AU2013206121A1 - Improved Container and Blanks Therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A container having a base, a first pair of opposed sidewalls and a second pair of opposed sidewalls, the sidewalls of one of the first pair or second pair of opposed sidewalls having an upper edge, an inwardly extending ledge, an angled panel extending downwardly from the ledge at an angle towards an inner surface of the sidewall, and an attachment flap extending from the angled panel, the attachment flap including at least one portion formed from a cut-out in the angled panel, the at least one portion extending upwardly from a fold line between the attachment flap and the angled panel. The container may be erected from a single piece blank or from a multiple piece blank.

Description

TITLE Improved Container and Blanks Therefor TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an improved container. The present invention also relates to blanks for the improved container. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Bananas are a staple food in the diet of many people around the world. Bananas grow in large bunches on the banana trees. Once the bunches have been removed from the tree, the bananas are removed from the bunches for packaging. At this stage, the bananas are typically in the form of individual bananas, clusters of 2-6 bananas or in hands of bananas that contain anywhere from six or more bananas. Bananas are typically picked green, transported to markets and gas ripened with ethylene prior to being offered for sale . [0003] Bananas can prove difficult to transport. Due to the curved shape of bananas and due to consumer preference to buy bananas in the form of hands containing two or more bananas, the bananas can be difficult to efficiently package into boxes for storage and transport. One solution that has been arrived at for packing bananas into boxes involves placing a central layer of bananas in the bottom of the box such that the bananas have their respective ends positioned downwardly with the convex surface of their body extending upwardly. A second layer of bananas is laid over and to one side of the central layer of bananas. A third layer of bananas is then laid over and to the other side of the central layer of bananas. Often, mixed sized clusters of bananas are located in the second layer and third layer of bananas to make a firm fit. [0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved container and to provide a blank or blanks from which the container can be erected. In some embodiments, the improved container of the present invention can be used for the storage and transport of bananas and other bulk produce. [0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a container having a base, a first pair of opposed sidewalls and a second pair of opposed sidewalls, the sidewalls of one of the first pair or second pair of opposed sidewalls having an upper edge, an inwardly extending ledge, an angled panel extending downwardly from the ledge at an angle towards an inner surface of the sidewall, and an attachment flap extending from the angled panel, the attachment flap including at least one portion formed from a cut-out in the angled panel, the at least one portion extending upwardly from a fold line between the attachment flap and the angled panel. [0007] The at least one portion formed from a cut-out in the angled panel may comprise one or more tabs. For convenience, the at least one portion formed from a cut-out in the angled panel will be referred to as "one or more tabs" throughout the remainder of this specification. However, it will be appreciated that the at least one portion formed from a cut-out in the angled panel may take any desired shape. [0008] During erection of the container, the attachment flap and the one or more tabs will typically be glued to the inner surface of the respective side wall. An adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive may be used to effect glueing of the attachment flap and the one or more tabs to the inner surface of the respective side wall. [0009] In some embodiments, the inwardly extending ledge is formed from a ledge panel. The ledge panel may have end extensions at one or both ends thereof. The end extensions may be folded downwardly and secured to respective side walls. In one embodiment, each end extension is folded downwardly over respective side walls that are adjacent to the sidewall from which the ledge extends and each end extension is attached to the respective adjacent sidewall. The end extensions may be attached to the respective adjacent sidewall using an adhesive. [0010] In some embodiments, the container is provided with corner posts. The corner posts may be provided by providing one pair of the opposed wall panels with respective corner post panels extending therefrom, the corner post panels having appropriate fold lines to enable the corner posts to be formed during erection of the container. [0011] In other embodiments, corner reinforcement may be provided by each corner having an oblique flap extending across the corner. [0012] The container may be provided with corner stacking projections that extend upwardly from each corner of the container. The container may also be provided with stacking recesses or openings in a bottom part thereof, the stacking recesses or openings being positioned and sized such that they receive the corner stacking projections on a similar container positioned below the container. [0013] The container will also be provided with a base. In some embodiments, the base is provided with one or more ventilation openings. [0014] At least two of the sidewalls of the container may be provided with one or more ventilation openings. Suitably, two opposed sidewalls are provided with ventilation openings to facilitate flow-through ventilation. [0015] The container may also be provided with hand hold openings in two opposed walls to facilitate handling of the container. These hand holes may be reinforced with a section of the wall being folded down 180 degrees and adhered to the panel wall. [0016] In some embodiments, the container may be provided with a bridging insert. The bridging insert may be placed in the tray with or