APPARATUS AND METHODS RELATING TO PACKING PERISHABLE PRODUCE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and system for packing perishable items of produce which require some form of atmosphere control, for example fruit which requires a moisture barrier to prevent or delay dehydration. More particularly but not exclusively the invention relates to apparatus and systems to apply a flexible cover to perishable produce during a packaging process. One application of the disclosed subject matter is packing kiwifruit.

BACKGROUND

Kiwifruit packaging is one example of a packaging system for perishable items in which a flexible covering film is used to prevent, limit or control moisture loss from the fruit during the time between which the fruit is packed and reaches a destination for retail sale and consumption.

Kiwifruit, like many other types of fruit, is packed in containers that each include a container insert. The container insert is provided as a tray which has locating formations such as pockets. The container inserts are commonly referred to as pocket packs. The main purpose of the pocket pack is to hold the fruit securely and prevent damage through contact with other fruit or packaging. A known tray in the industry is made by ALTO PACKAGING and is called the PLIX® POCKETPACK.

The current packing system for packing kiwifruit can be explained with reference to Figures 1 -5. Empty fruit trays 20 typically arrive in a stack, where multiple fruit trays 20 nest within and on top of one another. The trays are separated so one tray is removed from the stack and taken to a location where fruit 10 can be placed on the tray. Each tray has pockets 28, and each pocket is shaped to receive one piece of fruit 10.

The current system is to place the items of fruit 10 into a pocket pack tray 20 which will hold the fruit in pre formed pockets. The tray is then wrapped in a cover of sheet material. This material is a thin film of plastic sheet material. The film is generally composed of a lightweight HDPE plastic film, but may comprise other materials. The film sheet is commonly referred to as a polyliner. Once wrapped, the pocket pack is then placed into the container which is typically a cardboard tray. The main purpose of the polyliner is to keep the fruit in a high humidity atmosphere to prevent dehydration.

Trays of kiwifruit are usually manually packed as typically one person puts polyliners and a pocket pack into an empty container which is then conveyed to a filling point where another person is places fruit into each pocket in the pocket pack. The polyliner is then manually closed over the top of the tray and the ends folded under the tray so that the polyliner encapsulates the fruit filled pocket pack to keep most moisture in but allows a small amount of gas exchange. For the purposes of this specification, the term“plastic” shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

Figures 1 to 3 show a variation on the process described above, but one which is still manually performed and in which it is easy to see the manner in which the polyliner is wrapped about the pocket pack. As seen in Figure 1 , the pocket pack 20 is placed on top of a sheet of polyliner 602, and the pockets 28 of the pocket pack 20 are filled with fruit 10. In Figure 2, one side of the sheet 602 is brought over most of the upper surface of the pocket pack 20. In Figure 3 the other side of the sheet 602 is brought over the remaining upper surface of the pock pack, and over the other side of the sheet, so that there is an overlap 603 between the edges of the sheet disposed over the pocket pack. In Figure 4 the extending ends 604 and 605 of the encircling sheet 602 are folded under the pocket pack. In Figure 5 the fully encapsulated pocket pack, with the overlap 603 on the upper side thereof, is placed into a container tray 701 , which completes the process.

OBJECT

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging system, method or apparatus, or to at least provide a viable alternative.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

In one aspect the disclosed suject matter provides a method of packaging perishable produce provided in a container insert having an outer surface, the container insert being disposed in an open container having an inner surface, the method comprising:

placing a cover comprising a flexible sheet material over the produce-filled container insert; and

inserting one or more edges of the cover between the outer surface of the container insert and the inner surface of the container. In an embodiment inserting the edge of the cover creates at least a partial seal between the flexible sheet material and the container insert.

In an embodiment the inner surface comprises a sidewall of the container.

In an embodiment the inner surface comprises a base of the container.

In some embodiments the inner surface comprises both the sidewall and base of the container.

In an embodiment the outer surface comprises a contour of the container insert.

In an embodiment the outer surface comprises an edge of the container insert.

In an embodiment the outer surface comprises a base of the container insert.

In an embodiment the outer surface comprises a room, lip or peripheral edge of the container insert.

In an embodiment the rim or lip is disposed in a substantially parallel orientation to a sidewall of the container.

In an embodiment the edge of the sheet material disposed between the inner and outer surfaces includes a bend or curve.

In an embodiment the sheet material disposed between the inner and outer surfaces is bunched.

In an embodiment the sheet material is provided between the inner and outer surfaces to create a tortuous path which facilitates at least a partial seal.

