wall includes a reinforced portion with at least one reinforcement structure and a panel portion. The panel portion is at least partially surrounded by the reinforced portion, omits a reinforcement structure, and extends along a majority of a length of the panel. In certain embodiments, the panel portion includes at least one drainage aperture at a perimeter of the panel portion adjacent to the reinforced portion.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

FIG. 1 illustrates a collapsible crate according to embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates the crate of FIG. 1 in a collapsed configuration according to embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a long wall of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a short wall of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates two crates of FIG. 1 in a stacked configuration according to embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a base of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the base of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 10 is the sectional view of FIG. 9 and further illustrating fruit positioned on the base according to embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate portions of the long wall of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIGS. 12A-B illustrate portions of the long wall of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIGS. 13A-B illustrates portions of the short wall of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIGS. 14A-B illustrate portions of the short wall of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIGS. 15A-B illustrate portions of the base of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIGS. 16A-B illustrate portions of the base of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIGS. 17A-B illustrate portions of the base of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 18 is another view of the short wall of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 19 is another view of the long wall of the crate of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are collapsible crates for agricultural products, such as but not limited to bananas. The collapsible crate generally includes a base, a pair of short walls, and a pair of long walls. The short walls and the long walls are foldable relative to the base such that the collapsible crate has an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration. In certain embodiments, the short walls optionally may be folded before folding the long walls when adjusting the collapsible crate from the erected configuration to the collapsed configuration. The collapsible crate may have various dimensions as desired.

In various embodiments, the base may have different elevations, optionally at least three elevations. Optionally, the base includes a lower elevation along the base (optionally along most of and/or substantially most of the perimeter) and near a wall, allowing a stem (or other portion) of a banana cluster to sit lower within an interior of the crate when the crate is in the erected configuration, thereby increasing clearance and/or internal volume to the overall crate. Optionally, the base with different elevations may increase clearance and/or internal volume of the crate without changing the external height of the crate. In various embodiments, the base with different elevations may increase a usable volume of the crate available to contain a product, such as fruit, when the crate is in the erected configuration. Optionally, the pattern of the different elevations may further promote improved packaging of the product within the volume of the crate in addition to increasing the available volume.

Optionally, the crates described herein may include drainage apertures to facilitate and/or improve drainage of fluids and/or other liquids or debris from within the interior of the crate. As non-limiting examples, the crates may include one or more drainage apertures or holes in the long walls. Optionally, the drainage apertures in the long walls may be provided in flex or middle portions of the long walls, although in other embodiments the drainage apertures may be provided at other locations as desired. Drainage apertures in the long walls may have improved shapes, sizing, and/or positioning to facilitate drainage from within the interior of the crate. Additionally, or alternatively, the crates may include one or more drainage apertures or holes in the short walls. Optionally, the drainage apertures in the short walls may be provided in flex or middle portions of the short walls, although in other embodiments the drainage apertures may be provided at other locations as desired. Drainage apertures in the short walls may have improved shapes, sizing, and/or positioning to facilitate drainage from within the interior of the crate. The position, size, location, and number of drainage apertures on the long walls and/or the short walls may promote and/or facilitate drainage of liquid and/or other unwanted material from the interior volume of the crate.

Optionally, the crates described herein may include extended wall lockouts on the long walls and/or the short walls. In certain embodiments, a lower edge profile of the long walls may have an improved profile, thereby facilitating installation of the long walls with the base. Additionally, or alternatively, a lower edge profile of the short walls may have an improved profile, thereby facilitating installation of the short walls with the base. As mentioned, the short walls and/or the long walls may be pivotable relative to the base.

In certain embodiments, a top edge of the base that is configured to connect to the long walls may have an elevation which is above a top edge of the base that is configured to connect to the short walls and such that the base has top edges with different heights. In such embodiments, the crates may have an improved folding sequence from the erected configuration to the collapsed configuration where the short walls fold first and the long walls fold second and onto the folded short walls.

In some embodiments, the top of edge of the base that is configured to connect to the long walls may have an improved edge shape. Optionally, the top edge of the base that is configured to connect to the short walls may have a cut or receiving space for receiving a wall lockout of the long walls. In certain embodiments, the base of the crate may include a reinforced transition and/or shape between the top edge of the base configured to connect to the long walls and the top edge of the base configured to connect to the short walls.