without adhesive being applied to secure the insert. The bridging insert may comprise a central panel that, in use, is spaced from the base of the container, angled panels extending downwardly from each side of the central panel, the angled panels acting to space the central panel above the base of the container, and base contacting panels extending from the angled panels, the base contacting panels resting on the base of the container. The base contacting panels may be provided with outer panels, each outer panel extending upwardly in use and lying generally parallel to a respective side wall of the container. These outer panels may be of a specific size so as to lock the insert beneath the board of the ledge and be held in place by the memory of the board or adhered into place. The bridging insert may be used to support a central layer of bananas and to help space the ends of the bananas above the base of the container (and above the base engaging panels of the bridging insert). In this manner, much of the weight of the bananas is borne by the intermediate part of the bananas that contact the central panel of the bridging insert. As a result, the forces applied to the ends of the bananas are reduced or minimised and this has the effect of minimising bending of the neck of the bananas, which can lead to unsightly discolouration of the bananas and cause damage to the bananas. [0017] The bridging insert may be provided with one or more ventilation openings. The one or more ventilation openings may be provided in the central panel of the bridging insert. [0018] The bridging insert may be made from a single piece of paperboard or cardboard. The angled panels and central panel may be joined along respective fold lines, score lines, or _r lines of perforations or openings. The base contacting panels and the angled panels may be joined along respective fold lines, score lines, or lines of perforations or openings. The outer panels may be attached to the respective base contacting panels along respective fold lines, score lines, or lines of perforations or openings. Selected cuts and creases may be used to customise the rigidity of the insert and cushioning properties for the bananas. [0019] In the container of the present invention, the ledge panel and the angled panel extending downwardly from the ledge panel, in association with the respective side wall of the container, form a triangular beam that increases the strength of the upper part of the container. The ledge panel provides a surface on which other containers may be stacked on the container. This may allow containers of different size to be stacked on the container. Desirably, the ledge panel has a width that is sufficiently large to enable containers of different size to be stacked on the container. In some embodiments, the ledge panel may range in size from 20 mm to 100 mm, more suitably from 30 mm to 70 mm. [0020] The attachment flap is attached to a lower edge of the angled panel. The attachment flap may be joined to the angled panel along a fold line. The angled panel may be provided with one or more cut lines that define a cutout portion having 3 edges, such that when the attachment flap is folded to lie generally parallel to a sidewall, the cut lines define one or more tabs extending from the attachment flap. The one or more tabs will extend upwardly beyond the fold line between the attachment flap and the angled panel. In this manner, the attachment flap can be glued or otherwise joined to the sidewall at locations positioned above the fold line and below the fold line. This increases the strength of the join between the attachment flap and the sidewall. This also acts to minimise the tendency of the memory of the material from which the container is made to force the attachment flap out of contact with the sidewall. [0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the container is used for the storage and transport of bananas. The angle of the angled panels may generally follow the angle of bananas that are stacked in the container. In this manner, movement of the bananas is minimised during transport of the bananas. This, of course, minimises bruising and other damage to the bananas. Suitably, the container may be used for the storage and transport of the bananas, as well as being used to display the bananas for wholesale or retail sale. Use of the bridging insert may also assist in minimising damage to the bananas. In some embodiments, the container is provided with ventilation openings that allow for flow-through ventilation in a generally horizontal direction and also flow-through ventilation in a generally vertical direction. This assists in preventing hotspots in the container. This is advantageous in that uneven ripening may occur if hotspots are formed in the container. [0022] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a blank for erecting a container, the blank comprising a base, a first pair of opposed side wall panels and a second pair of opposed side wall panels, one of the pairs of opposed side wall panels being arranged such that each sidewall panel of the pair has a ledge panel extending therefrom, a fold line being located between the sidewall panel and the ledge panel, the ledge panel having an angled panel extending therefrom, a fold line being located between the ledge panel and the angled panel, the angled panel having an attachment flap extending therefrom, a fold line being located between the attachment flap and the angled panel, the angled panel including at least one cutout portion that defines one or more tabs attached to the attachment flap when the angled panel and the attachment flap are folded at an angle to each other. [0023] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a multiple piece blank for forming a container in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the multiple piece blank comprising a first blank having a base, opposed first sidewall panels extending from opposed edges of the base and at least a second blank, the second blank including a sidewall panel, the sidewall panel having a ledge panel extending therefrom, the ledge panel having an angled panel extending therefrom, a fold line being located between the ledge