In an embodiment the sheet material disposed between the inner and outer surfaces is bunched to facilitate retention of the sheet material, for example retention between the inner and outer surfaces or otherwise secure the sheet material in position. In an embodiment the method includes placing an additional insert between the inner and outer surfaces and adjacent to the sheet material in order to either secure the sheet material in position, or facilitated at least a partial seal.

In an embodiment the method includes shifting the container insert relative to the container in order to dispose the sheet material between the inner and outer surfaces.

In an embodiment the container insert is shifted by application of a force. Alternatively the container insert may be shifted by use of an acceleration. Alternatively the container insert may be shifted or moved by lifting a part or side of the container insert relative to the container.

In an embodiment the container insert is lifted relative to the container using a lifting member. The lifting member may be inserted between the inner and outer surfaces so as to lift at least the part or side of the container insert. The method includes the step of pushing the sheet material into the space provided between the container insert and the container, then removing the lifting apparatus to thus retain or secure the sheet material between the inner and outer surfaces.

In an embodiment, an insertion means is used to insert the one or more edges of the sheet material.

In an embodiment the insertion means comprises an insertion member.

In an embodiment the insertion means or insertion member is mechanically acuated.

The insertion member may comprise a flexible member. The insertion member may comprise a flat or planar planar member, or a blade or blade-like member. The insertion member may comprise a plurality of individual insetion members.

In an embodiment the insertion means is controlled to mechanically insert the one or more edges of the sheet material.

In another aspect the invention broadly comprises an apparatus for packaging perishable produce provided in a container insert having an outer surface, the container insert being disposed in an open container having an inner surface, the apparatus comprising:

a sheet material dispensing means to dispense a sheet material over the container insert; a sheet material insertion means operable to insert one or more edges of the sheet material between the outer surface of the container insert and the inner surface of the container.

In an embodiment inserting the edge of the cover creates at least a partial seal between the flexible sheet material and the container insert.

In an embodiment the inner surface comprises a sidewall of the container.

In an embodiment the inner surface comprises a base of the container.

In some embodiments the inner surface comprises both the sidewall and base of the container.

In an embodiment the outer surface comprises a contour of the container insert.

In an embodiment the outer surface comprises an edge of the container insert.

In an embodiment the outer surface comprises a base of the container insert.

In an embodiment the outer surface comprises a room, lip or peripheral edge of the container insert.

In an embodiment the rim or lip is disposed in a substantially parallel orientation to a sidewall of the container.

In an embodiment the edge of the sheet material disposed between the inner and outer surfaces includes a bend or curve.

In an embodiment the sheet material disposed between the inner and outer surfaces is bunched.

In an embodiment the sheet material is provided between the inner and outer surfaces to create a tortuous path which facilitates at least a partial seal. In an embodiment the sheet material disposed between the inner and outer surfaces is bunched to facilitate retention of the sheet material, for example retention between the inner and outer surfaces or otherwise secure the sheet material in position.

In an embodiment the container insert is lifted relative to the container using a lifting member. The lifting member may be inserted between the inner and outer surfaces so as to lift at least the part or side of the container insert. The method includes the step of pushing the sheet material into the space provided between the container insert and the container, then removing the lifting apparatus to thus retain or secure the sheet material between the inner and outer surfaces.

In another aspect the invention broadly provides a method of packaging perishable produce provided in a container insert, the method comprising:

folding a cover comprising a flexible sheet material over the produce-filled container insert such that at least two edges of the cover are provided beneath the container insert; and

placing the covered container insert into an open container whereby the at least two edges are disposed between an outer surface of the base of the container insert and an inner surface of the base of the container.

In an embodiment the two edges overlap.

In an embodiment the other edges of the cover are pushed between edges of the container insert and inner surfaces of the walls of the container.

In an embodiment all edges of the covers are folded beneath the container insert.

In another aspect the invention broadly provides apparatus for packaging perishable produce provided in a container insert, the apparatus comprising:

folding means for folding a cover comprising a flexible sheet material over the produce- filled container insert such that at least two edges of the cover are provided beneath the container insert; and

placement means for placing the covered container insert into an open container whereby the at least two edges are disposed between an outer surface of the base of the container insert and an inner surface of the base of the container. In an embodiment the two edges overlap.

In an embodiment the other edges of the cover are pushed between edges of the container insert and inner surfaces of the walls of the container.

In an embodiment all edges of the covers are folded beneath the container insert.

