Fruit or Vegetable Pods

Abstract

The invention is drawn to methods and apparatus for protecting fruits and vegetables, particularly soft-skinned fruits and vegetables, from bruising, crushing and other damage during transport. Preferably, the apparatus of the present invention are designed for transport and protection of individual or small numbers of fruits and vegetables. Methods include methods for protecting fruit and vegetable from damage during transport.

1 ) An apparatus for transporting at least one fruit or vegetable, comprising an inflatable container having
 a) an outer substantially gas-impermeable film comprising a outer bottom region and an outer side wall extending radially upwards and around the outer bottom region,   b) an inner substantially gas-impermeable film comprising a inner bottom region and an inner side wall extending radially upwards and around the inner bottom region; wherein   the outer side wall and the inner side wall form a top rim defining an opening, said inner film defining a lumen open to the air through said opening, and wherein said opening is sufficiently large when the apparatus is uninflated to permit at least one fruit or vegetable to be placed within said lumen, and said opening is sufficiently small when the apparatus is inflated to secure said fruit or vegetable within said apparatus without a lid.   
   
   
       2 ) The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said container lacks a lid. 
   
   
       3 ) The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the container comprises a valve for inflating or deflating said apparatus. 
   
   
       4 ) The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein when said container is inflated said inner film comprises two or more inward-facing, inflated projections. 
   
   
       5 ) The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein when said apparatus is inflated said inner film comprises two or more inward-facing ribs. 
   
   
       6 ) The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said apparatus is shaped to accommodate a substantially spherical fruit or vegetable. 
   
   
       7 ) The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said apparatus is shaped to accommodate a substantially elongated fruit or vegetable. 
   
   
       8 ) A method of protecting a fruit or vegetable from bruising comprising placing said fruit or vegetable within a lumen of an inflatable container having
 a) an outer substantially gas-impermeable film comprising a outer bottom region, an outer side wall extending radially upwards and around the outer bottom region,   b) an inner substantially gas-impermeable film comprising a inner bottom region, a inner side wall extending radially upwards and around the inner bottom; wherein   the outer side wall and the inner side wall form a top rim defining an opening, said inner film defining a lumen open to the air through said opening, said opening being sufficiently large when the apparatus is uninflated to permit at least one fruit or vegetable to be placed within said lumen, said opening being sufficiently small when the apparatus is inflated to retain said fruit or vegetable within said lumen without a lid, and   inflating said apparatus.   
   
   
       9 ) The method of  claim 8  wherein said inflatable container is inflated before placing the fruit or vegetable within said lumen. 
   
   
       10 ) The method of  claim 8  wherein said inflatable container is inflated after placing the fruit or vegetable within said lumen. 
   
   
       11 ) The method of  claim 8  wherein said fruit or vegetable is selected from the group consisting of: apples, peaches, grapes, tomatoes, apricots, melons, avocados, bananas, mangos, plums, berries, cherries, pears, nectarines, and oranges. 
   
   
       12 ) The method of  claim 8  wherein more than one fruit or vegetable is placed within said lumen. 
   
   
       13 ) The method of  claim 8  wherein the inflatable container comprises a valve for inflating or deflating said apparatus. 
   
   
       14 ) The method of  claim 8  wherein said container is shaped to accommodate a substantially spherical fruit or vegetable. 
   
   
       15 ) The method of  claim 8  wherein said container is shaped to accommodate a substantially elongated fruit or vegetable. 
   
   
       16 ) An apparatus comprising a container having
 a) an outer surface comprising an outer bottom region and an outer side wall extending radially upwards from and around the outer bottom region, and   b) an inner surface comprising a inner bottom region and an inner side wall extending radially upwards from and around the inner bottom region; wherein the outer side wall joins the inner side wall to form a top lip defining an opening, wherein the inner surface defines a lumen open to the air through the opening, and wherein an impact buffering material is located between said inner surface and said outer surface.   
   
   
       17 ) The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the opening is sufficiently large, and/or to the material comprising the top lip sufficiently flexible to permit at least one fruit or vegetable to be placed on the inner surface within the lumen. 
   
   
       18 ) The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the opening is sufficiently small and/or the top lip sufficiently flexible to maintain the apparatus in position substantially surrounding the fruit or vegetable. 
   
   
       19 ) The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein said container is shaped to accommodate a substantially spherical fruit or vegetable. 
   
   
       20 ) The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein said container is shaped to accommodate a substantially elongated fruit or vegetable.