Optionally, the crates described herein include a first type of texture to promote the application of a temporary label and/or as otherwise desired. In a non-limiting example, the first type of texture may be on the short walls. Additionally, or alternatively, a second type of texture may promote frictional engagement with and/or support of the long walls. Optionally, the second type of texture may be provided on the long walls.

In certain embodiments, the crates described herein may have improved dimensions compared to other crates, thereby providing improved stacking configurations of a plurality of crates when the crates are erected or collapsed. In a non-limiting example, in the collapsed configuration, a height of the crate may be less than 30 mm, such as less than 29 mm, such as less than 28 mm, such as about 27 mm. In a non-limiting example, in the erected configuration, a height of one crate may be less than 210 mm, such as less than 209 mm, such as less than 208 mm, such as less than 207 mm, such as less than 206 mm, such as about 205 mm. Optionally, in the erected configuration and when stacked with another crate, the crates may partially nest with each other, and an exposed height of a crate may be less than 205 mm, such as less than 204 mm, such as less than 203 mm, such as less than 202 mm, such as less than 201 mm, such as about 200 mm.

In various embodiments, the improved shapes and profiles of the features of the long walls, the short walls, and/or the base may promote an efficient nesting of components with the crate is in the collapsed configuration while providing a sturdy crate capable of holding a quantity of product in the erected configuration.

Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems, devices, and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

FIGS. 1-19 illustrate a collapsible crate 10 according to embodiments. The crate 10 generally includes a base 12, a pair of short side walls 14, and a pair of long side walls 16. A length of the short side walls 14 is less than a length of the long side walls 16. The base 12, the short side walls 14, and the long side walls 16 may be constructed from various materials or combinations of materials as desired. In a non-limiting example, the base 12, the short side walls 14, and the long side walls 16 may be constructed from polymers such as but not limited to polyolefins.

With reference to FIGS. 8-10, 15A-B, 16A-B, and 17A-B, the base 12 generally includes a base panel 17 with a base surface 18 and a perimeter wall 20 extending upwards from the base surface 18. In certain embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the perimeter wall 20 may include first wall portions 22 extending along a length of the base 12 (or in a length-wise direction) and second wall portions 24 extending along a width of the base 12 (or in a cross-wise direction). The wall portions 22, 24 include attachment features 26 such that the side walls 14, 16 can be connected to the base 12 and further such that the side walls 14, 16 can be moved between an erected configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 1) and a collapsed configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 2) relative to the base 12 and while connected to the base 12. In various embodiments, the short side walls 14 are pivotably connected to the second wall portions 24 and the long side walls 16 are pivotably connected to the first wall portions 22. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 8 for example, a height of the second wall portions 24 may be less than a height of the first wall portions 22. In such examples, the different heights of the wall portions 22, 24 may facilitate nesting or movement of the side walls 14, 16 to the collapsed configuration. In a non-limiting examples, the different heights of the wall portions 22, 24 enable a nesting configuration where the short side walls 14 are folded first and the long side walls 16 are folded on top of the folded short side walls 14 as illustrated in FIG. 2. In some cases, the nesting configuration with the long side walls 16 on top as illustrated in FIG. 2 may facilitate maintaining of the crate 10 in the collapsed configuration and/or may minimize and/or reduce unwanted unfolding of the crate 10 from the collapsed configuration.

With reference to FIGS. 15A-B and 16A-B, the perimeter wall 20 may include one or more additional features improving stability of the crate 10 and/or connection of the side walls 14, 16 with the base.

In a non-limiting example, and with reference to FIGS. 15B and 16B, the base 12 optionally may include one or more reinforced corners 28 which extend from a top of the second wall portions 24 to a side of the first wall portions 22. In embodiments with the reinforced corners 28, the reinforced corners 28 may promote stability by maintaining a general positioning and arrangement of the second wall portions 24 relative to the first wall portions 22. Optionally, the short side walls 16 may include a notched corner 29 (see, e.g., FIGS. 13B and 14B) configured to accommodate the reinforced corner 28 when the short side walls 16 are in the erected configuration.

Additionally, or alternatively, the second wall portions 24 optionally may include at least one reinforced attachment feature 26A as illustrated by comparing FIGS. 16A and 16B. In such embodiments, the reinforced attachment feature 26A may improve stability by promoting the connection between the short side walls 14 and the second wall portions 24 and/or may minimize and/or prevent unintentional disengagement between the short side walls 14 and the second wall portions 24.