In another aspect the invention broadly provides a method of packaging perishable produce provided in a container insert having an outer edge, the method comprising: placing a cover comprising a flexible sheet material over the produce-filled container insert;

attaching one or more edges of the cover to the outer edge of the container insert; and placing the covered container insert into an open container.

In an embodiment attaching the one or more edges comprises heat sealing.

In an embodiment attaching the one or more edges comprises gluing.

In another aspect the invention broadly provides apparatus for packaging perishable produce provided in a container insert having an outer edge, the apparatus comprising: placement means for placing a cover comprising a flexible sheet material over the produce-filled container insert;

attachment means for attaching one or more edges of the cover to the outer edge of the container insert; and

placing the covered container insert into an open container.

In an embodiment attaching the one or more edges comprises heat sealing.

In an embodiment attaching the one or more edges comprises gluing.

In another aspect the invention broadly provides a container containing perishable produce provided in a container insert in an interior of the container, the container insert being covered by a cover comprising a flexible sheet material, wherein the produce has been packaged in the container according to a method as described above and/or using the apparatus described above. In an embodiment, the container includes at least one wall defining at least one access point to the interior of the container from outside the container.

The wall may define at least one passage or aperture adapted to provide access to the interior of the container from outside the container and/or a passage may be formed between adjacent ones of a plurality of said containers when stacked together.

In an embodiment, the access point is a recess or a handle in the at least one wall, or an offset or dip in a contour of a rim of the at least one wall.

In another aspect the invention broadly provides a method of removing a cover from an interior of a container, the cover comprising a flexible sheet material, the container comprising at least one wall defining the interior of the container, the at least one wall defining at least one access point to the interior of the container from outside the container, the method comprising:

accessing the cover through the at least one access point from outside the container;

removing the cover from the container through the at least one access point.

In an embodiment, the method includes creating a reduced pressure at or near an outer surface of the at least one wall and adjacent the at least one access point, to pull out at least a first portion of the cover through the at least one passage.

In an embodiment, the method includes engaging the first portion of the cover and pulling it through the at least one access point.

In an embodiment, engaging the first portion of the cover is effected manually by an operator and/or using at least one of an automated or semi-automated gripping means and a suction means.

In an embodiment, the access point is defined at least in part by a side wall of the container.

In an embodiment, the cover covers a container insert provided in the interior of the container.

In an embodiment, the container is a container as described above. In an embodiment, the method includes carrying out the method described above sequentially or substantially simultaneously on a plurality of containers each of which comprises a respective cover comprising a flexible sheet material, each of the plurality of containers comprising at least one wall defining the interior of the respective container, each of the at least one walls comprising at least one access point.

In an embodiment, the plurality of containers is arranged in a container array, wherein the container array is an array of side-by-side and/or end-on-end and/or vertically stacked containers. The method may comprise removing a plurality of the covers in a single step.

In another aspect the invention broadly provides apparatus for removing a cover from an interior of a container, the cover comprising a flexible sheet material, the apparatus comprising:

extraction means for extracting the cover from the container;

manipulating means to move and/or orient the extraction means and/or the container relative to each other.

In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a control means for controlling the movement of the manipulating means and/or the container.

In an embodiment, the container comprises at least one wall defining the interior of the container, the at least one wall defining at least one access point to the interior of the container from outside the container, wherein the control means is adapted to control the manipulating means to align the extraction means and the container relative to each other such that the cover is accessible by the extraction means through the access point.

In an embodiment, the extraction means comprises gripping means for gripping at least a first portion of the cover.

In an embodiment, the extraction means comprises suction means adapted to create a reduced pressure to pull out at least a first portion of the cover through the at least one access point.

In an embodiment, the suction means comprises at least one nozzle.

In an embodiment, the suction means includes a pressure source fluidically connected to the at least one nozzle.

In an embodiment, the extraction means comprises a plurality of gripping means and/or suction means arranged in a linear or more complex array to engage and remove a plurality of covers provided in a plurality of respective containers.

In an embodiment, mechanical gripping means and suction means may be used in combination with one of said means, preferably the suction means, extracting a first portion of the cover through the access point and the other of said means extracting the remainder of the cover through the access point. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one receptacle for collecting removed covers, wherein the extraction means and/or the manipulating means is configured to place removed covers in the or a said receptacle.

In an embodiment, the plurality of suction means is fluidically connected to a common pressure source for creating an at least partially reduced pressure.

In an embodiment, the control means is adapted to carry out the method described above. For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in

sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be

chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

The term“comprising” as used in this specification and claims means“consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present. Related terms such as“comprise”, “comprises” and“comprised” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above

and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and

features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known

equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following

description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the

accompanying drawings.

