Produce packing and handling apparatus and method

摘要

The present invention is concerned with apparatus and methods for packing and handling articles of produce and the like. The apparatus includes a uniquely designed produce basket and rack combination. The basket comprises a framework containing a basket opening. A flange is detachably attached to the framework and surrounds the basket opening. A pair of lugs extend out from the flange, and function as handles for carrying the basket or for pulling the flange to detach it from the basket framework. An air-permeable barrier is heat sealed to the flange to create a closure to the basket opening. The closure is first opened by detaching at least a portion of the basket flange from the framework and is closed by pulling the detached flange portion down around the opening of the framework and engaging a spur. The rack comprises a rack framework which includes a top end containing a plurality of rack openings. Each rack opening is configured and dimensioned to receive a produce basket and suspend the basket by its flange at the top end. The rack tapers from a bottom end to the top end, such that the rack can be stacked with a second rack of similar configuration. The rack can be stacked in either a raised or a lowered stacked configuration.