Additionally, or alternatively, and as illustrated in FIGS. 15B and 16B, the first wall portions 22 optionally may include one or more positioning grooves 30 defined at a top of the first wall portions 22. The positioning groove 30 may receive a tab 32 of the long side walls 16 (see, e.g., FIG. 11B). In such embodiments, the tab 32 positioned within the positioning groove 30 when the long side walls 16 are in the erected configuration may improve stability by promoting positioning of the long side walls 16 on the first wall portions 22.

Additionally, or alternatively, and as illustrated in FIG. 16B, the second side wall portions 24 optionally include one or more support grooves 34 for receiving wall lockouts 36 of the long side walls 16 (see, e.g., FIGS. 12A-B) when the long side walls 16 are in the collapsed configuration. In such embodiments, the wall lockouts 36 within the support grooves 34 may promote nesting of the long side walls 16 in the collapsed configuration, optionally allowing for the crate 10 to have a reduced height in the collapsed configuration as described in detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 8-10, in some embodiments, the base panel 17 includes different elevations. Optionally, the base panel 17 includes at least three different elevations, and/or the base panel 17 has a non-linear profile such that an elevation of a first portion (e.g., optionally along a center of the crate) is different from an elevation of a second portion (optionally along a perimeter edge, optionally adjacent the long walls).

In some embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIG. 9, the base panel 17 includes, in the cross-wise direction, a first elevation 38 at or adjacent to the first wall portions 22, a second elevation 40 adjacent to the first elevation 38, and a third elevation 42 adjacent to the second elevation 40 and such that the second elevation 40 is between the first elevation 38 and the third elevation 42. In such embodiments, the first elevation 38 may be a lowest elevation, the second elevation 40 may be higher than the first elevation 38, and the third elevation 42 may be higher than the second elevation 40. Optionally, the third elevation 42 may be centered between opposing second elevations 40 as illustrated in FIG. 8. Optionally, the first elevation 38 extends along a majority of the base panel 17 adjacent to the first wall portions 22. Optionally, the first elevation 38 extends along a perimeter of the base panel 17 adjacent to the perimeter wall 20. In other embodiments, the first elevation 38 may extend along the first wall portions 22 and the third elevation 42 may extend along the second wall portions 24. In various embodiments and as illustrated in FIG. 10, the at least three different elevations in the cross-wise direction and with the first (lowest) elevation 38 at or adjacent to the first wall portions 22, may allow an end of a banana 72 (e.g., a step or opposite end) to sit lower within the crate 10, thereby increasing clearance to the crate 10. In some embodiments, the different elevations increase the internal volume of the crate 10, optionally without increasing the external volume of the crate 10. In various embodiments, the base panel 17 with different elevations may increase a usable volume of the crate 10 available to contain a product, such as fruit, such as bananas 72 as illustrated in FIG. 10, when the crate 10 is in the erected configuration. Optionally, the pattern of the different elevations may further promote improved packaging of the product within the volume of the crate 10 in addition to increasing the available volume.

In various embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8-10, each elevation 38, 40, 42 optionally includes at least one base drainage aperture 46. In some embodiments, a pattern, shape, and/or size of the base drainage apertures 46 is the same in each elevation 38, 40, 42. In other embodiments, at least one characteristic of the base drainage apertures 46 may be changed depending on the elevation 38, 40, 42. As a non-limiting example and as best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the base drainage apertures 46 in the first elevation 38 are circular and spaced apart by a first distance, the base drainage apertures 46 in the second elevation 40 are elongated and spaced apart by a second distance greater than the first distance, and the base drainage apertures 46 in the third elevation 42 are circular and are spaced apart by a third distance greater than the first distance. In other embodiments, other changes in relative characteristics of the base drainage apertures 46 may be utilized as desired.

In some embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 17A-B, the base 12 optionally includes one or more features improving the stability of the crate 10 when the crate 10 is nested or stacked with another crate 10 as illustrated in FIG. 7. As a non-limiting example, the base panel 17 may include a nesting ridge 44 on a lower side of the base panel 17 which is configured to engage erected side walls 14, 16 of the other crate 10. In some embodiments, the nesting ridge 44 extends in at least two directions as illustrated in FIG. 17A, and in other embodiments, the nesting ridge 44A extends in at least three directions as illustrated in FIG. 17B.