As used herein the term“and/or” means“and” or“or”, or both.

As used herein“(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of

the noun. DRAWING DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 to 5 show respective views of a known packaging process.

Figures 6 to 18 are diagrammatic partial side elevations showing insertion of a sheet material cover member between a container and a container insert.

Figures 19(a) to 19(c) are plan views showing various positions of a container insert within a container.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of an insert member.

Figure 21 is a diagrammatic illustration of a sheet material inserting apparatus.

Figures 21a-d are diagrammatic views in side elevation showing various orientations and sequences of movement of an insertion member or apparatus such as that shown in Figure 21 to facilitate tucking an edge of a sheet material into position between a container insert and an inner wall of the container in which the insert is located.

Figure 22 is a diagrammatic side elevation in cross section showing another packaging example according to the invention.

Figure 23 is a diagrammatic isometric view of a container insert covered with a cover according to another example of the invention.

Figure 24 is a diagrammatic partial side elevation showing attachment of a sheet material cover member to a container insert.

Figure 25 shows diagrammatic side views and a top view or a container according to an example of the invention.

Figure 26 is a diagrammatic isometric view of a container array and an apparatus for removing a cover from an interior of a container according to an example of the invention. Figure 27 is a diagrammatic isometric view of an apparatus for removing a cover from an interior of a container according to an example of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF ONE OR MORE EMBODIMENTS

Throughout the drawings similar features are generally indicated by similar reference numerals.

The present invention allows a part, such as an edge, of a sheet material cover member (for example the polyliner referred to above) to be located between an outer surface of a container insert and the inner surface of the container within which the insert is provided. In the following description the cover member may comprise any suitable sheet material, including materials made of compostable or biodegradable materials, such as compostable plastics for example. In the following description the container insert may comprise any suitable material, including materials made of compostable or biodegradable materials, such as compostable plastics for example. The container insert may be configured to allow selective gas exchange between the packaged items and the external atmosphere.

Locating an edge or edge portion of the cover between an outer surface of a container insert and the inner surface of the container within which the insert is provided means that the cover member may perform its function; for example assisting with moisture retention within the fruit in the container insert, or assisting with control of the atmosphere within which the fruit are provided without the container insert needing to be completely encapsulated in the sheet material. As will be described below, this process allows the sheet material to be physically retained in place so that it can perform its function, and also provides a sufficient seal, for example a partial seal, so that the required function of the sheet material can be achieved.

Referring figure 6, the container 701 has an open mouth 702, a sidewall 704 and a base 705. The insert 20 has pocket 28 which contains fruit 10 and an edge or rim 22. Throughout this description, references to the exterior surface of insert 20 refer to any external surface such as the edge 22, or for example the outer surface of the base of the structure such as the outer surface of the cup formation 28. References to the inner surface of the container include any inner or surface of sidewall 704, or any inner surface of the base 705 for example.

As can be seen from figure 6, the edge portion 610 of sheet material 602 is being located between inner surface of the container insert 20 (represented by edge 22), and inner surface of the container 701 (represented by an inner surface of wall 704). The gaps in the drawing figure are shown in an exaggerated fashion so the arrangement may be seen in practice, there may be contact between edge 22, edge portion 610, and an inner surface of wall 704. Thus the sheet material 602 may be physically engaged between the inner and outer wall portions, and moreover a seal or partial seal can be provided between the container insert 20 and the sheet material 602 so that an appropriate atmosphere is provided for the fruit located between the insert and the sheet material.

Referring to figure 7, it can be seen that the edge of the sheet material 610 incudes one or more curves or has been bunched together. This may be performed to provide two attributes, the first being an enhanced physical retention of the sheet material due to the bunching of the material behind the contact point between the inner and outer surfaces. The second attribute is that the bunched material, due to the curves in the material, provide a tortuous path for gas exchange with the external environment. Therefore, the quality or nature of the seal provided may be varied as required by altering the manner in which the material is bunched or the length or amount of material provided.

In figure 8, the end 610 of the sheet material is shown as being provided so that it is disposed between inner surfaces of the container comprising both the inner sidewall and the inner base, and also provided between the outer surface that the edge of the container insert, and the outer surface at the base of the container insert.

Referring to figure 9, the container insert is shown with a modified edge portion 25 which comprises a rim or lip that has an increased surface area on the outer surface therefore. This may assist with (a) a insertion of the sheet material, (b) enhancement of the retention of the sheet material between the inner and outer surfaces, or (c) the nature or quality of the seal or partial seal which is provided.