panel and the angled panel, the angled panel having an attachment flap extending therefrom, a fold line being located between the attachment flap and the angled panel, the angled panel including at least one cutout portion that defines one or more tabs attached to the attachment flap when the angled panel and the attachment flap are folded at an angle to each other, wherein the first blank and the second blank are joined together during erection of the container. [0024] In one embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, the multiple piece blank includes a third blank, including a sidewall panel, the sidewall panel having a ledge panel extending therefrom, the ledge panel having an angled panel extending therefrom, a fold line being located between the ledge panel and the angled panel, the angled panel having an attachment flap extending therefrom, a fold line being located between the attachment flap and the angled panel, the angled panel including at least one cutout portion that defines one or more tabs attached to the attachment flap when the angled panel and the attachment flap are folded at an angle to each other, wherein the first blank and the second blank are joined together during erection of the container and wherein the first blank and the third blank are joined together during erection of the container. [0025] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0026] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0027] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0028] Figure 2 shows a view of the inside of the container shown in figure 1, with figure 2 showing detail of the sidewall, angled panel and attachment flap; [0029] Figure 3 shows a view of the inside of the container shown in figure 1, with figure 3 showing detail of part of opposed side walls and an end wall; [0030] Figure 4 shows a further view of the container shown in figure 1, with figure 4 showing further detail of the ledge panel, angled panel and attachment flap; [0031] Figure 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the container shown in figure 1; [0032] Figure 6 shows an end perspective view of an embodiment of a bridging insert suitable for use in the present invention; [0033] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the container shown in figure 1 being fitted with the bridging insert shown in figure 6; [0034] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The container shown in figure 8 is made from multiple blanks or multiple blank pieces; [0035] Figure 9 shows a further view of the container shown in figure 8, with figure 9 showing further detail of the sidewall of the container; [0036] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the container in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. The container shown in figure 10 is made from multiple blanks or multiple break pieces; [0037] Figure 11 shows a view of the container shown in figure 10, with figure 11 showing detail of the corner reinforcement arrangement of the container; [0038] Figure 12 shows the container of figure 1 being fitted with the bridging insert of figure 6, and a hand of bananas being stacked inside the container as part of the initial filling of the container with bananas; [0039] Figure 13 shows the container figure 12 being stacked with additional bananas to fill a central layer of bananas in the container; [0040] Figure 14 shows the container of figure 13 with further bananas being placed inside; [0041] Figure 15 shows the container figure 14 being fully stacked with bananas; [0042] Figure 16 shows a close-up view of the bananas positioned adjacent to the ledge panel and angled panel of the container; [0043] Figure 17 shows a perspective view of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the container of figure 17 being made from a multiple piece blank; [0044] Figure 18 shows an end view of the container shown in figure 17; [0045] Figure 19 shows a perspective view from above of the container shown in figure 17; [0046] Figure 20 shows a top view of a blank suitable for use in erection of the container shown in figure 1; [0047] Figure 21 shows a top view of a multiple piece blank suitable for erecting the container shown in figure 10; [0048] Figure 22 shows a top view of a multiple piece blank suitable for erecting the container shown in figure 8 [0049] . Figure 23 shows a top view of a multiple piece blank suitable for erecting a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and [0050] Figures 24 and 25 show various views of a container erected from the blamkshown in Figure 23.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0051] It will be understood that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it will be understood that the invention should not be considered to be limited to the features as shown in the drawings. [0052] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The container comprises a base 10 having a first pair of opposed side walls 12, 14 and a second pair of opposed side walls 16, 18. The base 10 includes ventilation openings 20, 22. The sidewall 16, 18 include openings 24, 26, which can be used as hand holds to facilitate handling of the container. [0053] The sidewall 14 is provided with a ledge panel 28. The ledge panel 28 extends inwardly from the upper edge 30 of sidewall 14. The ledge panel 28 forms a ledge at the top part of the container. Similarly, the sidewall 12 is provided with a ledge panel 32 that extends inwardly from upper edge of sidewall 12. The ledge panel 28 is hinged to the sidewall 14 and ledge panel 32 is hinged to the sidewall 12. [0054] The ledge panel 28 is provided with an end flap 29 that is folded over sidewall 16 and glued in place. Similarly, the ledge panel 32 is provided with an end flap 33 that is also folded over sidewall 16 and glued in place. The other end of ledge panel is 28, 32 are provided with similar end flaps (not shown) that are folded over sidewall 18. Glue is used to attach the end flaps to the respective sidewall 16, 18. [0055] The container further includes an angled panel 36. This is best shown in figures 2 to 4. As can be seen, angled panel 36 extends downwardly from fold line 38 that is located at the inner edge of ledge panel 