As mentioned, the short side walls 14 and long side walls 16 are pivotably connected to the base 12 and are movable between an erected configuration (FIG. 1) and a collapsed configuration (FIG. 2). In the erected configuration, the base 12 and side walls 14, 16 define an interior 48 which may be utilized to receive and store various items and/or products, such as but not limited to agricultural products.

In certain embodiments, the crate 10 may have improved dimensions compared to traditional crates. As a non-limiting example, in the collapsed configuration, a height of the crate may be less than 30 mm, such as less than 29 mm, such as less than 28 mm, such as about 27 mm. In a non-limiting example, in the erected configuration, a height of one crate may be less than 210 mm, such as less than 209 mm, such as less than 208 mm, such as less than 207 mm, such as less than 206 mm, such as about 205 mm. Optionally, in the erected configuration and when stacked with another crate, the crates may partially nest with each other, and an exposed height of a crate may be less than 205 mm, such as less than 204 mm, such as less than 203 mm, such as less than 202 mm, such as less than 201 mm, such as about 200 mm. The improved dimensions of the crate 10 in the collapsed configurations and the erected configurations may allow for more crates 10 to be provided on a pallet for shipping, storage, etc. compared to traditional approaches.

Referring to FIG. 4, the short side walls 14 generally include a reinforced portion 50 and a panel portion 52. The reinforced portion 50 includes at least one reinforcement structure 54, such as but not limited to one or more reinforcement ribs 56. The panel portion 52 is at least partially surrounded by the reinforced portion 50 and omits reinforcement structures 54. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the panel portion 52 extends along a majority of a length of the short side wall 14.

Similarly, and with reference to FIG. 3, the long side walls 16 generally include a reinforced portion 58 and a panel portion 60. The reinforced portion 58 includes at least one reinforcement structure 54. The panel portion 60 is at least partially surrounded by the reinforced portion 58 and omits reinforcement structures 54. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the panel portion 60 extends along a majority of a length of the long side wall 16.

The short side walls 14 and/or the long side walls 16 may include various features improving functionality and/or stability of the crate 10. In some embodiments, the short side walls 14 and the long side walls 16 may include the same features, while in other embodiments, other than having different lengths, at least one feature the short side walls 14 and the long side walls 16 may have similar constructions. In other embodiments, the short walls 14 may have features that differ from the long side walls 16 and vice versa.

In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 11B, 12B, 13B, and 14B, the short side walls 14 and/or the long side walls 16 optionally may include one or more panel drainage apertures 62 in the panel portions 52, 60. In certain embodiments, the panel drainage apertures 62 may be provided at or adjacent to a perimeter of the panel portions 52, 60 and adjacent to the reinforced portions 50, 58.

Optionally, the short side walls 14 and/or the long side walls 16 include one or more reinforced drainage apertures 64 in the reinforced portions 50, 58. Optionally, a size of the reinforced drainage apertures 64 is the same as a size of the panel drainage apertures 62, although it need not be in other embodiments.

The position, size, location, and number of the panel drainage apertures 62 and/or the reinforced drainage apertures 64 on the long side walls 16 and/or the short side walls 14 may promote and/or facilitate drainage of liquid and/or other unwanted material from the interior volume of the crate 10.

Additionally, or alternatively, and with reference to FIGS. 12B and 14B, the short side walls 14 and/or the long side walls 16 may include extended wall lockouts 36A. Extended wall lockouts 36A may provide improved stability by increasing a contact area between side walls 14, 16 in the erected configuration.

Additionally, or alternatively, and with reference to FIG. 18, the short side walls 14 and/or the long side walls 16 may include one or more windows 66 in the panel portions 52, 60. The windows 66 may have a size greater than that of the drainage apertures 62, 64. The windows 66 may be provided in various patterns or arrangements as desired. As non-limiting examples, the windows 66 may be arranged vertically, one above another (see, e.g., windows 66A) and/or as an upper central window (see, e.g., window 66B). Optionally, the windows 66 may form a handle for lifting the crate 10.