In figure 10, another lip rim 26 is shown, this time extending in an upper direction from the container insert (as opposed to the downward direction of lip or rim 25 in figure 9). It will be seen that although items 25 and 26 are shown as being parallel to the sidewall 704 they may be angled or curved or otherwise contoured in order to facilitate any one of the features (a), (b) or (c) referred to immediately above.

Referring to figures 1 1 to 18, one or more methods together with appropriate apparatus, is shown for inserting edge portion 610 between the inner and outer surfaces. As can be seen in figure 1 1 , with the fruit 10 located in the container insert within open container 701 , the process begins with disposing the sheet material 602 across the top of the fruit. Preferably, the material is disposed so that the edge 601 initially extends over and slightly beyond the mouth of the container as show in figure 1 1. The sheet material can be so disposed by a machine, for example being pulled from a roll which is passed over the mouth of a container by a machine then cut when the appropriate length is being dispensed. An insertion assembly or member 800 such as a tongue or blade-like member which preferably has a substantially planar construction, at least in this embodiment, is disposed for actuation in a vertical plain as shown in figure 12. Referring to Figures 12 and 13, member 800 moves vertically downward (figure 12) to depress edge 610 into the side region of the container adjacent to wall 704, and then further to insert edge 610 between the inner and outer surfaces (figure 13). If it is desired to provide edge 610 between the base of the container insert in the container, then the insertion member 800 can be rotate in an angle as shown in figure 14. Moreover, as shown in figures 15 and 16, the insertion member 800 may comprise a plurality of components. In figure 15 component 802 is adapted (in this example having a curved end 804, or may be flexible or resilient to flex or curve as required) to extend beneath the container insert to enable a container insert to be lifted (at least along the appropriate edge) while also pushing the edge 610 beneath the base of the insert. Component 801 is configured to remain in a position substantially as illustrated in figure 15, maintaining frictional engagement with edge 610 by pinching it against the adjacent base surface of insert 20. With component 801 in its fixed orientation, component 802 can be removed, allowing the container insert to fall back in position to trap edge 610 under the base of the insert. This action is shown in figures 16 and 17. Component 801 can then be removed as shown in figure 18.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to move the container insert 20 relative to the container in order to access various sides of the container insert so that there is sufficient space in which to perform the operation or operations as described above for the insertion process. This is shown in Figures 19A to 19C. Figure 19A shows the container insert in a centred position. The insert is pushed to the front in figure 19B or pushed into a corner in figure 19C. This pushing process may occur mechanically, using the insertion apparatus 800 for example, or may alternatively occur by acceleration of the assembly (along with appropriate deceleration) so that there is the required relative movement. This can be performed using an external pushing apparatus for example, or using a conveyor on which the container may be disposed.

It will be appreciated that the insertion assembly 800 may include further features than those described, and may take other various forms: for example the insertion apparatus may comprise a fluid nozzle which is appropriately formed to direct a flow of fluid (for example air) at the required location to push or force the edge 610 into position; or may be incorporate materials or properties such as flexibility which assist with manipulation of the cover or the container. Apparatus which may be used to carry or manipulate the insertion assembly 800‘ is shown diagrammatically in figure 21 in which the insertion means or insertion member 800 is mounted on a carrying member 820 via actuators 822 and 824. The actuators may be individually controllable (shown by arrows 826 and 828) so as to move insertion member 800 uniformly in a vertical direction, or move it non uniformly in a vertical plane so as to provide a guillotine-type action if required. Moreover, the mounting member 820 may in turn be actuated so as to move in a horizontal plane indicated by arrows 830, and/or to rotate about a required axis, as shown for example by arrow 832.

The apparatus shown in figure 21 may be replicated around all 4 sides of the rectangular container, alternatively the container may be rotationally indexed on a conveyor so that one or more sides are operated on sequentially. If the apparatus is provided on all four sides, so that there are four separate insertion members or blades 800, then each insertion member may be actuated simultaneously while still being selectively controlled individually to perform the required function, whether that is a simple movement in a vertical plane, or more subtle movements as required to tuck sheet edges into the required position.

As shown in Figure 20, the insertion apparatus 800 may be constructed a four sided form. In some embodiments the apparatus 800 may be constructed from a packaging material such as cardboard which is pushed into the space between the inner and outer walls to locate the edge 610 as described above, but leaving the insertion means in place. It will be seen that each side may be inserted separately if required.