28. An attachment flap 40 extends from the angled panel 38. Attachment flap 40 is attached to the angled panel 38 at fold lines 42. As best shown in figure 4, attachment flap 40 is positioned such that it extends generally parallel to sidewall 14 and so that a surface of the attachment flap 40 abuts against the inner surface of sidewall 14. [0056] As best shown in figures 2 and 4, the angled panel 36 also includes 2 cutout regions 44, 46. The cutout regions 44, 46 are each defined by three cut lines. When the attachment flap 40 is folded with respect to the angled panel 36, the cutout portions in the angled panel remain attached to the attachment flap 40. As best shown in figure 2, the cut out portions define 2 tabs 48, 50 that extend upwardly above the fold lines 42. An adhesive is placed between the attachment flap 40 and the tabs 48, 50 and the inner surface of the sidewall 14 to thereby glue the attachment flap 40 and the tabs 48, 50 to the inner surface of side wall 14. This holds the attachment flap (including the tabs), the angled panel and the ledge in position. The angled panel, ledge and the respective underlying sidewall effectively forms a triangular beam at the upper part of the sidewall 14. This triangular beam adds to the strength of the upper part of the container whilst also providing a ledge 28 that can be used to enable stacking of differently sized containers on top of the container. [0057] The attachment flap 40 and the two tabs 48, 50 are glued to the sidewall. The two tabs 48, 50 are located above the fold line at which the attachment flap 40 is joined to the angled panel 36. In this manner, a more secure bond between the attachment flap and the sidewall is achieved because there is a greater surface area (by virtue of the inclusion of the tabs 48, 50) available for glueing to the sidewall. Further, by virtue of the attachment tabs 48, 50 being located above the fold line 42, the tendency of the attachment flap 4o to want to pull away from the sidewall 14 due to memory in the material from which the container is made is reduced. [0058] The container may also be provided with corner posts to strengthen the corners of the container. With reference to figure 3, sidewall 12 may be provided with end panels. The end panels include a first panel (not shown in figure 3) that is positioned adjacent to the sidewall 18 in the erected container. An oblique panel 52 is folded back about fold line 54 so that the oblique panel 52 extends across the corner of the container. An attachment panel 56 that is joined to the oblique panel 52 about fold line 58 is attached to sidewall 12 by use of an appropriate adhesive. This maintains the corner post in position. The first panel may also be glued to sidewall 18. [0059] The containing 10 may also be provided with stacking projections 60. These stacking projections may be of conventional construction and need not be described further. The stacking projections 60 are of complementary shape to stacking recesses 62 formed in the bottom of the container (see figure 5). [0060] The sidewalls 12, 14 are also provided with ventilation openings 64 to facilitate provision of flow-through ventilation in a generally horizontal direction in the container. The ventilation openings in the container assist in minimising or avoiding any hotspots in the container, which may otherwise adversely affect how produce in the container ripens. [0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, particularly those embodiments where the container is used for storage and transport of bananas, a bridging insert may be positioned in the container. One embodiment of a suitable bridging insert is shown in figure 6. The bridging insert shown in figure 6 includes a central panel 72 having ventilation openings 74 formed therein. A first angled panel 76 extends from one side of the central panel 72 and a I U second angled panel 78 extends from the other side of central panel 72. Fold line 77 is located between central panel 72 and angled panel 76. Second fold line 79 extends between central panel 72 and angled panel 78. A base contacting panel 80 extends from the outer edge of angled panel 76, with fold line 81 being located between angled panel 76 and base contacting panel 80. Similarly, a base contacting panel 82 extends from the outer edge of angled panel 78 with a fold line 83 being located between angled panel 78 and base contacting panel 82. An outer panel 84 extends from base contacting panel 80, with fold line 85 being located therebetween. An outer panel 86 extends from base contacting panel 82, with fold line 87 being located therebetween. [0062] The bridging insert 70 is arranged such that its width, when in a flat configuration, is wider than the width of the container shown in figures 1 to 5. In order to fit the bridging insert 70 into the container, the bridging insert must be folded so that the central panel 72 is raised, the angled panels 76, 78 extend downwardly and outwardly, the base contacting panels 80, 82 contact the base of the container and the outer panels 84, 86 lie in abutment next to the sidewalls 12, 14 of the container. Figure 7 shows the bridging insert 70 being positioned within a container. In one embodiment, the bridging pennant 70 may be made from a functional material, such as a plastic lined paperboard material. The bridging insert presents the functional surface of the functional material to the interior of the container, thereby increasing the surface area of functional material presented to the interior of the container. The outer panels also present a layer of functional material extending along the sidewalls of the container. [0063] The container shown in figures 1 to 5 is erected from a single blank. However, there are other embodiments of the present invention in which the container can be erected from a multiplicity of blanks. Figures 8 and 9 show various views of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention that may be erected from three separate blanks or blank pieces. The container shown in figures 8 and 9 is generally similar to the container shown in figure 1 in that it includes the ledge, angled panel extending from the ledge and the attachment flap with two tabs