In certain embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 13A and 14A, for example, the windows 66 and/or the drainage apertures 62, 64 may have a flare surface 74 surrounding the openings, which may be sloped, taper, and/or otherwise provide a transition between the openings and the inner or outer surfaces of the walls (inner surface 76 illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 14A). In such embodiments, the flare surface 74 may further protect fruit (or other items) packaged within the crate 10 such that the fruit (or other items) do not engage or contact sharp edges when packed. In contrast, in other designs without the flare surface 74 and the openings were defined, the sharp edges of the openings may cut or otherwise damage the skin of the fruit when the fruit is loaded in the crate 10.

Additionally, or alternatively, the short side walls 14 and/or the long side walls 16 may include a temporary label texture 68 (see, e.g., FIG. 18) and/or a friction texture 70 (see, e.g., FIG. 19). In certain embodiments, the temporary label texture 68 may be a pattern facilitating the application of a temporary label and such that the temporary label is easily removed as desired. In a non-limiting example, the temporary label texture 68 may include a pattern of raised circles, stars, squares, and/or other shapes or combinations of shapes as desired. The friction texture 70 may be a pattern of elongated ribs that may engage ribs of another crate 10. As a non-limiting example, the ribs of one crate 10 may be pressed into ribs of another crate 10 to minimize or prevent slippage during a lifting movement.

In various embodiments, the improved shapes and profiles of the features of the long walls, the short walls, and/or the base may promote an efficient nesting of components with the crate is in the collapsed configuration while providing a sturdy crate capable of holding a quantity of product in the erected configuration.

Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems, devices, and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

A collection of exemplary embodiments are provided below, including at least some explicitly enumerated as “Examples” providing additional description of a variety of exemplary embodiments in accordance with the concepts described herein. These examples are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive, and the disclosure is not limited to these examples but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