In some embodiments, insertion members 800 may be controlled in a sequence of movements which have been found to be effective for pushing or tucking sheet material such as edge 610 into a required position between the insert and the inner side of the container. Referring to Figures 21 a-21 d, insertion member 800 is shown diagrammatically in end elevation, and arrows show the direction or directions of sequential movement of the insertion member relative to the adjacent side and base regions of an open container.

In some embodiments the insertion member is controlled as shown in Figure 21 a in which the insertion member 800 (a) enters the container spaced from the container side, then (b) swings toward the container side in an angular movement to make contact with the side wall, or (c) moves toward the container side in a horizontal translation to contact the side wall prior to making a downward movement to push the sheet material downwardly.

In some embodiments the insertion member is controlled as shown in Figure 21 b in which the insertion member 800 is moved angularly as it is moved into or out of the container in Oder to achieve a required frictional interaction with the sheet material. The angle that the blade-like insertion member forms with the container wall is controlled to achieve the correct balance of grip on the plastic sheet without damaging the container. This can also be described as a rubbing or scraping action as the insertion member moves up and down. The combination of angle of the insertion member and retraction of the insertion member can be performed in such a way as to reduce the gripping effect on the sheet material, allowing the insertion member to come back out of the container without pulling sheet material back out along with it.

In some embodiments the insertion member repeats a sequence or sequences of movements, for example using multiple tucks (which may be a single movement or multiple movements) to "stuff" the sheet material into the container, rather than a single tuck.

In some embodiments the insertion member 800 is flexible to accommodate the sides of the container bowing outwards from the pressure exerted by the insertion member, so the the insertion member follows the form or contour of the container wall to facilitate the tucking process.

In some embodiments the force or pressure exerted by the insertion member against the inner side side of the side wall of the container is selectable or adjustable.

In some embodiments the Reducing/adjusting blade spring out force during the retraction cycle of the blade to reduce plastic sheet being pulled back out.

One example of a tucking process is described below with reference to Figure 21 c. The steps shown in Figure 21c are as follows:

1’ Start insertion member above container

2’ insertion member drops into container

3’ insertion member springs out against side of container

4’ insertion member tucks down to bottom of container

5’ insertion member pulls back upwards

6’ insertion member tucks down to bottom of container - tuck 2

7’ insertion member pulls back upwards - tuck 2

8’ insertion member pulls away from side of container

9’ insertion member springs out against side of container - start of cycle 2

10’ insertion member tucks down to bottom of container - tuck 3

1 1’ insertion member pulls back upwards - tuck 3 12’ insertion member tucks down to bottom of container - tuck 4

13’ insertion member pulls back upwards - tuck 4

14’ insertion member pulls away from side of container

15’ insertion member exits container

In some embodiments a combination or multiple of the motions described above may be used, specifically repetitive tucking and re-gripping of the sheet material through sideways motions of the insertion member.

Sideways motion of the insertion member at the bottom of the tucking stroke, then retracting the insertion member, then having the insertion member spring out and plunge down again is another sequence that may be used. Such a sequence is described below with reference to Figure 21 d. The steps shown in Figure 21 d are as follows:

1” Start insertion member above container

2” insertion member springs out against side of container

3” insertion member tucks down to bottom of container

4” insertion member pulls away from side of container

5” insertion member pulls back upwards

6” insertion member springs out against side of container

7” insertion member tucks down to bottom of container - tuck 2

8” insertion member pulls away from side of container

This cycle may repeat. This cycle shown in Figure 21 d may be used as an alternative to, or in combination with, the cycle descrubed in Figure 21c.

Referring to Figure 22, another packaging method will be described. In this example, the cover 602 is folded over the produced filled container insert, so that at least two edges 620 and 622 are located underneath the container insert 20. The wrapped container insert is then placed into the container 701 , so that the edges 620 and 622 are located between the base 706 of the insert and the base wall 705 of the container. In some examples the edges 620 and 622 may not overlap

It will be seen that the arrangement shown in Figure 22 may be used for all four sides of the cover. Alternatively, another method may be used for some of the sides, such as the attachment method described below, or one or more of the methods described earlier in this document.

Referring to Figures 23 and 24 another method will be described. In this method an edge or edges 630 of cover 602 is attached to, or adjacent to, an edge, lip or rim 23 of the container insert 20. Once attached, the container insert can be placed into the container 701 . The attachment can be effected by applying a force to engage the cover edge with the insert as indicated by arrow 650. The attachment may comprise heat sealing, adhesive or a combination of these. It will also be seen that in some embodiments the method of figures 23 and 24 may be used in combination with the methods described earlier in this document. For example, some sides of the cover 602 may be sealed or partially sealed with the insert using some methods, and other edges of the cover may be sealed or partially sealed using other methods disclosed herein.