hingedly attached to the angled panel. It also includes the reinforced corner post construction, the stacking projections and the stacking recesses. These features need not be described further. [0064] Unlike the container shown in figures 1 to 5, the container shown in figures 8 and 9 is made from three separate blanks. The first blank is a "wrap" blank that includes a base 90, a first short sidewall 92 and a similar short sidewall on the opposed side of the container (not shown). The first blank also includes a sidewall 94 and an opposed sidewall 95. The sidewalls 94, 95 are provided with respective end flaps. One end flap 96 that is hinged to sidewall 94 is I I shown in figure 8. Similarly, end flap 97 that is hinged to sidewall 95 is also shown in figure 8. [0065] The container shown in figures 8 and 9 also includes two sidewall blanks that form the sidewalls 12A and 14A, respectively. These blanks are essentially identical to each other and they are used to form a sidewall structure similar to that of the sidewalls 12, 14 shown in figures 1 to 4. [0066] In order to erect the container shown in figures 8 to 10, the wrap blank is folded such that the respective sidewalls and end flaps are folded to the configuration shown in figures 8 and 9. The sidewall blanks are then folded and inserted into the erected wrap blank. Glue is then used to connect the outer surfaces of the sidewall blanks to the wrap blank. In this regard, glue is positioned on the inner surfaces of the short sidewalls 92 and the end flaps 96, 97, as well as on the overlapping parts of the side walls 94, 95, to thereby glue the side wall blanks to the wrap blank. [0067] Figures 10 and 11 show views of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The container shown in figures 10 and 11 is also made from three separate blanks that are glued together to form the erected container. The only difference between the embodiments shown figures 8 and 9 and the container shown in figures 10 and 11 is that rather than forming corner posts by use of a fold back panel, an oblique panel 100 extends across each corner of the container of figures 10 and 11, with an attachment flap 102 being used to hold the oblique panel 100 in position. Glue will typically be used to join in the attachment flap 102 to the sidewall 18B. The remainder of the features shown in figures 10 and 11 need not be described further. [0068] Figures 12 to 16 show the container of figures 1 to 4 being stacked with bananas. As can be seen from figure 12, the container is fitted with the bridging insert 70. A hand of bananas 110 is placed such that the bananas have a convex surface facing upwardly. As can be seen, the necks of the bananas 112 are located to one side of the central panel 70 and the other end of the bananas 114 are located to the other side of central panel 72. In this manner, the central panel 72 or the associated angled panels 76, 78 provide some support to the bananas. Thus, all the weight of the bananas is not borne by the necks or ends of the bananas. The bridging insert 70 also acts to space the bananas away from the base of the container. The presence of ventilation holes in the base of the container and in in the central panel of the bridging insert allows for enhanced ventilation within the container, thereby minimising formation of hotspots within the container. [0069] In order to continue filling the box with bananas, further hands of bananas are I C_ located next to the hand of bananas 110 shown in figure 12. Figure 13 shows a first layer of bananas 116 extending essentially along the entire length of the bridging insert 70. [0070] Bananas may then be stacked on either side of the layer of bananas 116. This is shown in figure 14. Further stacking is used to then fill the container. The filled container is shown in figure 15. [0071] Figure 17 shows a close-up view of the ledge 28 and angled panel 36 in a container that is filled with bananas. As can be seen, the angled panel 36 comes into contact with part of the outer surface of some of the bananas to thereby minimise the likelihood of the bananas being bounced or jostled during transport. This is likely to minimise the damage done to the bananas during transport. Furthermore, due to the strong nature of the triangle beam formed by the ledge 28 and angled panel 36, bending or bowing of the container in the vicinity of the ledge 28 (caused, for example, by external loads being applied to the container) is unlikely, thereby further minimising the likelihood of damage to the bananas. [0072] The container shown in figures 17 to 19 is generally similar to the container shown in figures 9 and 10. The main difference between the container shown in figures 9 and 10 and the container shown in figures 17 to 19 is that the container shown in figure 17 to 19 has an additional fold down flap 120 located just above the handhold openings 122. This fold down flap forms part of the respective end walls of the container. Fold lines 124, 126 defines a small spacer panel 128 that facilitates folding down of the fold down flap 120. Fold down flap 120 provides additional reinforcement and strength in the container above the handhold 122. [0073] Figure 20 shows a single piece blank from which the container shown in figure 1 can be erected. Most of the features of the blank shown in figure 20 have been described with reference to figures 1 to 5. These features need not be described further. However, figure 1 also shows the first panel 51 that is used to form the reinforced corner posts shown in figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 also shows fold down panels 25 that are folded down to form additional reinforcement above the handhold openings 24, 26. [0074] Figure 21 shows a multiple piece blank used to erect the container shown in figures 17 to 19. The multiple piece blank shown in figure 21 comprises a wrap blank 130, a first sidewall blank 132 and a second side wall blank 134. The wrap blank 130 includes the base 210 and sidewalls 94, 95 having handhold openings 224, 226. Fold down flaps 225 are provided to provide additional reinforcement above the handholds. The wrap blank 130 also includes the first short sidewall 92 and opposed short sidewall 93.