• • Example 1. A collapsible crate comprising: a base comprising a base surface and a perimeter wall extending upwards from the base surface, wherein the base surface comprises at least three different elevations; and a side wall connected to the perimeter wall of the base, wherein the side wall is movable between a collapsed configuration and an erected configuration relative to the base.
  • Example 2. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the at least three different elevations are in a cross-wise direction of the base.
  • Example 3. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein, in a cross-wise direction, the at least three different elevations comprise: first elevations at or adjacent to the perimeter wall; a second elevation between the first elevations; and third elevations between each of the first elevations and the second elevation, wherein the first elevation is lower than the third elevation and the third elevation is lower than the second elevation.
  • Example 4. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein each elevation comprises at least one ventilation aperture.
  • Example 5. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the perimeter wall comprises opposing first portions extending along a length of the base and opposing second portions extending along a width of the base, wherein a height of the first portions is greater than a height of the second portions.
  • Example 6. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the side wall comprises: a reinforced portion comprising at least one reinforcement structure; and a panel portion, wherein the panel portion is at least partially surrounded by the reinforced portion, omits a reinforcement structure, and extends along a majority of a length of the panel, and wherein the panel portion further comprises at least one drainage aperture at a perimeter of the panel portion adjacent to the reinforced portion.
  • Example 7. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the reinforced portion comprises at least one drainage aperture, and wherein a size of the at least one drainage aperture in the panel portion is the same as a size of the at least one drainage aperture in the reinforced portion.
  • Example 8. A collapsible crate comprising: a base comprising: a base surface; and opposing perimeter walls extending along a length of the base and extending upwards from the base surface, wherein the base surface comprises: first elevations at or adjacent to the perimeter walls; a second elevation between the first elevations; and third elevations between each of the first elevations and the second elevation, wherein the first elevation is lower than the third elevation and the third elevation is lower than the second elevation; and a side wall connected to one of the perimeter walls, wherein the side wall is movable between a collapsed configuration and an erected configuration relative to the base.
  • Example 9. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the opposing perimeter walls are first perimeter walls, wherein the base further comprises opposing second perimeter walls extending along a width of the base, and wherein a height of the second perimeter walls is less than a height of the first perimeter walls.
  • Example 10. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, further comprising a reinforced corner extending from a top of the second perimeter walls to a side of the first perimeter walls.
  • Example 11. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the side wall comprises: a reinforced portion comprising at least one reinforcement structure; and a panel portion, wherein the panel portion is at least partially surrounded by the reinforced portion, omits a reinforcement structure, and extends along a majority of a length of the panel, and wherein the panel portion further comprises at least one drainage aperture at a perimeter of the panel portion adjacent to the reinforced portion.
  • Example 12. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the panel portion comprises either: a temporary label texture; or a friction texture.
  • Example 13. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein, in the collapsed configuration, a height of the collapsible crate is less than 30 mm.
  • Example 14. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the opposing perimeter walls are first perimeter walls, wherein the base further comprises opposing second perimeter walls extending along a width of the base, and wherein, in the length-wise direction, the second elevation of the base surface is adjacent to the second perimeter walls.
  • Example 15. A collapsible crate comprising: a base comprising a base surface and a perimeter wall extending upwards from the base surface; and a side wall connected to the perimeter wall of the base, wherein the side wall is movable between a collapsed configuration and an erected configuration relative to the base, wherein the side wall comprises: a reinforced portion comprising at least one reinforcement structure; and a panel portion, wherein the panel portion is at least partially surrounded by the reinforced portion, omits a reinforcement structure, and extends along a majority of a length of the panel, and wherein the panel portion further comprises at least one drainage aperture at a perimeter of the panel portion adjacent to the reinforced portion.
  • Example 16. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the reinforced portion comprises at least one drainage aperture, and wherein a size of the at least one drainage aperture in the panel portion is the same as a size of the at least one drainage aperture in the reinforced portion.
  • Example 17. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, further comprising at least one window in the panel portion, wherein a size of the window is greater than a size of the at least one drainage aperture.
  • Example 18. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the at least one drainage aperture comprises a plurality of drainage apertures spaced along the perimeter of the panel portion.
  • Example 19. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein the base surface comprises at least three different elevations.
  • Example 20. The collapsible crate of any preceding or subsequent example or combination of examples, wherein, in a cross-wise direction, the base surface comprises at least three different elevations comprising: first elevations at or adjacent to the perimeter wall; a second elevation between the first elevations; and third elevations between each of the first elevations and the second elevation, wherein the first elevation is lower than the third elevation and the third elevation is lower than the second elevation.
  • Example 21. A collapsible crate may include one or more of:
    • a. the base having different elevations, optionally at least three elevations;
    • b. the base having a lower elevation along the base (optionally along most and/or substantially the perimeter), near a wall, allowing a stem (or other portion) of a banana cluster to sit lower, thereby increasing clearance and/or internal volume to the overall crate (optionally without changing the external height of the crate);
    • c. drainage apertures or holes in the long walls, optionally (but not limited to) flex or middle portions of the long walls;
    • d. drainage apertures in the long walls having improved shapes, sizing, and/or positioning;
    • e. an extended wall lockout on the long walls;
    • f. an improved lower edge profile of the long walls facilitating installation with the base;
    • g. drainage apertures or holes in the short walls, optionally (but not limited to) flex or middle portions of the short walls;
    • h. drainage apertures in the short walls having improved shapes, sizing, and/or positioning;
    • i. an extended wall lockout on the short walls;
    • j. an improved lower edge profile of the short walls facilitating installation with the base;
    • k. long walls that are pivotable relative to the base;
    • l. short walls that are pivotable relative to the base;
    • m. a top edge of the base configured to connect to the long walls having an elevation above a top edge of the base configured to connect to the short walls;
    • n. the top of edge of the base configured to connect to the long walls having an improved edge shape;
    • o. the top edge of the base configured to connect to the short walls having a cut or receiving space for receiving a wall lockout;
    • p. a reinforced transition and/or shape between the top edge of the base configured to connect to the long walls and the top edge of the base configured to connect to the short walls;
    • q. a first type of texture (optionally on the short walls) to promote the application of a temporary label (or as otherwise desired); and/or
    • r. a second type of texture (optionally on the long walls) to promote frictional engagement with and/or support of the long walls.

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.

Throughout this disclosure, a reference numeral with a letter refers to a specific instance of an element and the reference numeral without an accompanying letter refers to the element generically or collectively. Thus, as an example (not shown in the drawings), device “102A” refers to an instance of a device class, which may be referred to collectively as devices “102” and any one of which may be referred to generically as a device “102”. In the figures and the description, like numerals are intended to represent like elements.

As used herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The subject matter of embodiments of the present disclosure is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, or gradients thereof, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described embodiments, nor the claims that follow.