Referring now to Figure 25, a container 701 containing perishable produce provided in a container insert 20 (not shown) in an interior of the container 701 is depicted. Figures 25a and 25b show side views of the container 701 , while Figure 25c shows a top view. The container insert 20 is covered by a cover 602 comprising a flexible sheet material as shown in, for example, Figure 7. In the embodiment shown in Figure 25, the produce may have been packaged in the container 701 according to a method and/or using the apparatus described with reference to Figures 6 to 24.

In certain embodiments, the container 701 includes at least one wall defining at least one access point 900 to the interior of the container 701 from outside the container 701. In the embodiment shown in Figure 25, the at least one wall comprising the access point 900 is a sidewall 704 of the container 701 . In certain embodiments, it is also envisaged that the at least one wall defining the at least one access point 900 is the base 705 or a top of the container, or may be at an edge or corner that joins multiple walls.

Figure 25 shows several examples of access points 900, 900’, 900”, 900’”, and 900”” having differing shapes and sizes and being located in different regions of the at least one wall. The skilled person will appreciate that in some embodiments a single access point 900 may be sufficient. While the access points 900, 900’, and 900”” can be described as being rectangular apertures or passages in the corresponding walls of the container 701 , access point 900” has the form of a circular aperture or passage. Other shapes are also possible. In certain embodiments, the access point is an offset or dip in a contour of a rim 901 of the at least one wall, as shown at 900’”. The skilled person will appreciate that in cases where two or more containers are stacked on top of each other, as shown in Figure 27, which will be discussed in more detail further below, the access point 900’” in the form a dip in the contour of the rim 901 of the at least one wall may have a similar functionality like the apertures of passages 900, 900’, 900”, and 900””, in that it provides access to the interior of the container 701 from outside the container 701.

The access points 900 are configured in size and shape to provide access for an extraction means of an apparatus 1000 for removing the cover 602 from the interior of the container 701 , which will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 26 and 27 below.

A method of removing a cover 602 from the interior of a container 701 will now be described with reference to Figure 26.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 26, the plurality of containers 701 , 70T is arranged in a stacked container array, with one container 701 sitting on top of another container 70T. In other embodiments however, more complex arrays including a side-by-side and/or end-on- end configuration, and combinations thereof, are envisaged, as well as configurations in which only individual containers are provided.

Each container 701 , 70T may be a container as described in the context of Figures 6-23.

The cover 602 provided in each container 701 , 70T comprises a flexible sheet material and may cover a container insert 20 (not shown) as described in the context of Figures 6-23, provided in the interior of the container 701.

Each container 701 comprises at least one wall, here sidewalls 704, defining the interior of the container 701 , wherein the at least one wall defines at least one access point 900 to the interior of the container 701 from outside the container 701 , as explained in the context of Figure 25 above. In Figure 26, the access point 900 is depicted as a passage or aperture in the sidewalls 704 of the container 701 , but the skilled person will appreciate that in other embodiments, the containers 701 and 70T may exhibit any sort of access points discussed in the context of Figure 25.

It is also noted that, while only one access point 900 per container 701 , 70T is visible in Figure 26, corresponding access points 900 may be located in the opposing side walls facing apparatus 1000, in order to provide access to the inside of the containers 701 , 701’ from the side apparatus 1000, as will be apparent from the description further below.

The method preferably comprises the steps of:

accessing the cover 602 through the at least one access point 900 from outside the container 701 ;

removing the cover 602 from the container 701 through the at least one access point 900.

While the method may be achieved manually by an operator, in the embodiment shown in Figure 26, the method is at least partially performed by apparatus 1000.

In the shown embodiment, for each container 701 , 70T, the method includes creating a reduced pressure at or near an outer surface of the at least one wall and adjacent the at least one access point 900, to pull out at least a first portion of the cover 602 through the at least one access point 900. To this end, the apparatus 1000 is equipped with extraction means 1001 , which are configured to interact with the access points 900 to remove the cove 602 from inside the containers 701 , 70T.

In an embodiment, the method includes engaging the first portion of the cover 602 and pulling it through the at least one access point 900.