I 1J [0075] Sidewall blank 132 includes sidewall 214, ledge panel 228, angled panel 236 separated from ledge panel 228 by fold line 238, and attachment flap 240 having tabs 248, 250. Each panel 228 is provided with end flaps 229. The sidewall 214 is provided with oblique panel 300 and attachment flap 302 for forming the corner reinforcement in the erected to container. [0076] Sidewall blank 134 is generally similar to sidewall blank 132. It includes sidewall panel 212, ledge panel 232, angled panel 236, and attachment flap 240 having tabs 248, 250. Other details of the sidewall blank 134 that are not numbered are essentially identical to the sidewall blank 132. [0077] Erection of the container from the multiple blank piece blank shown in figure 21 involves folding up short sidewall panels 92, 93 and folding up side wall panels 94, 95. The oblique panels 300 and attachment flap 302 of the sidewall blanks 132, 134 are folded into position and the sidewall blanks 132, 134 are glued into position by placing a glue line between the sidewall panel 214 and the short panel 93. Glue is used to attach the attachment flaps 302 to the respective sidewalls 94, 95. Attachment flaps 296 are folded around the respective sidewalls and glued into position. The ledge panel 228 is then folded into place and end flaps 229 are glued to the outside of the associated sidewalls to hold the ledge panel in place. The angled panel 236 is folded down, the attachment flap 240 is folded to sit parallel to sidewall 214, which causes tabs 248, 250 to pop out from the cutout edges thereof. The attachment flap and tabs are glued into place. Sidewall blank 134 is similarly folded and glued to complete erection of the container. [0078] Figure 22 shows a three piece blank for forming the container shown in figures 8 and 9. The three piece blank includes a wrap blank 330, a first sidewall blank 332 and a second sidewall quake 334. The wrap blank 330 is essentially identical to wrap blank 130 shown in figure 21 and will not be described further. The sidewall blanks 332, 334 are generally similar to the sidewall blanks 132, 134 shown in figure 21 and the similar features of these blanks will not be described further. However, the sidewall blanks 332, 334 form a reinforced corner by providing a first panel 350, a fold back oblique panel 352 and an attachment panel 354, which are used in a manner similar to panels 51, 52 and 56 of the blank of figure 20 to form the reinforced corner post. Erection of the container from blanks 330, 332, 334 is generally similar to erection of the container from the blank pieces shown in figure 21, subject to the slightly different folding required to achieve the corner post reinforcement. [0079] Figure 23 shows a top view of a multiple piece blank suitable for erecting a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The blank shown in figure 23 I " " has a number of similarities to the blank shown in figure 20 and, for convenience, the features of figure 23 will be referenced using similar reference numerals to those used in figure 21, but with the addition of a'. [0080] The blank of figure 23 differs from the blank shown in figure 21 in that the roll over end flaps 225 of the blank of figure 21 are omitted in the blank of figure 23. The handhold 226' is now formed by a cut-out having a fold line 227. The cut-out 226' hinges from the top in the erected container. The panels 296' and 92' are slightly different to the panels 296 and 92 in figure 21. In particular, the panels 296' and 92' have 900 angles in the corners. Further, the panels 296' are now of the same width as the panels 92'. The flaps 229' are larger and make better use of the board area. Additional ventilation holes 320 are provided in the base 210'. Additional ventilation holes 322 are provided in the side walls of wrap blank 130'. [0081] Figures 24 and 25 shown photographs of a container 400 erected from the multiple piece blank shown in figure 23. [0082] The present invention provides a container that is strong and robust. Additional glueing surface is available for holding the attachment flap and tabs in position, which thereby more securely holds the ledge and angled panel in position. This provides for a stronger triangular beam at the top of the container. The use of the optional bridging insert spaces the central layer of bananas away from the floor of the container and provides support for the bananas. [0083] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0084] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [0085] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises I Ij preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (20)

