Biodegradable Produce Enclosure

Abstract

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

1 . A mesh basket, comprising:
 a rigid lattice structure having a fibrous side and bottom, the structure comprising a plurality of lattice elements that collectively define a plurality of visually non-occluded lattice holes; and   wherein the apparent collective area of the holes is at least 40% of the apparent collective area of the lattice structure.   
     
     
         2 . The basket of  claim 1 , further comprising a film layer covering at least 100 cm 2  of the apparent collective area of the lattice holes. 
     
     
         3 . The basket of  claim 2 , wherein the film layer covers the bottom of the lattice structure. 
     
     
         4 . The basket of  claim 2 , wherein the film layer is essentially transparent. 
     
     
         5 . The basket of  claim 2 , wherein the film layer is biodegradable. 
     
     
         6 . The basket of  claim 1 , further comprising a fibrous top removably coupled to the lattice structure. 
     
     
         7 . The basket of  claim 1 , wherein the lattice structure comprises a pulp-molded body. 
     
     
         8 . The basket of  claim 1 , wherein the lattice structure comprises a paperboard. 
     
     
         9 . The basket of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the lattice holes has an area of at least  4  cm 2 . 
     
     
         10 . The basket of  claim 1 , further comprising a window having a surface area of at least  9  cm 2 . 
     
     
         11 . The basket of  claim 1 , wherein the lattice structure is configured to withstand a force of 10 pounds without deformation. 
     
     
         12 . The basket of  claim 1 , wherein the apparent collective area of the holes is at least 50% of the apparent collective area of the lattice structure.