In an embodiment, engaging the first portion of the cover 602 is effected manually by an operator and/or using an automated or semi-automated extraction means 1001 which may be included in or separate from apparatus 1000, like at least one of a gripping means 1001” and/or a suction meanslOOT.

In an embodiment, the method includes carrying out the method described above

sequentially or substantially simultaneously on the plurality or stack of containers 701 , 70T, each of which comprises a respective cover 602 comprising a flexible sheet material, each of the plurality of containers 701 , 70T comprising at least one wall defining the interior of the respective container 701 , 70T, each of the at least one walls comprising at least one access point 900.

The method may comprise removing a plurality of the covers 602 in a single step.

A further embodiment of an apparatus for removing a cover 602 comprising a flexible sheet material from an interior of a container 701 is displayed in Figure 27. Similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 26, the apparatus 1000 comprises extraction means 1001 for extracting the cover from the container 701 , as well as manipulating means 1003 to move and/or orient the extraction means 1001 relative to the container 701 . While in the embodiment shown in Figure 26, the manipulating means 1003 are in the form of a conveyor belt to move and/or orient the container 701 relative to the apparatus 1000, the embodiment of Figures 27a and 27b show an embodiment in which the manipulating means 1003 is configured to move and/or orient the part of the apparatus 1000 equipped with the extraction means 1001 . Such manipulating means 1003 could have the form of, for example, a robotic arm or a simple linear actuator. Other embodiments include combinations of the two variants of manipulating means 1003 shown in Figures 26 and 27, i.e. the manipulating means 1003 may comprise both means to move and/or orient the one or more containers 701 , 701’ and means to move and/or orient the extraction means 1001.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 26 and 27, the apparatus 1000 comprises control means 1005 for controlling the movement of the manipulating means 1003 and hence the movements of the extraction means 1001 and the container 701 relative to each other.

The control means 1005 is adapted to control the manipulating means 1003 to align the extraction means 1001 and the containers 701 , 70T relative to each other such that the covers 602 of each container are accessible by the extraction means 1001 through the respective access points 900. Accordingly, the control means 1005 may be programmable and may be an integrated circuit, computer, printed circuit board, or any other suitable industrial machine controller, In the embodiment shown in Figure 26, the controller may be configured to control the speed of the conveyor belt 1003 so that the covers 602 of each of the containers 701 , 70T can be extracted from inside the containers 701 , 70T by means of the extraction means 1001 , through the access points (not shown) on the side of the containers 701 , 701 facing the apparatus 1000.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 27, the extraction means 1001 comprises both gripping means 1001” for gripping at least a first portion of the cover 602, and suction means 100T adapted to create a reduced pressure to pull out at least a first portion of the cover 602 through the at least one access point 900. For the sake of clarity, only one set of suction means 100T and gripping means 1001” is equipped with reference signs in Figure 27. As indicated by the arrows 1010 in Figure 27, the gripping means are movable to relative to the apparatus 1000 to pull out at least the first portion of the cover 602. In the embodiments shown, the suction means 1001 comprises a linear (Fig. 27) or two- dimensional (Fig. 26) array of extraction means 1001 , but may comprise a single extraction means as well, for example a single nozzle 1001’ or gripping means 1001”.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 26 and 27, the suction means 1001’ include a pressure source 1006 fluidically connected to the at least one nozzle.

As the skilled person will appreciate in view of the embodiments shown in Figures 26 and 27, the extraction means 1001 may comprise a plurality of gripping means 1001” and/or suction means 1001’ arranged in a linear or more complex array to engage and remove a plurality of covers 602 provided in a plurality of respective containers 701 , 701’.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 27, the mechanical gripping means 1001” and suction means 1001’ may be used in combination with one of said means, preferably the suction means 1001”, extracting a first portion of the cover 602 through the access point 900 and the other of said means 1001 extracting the remainder of the cover 602 through the access point 900.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 1000 comprises at least one receptacle (not shown) for collecting removed covers 602, wherein the extraction means 1001 and/or the manipulating means 1003 is configured to place removed covers 602 in the or a said receptacle.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 26, the plurality of suction means 1001” is fluidically connected to a common pressure source 1006 for creating an at least partially reduced pressure.

In an embodiment, the control means 1005 is adapted to carry out the method described above.

While the method and apparatus for removing a cover from an interior of a container, described in view of Figures 25-27, have been explained with reference to the method or apparatus for packaging perishable produce described with reference to Figures 6-24, the skilled person will appreciate that the method and apparatus for removing a cover from an interior of a container can be used independently from the method or apparatus for packaging perishable produce described with reference to Figures 6-24.