1. A container having a base, a first pair of opposed sidewalls and a second pair of opposed sidewalls, the sidewalls of one of the first pair or second pair of opposed sidewalls having an upper edge, an inwardly extending ledge, an angled panel extending downwardly from the ledge at an angle towards an inner surface of the sidewall, and an attachment flap extending from the angled panel, the attachment flap including at least one portion formed from a cut-out in the angled panel, the at least one portion extending upwardly from a fold line between the attachment flap and the angled panel.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one portion formed from a cut-out in the angled panel comprises one or more tabs.

3. A container as claimed in claim 2 wherein, during erection of the container, the attachment flap and the one or more tabs are be glued to the inner surface of the respective side wall.

4. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the inwardly extending ledge is formed from a ledge panel.

5. A container as claimed in claim 4 wherein the ledge panel has end extensions at one or both ends thereof, the end extensions being folded downwardly and secured to respective side walls.

6. A container as claimed in claim 5 wherein each end extension is folded downwardly over respective side walls that are adjacent to the sidewall from which the ledge extends and each end extension is attached to the respective adjacent sidewall.

7. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the container is provided with corner posts.

8. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the container is provided with corner stacking projections that extend upwardly from each corner of the container, the container also being provided with stacking recesses or openings in a bottom part thereof, the stacking recesses or openings being positioned and sized such that they receive the corner stacking projections on a similar container positioned below the container.

9. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a base of the container is provided with one or more ventilation openings and at least two of the sidewalls of the I I container are provided with one or more ventilation openings.

10. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the container is provided with a bridging insert, the bridging insert comprising a central panel that, in use, is spaced from the base of the container, angled panels extending downwardly from each side of the central panel, the angled panels acting to space the central panel above the base of the container, and base contacting panels extending from the angled panels, the base contacting panels resting on the base of the container.

11. A container as claimed in claim l0wherein the base contacting panels are provided with outer panels, each outer panel extending upwardly in use and lying generally parallel to a respective side wall of the container.

12. A container as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the bridging insert is provided with one or more ventilation openings.

13. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the ledge panel and the angled panel extending downwardly from the ledge panel, in association with the respective side wall of the container, form a triangular beam that increases the strength of the upper part of the container.

14. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment flap is attached to a lower edge of the angled panel, the attachment flap being joined to the angled panel along a fold line, the angled panel being provided with one or more cut lines that define a cutout portion having 3 edges, such that when the attachment flap is folded to lie generally parallel to a sidewall, the cut lines define one or more tabs extending from the attachment flap.

15. A container as claimed in claim 14 wherein the one or more tabs extend upwardly beyond the fold line between the attachment flap and the angled panel such that the attachment flap are glued or otherwise joined to the sidewall at locations positioned above the fold line and below the fold line.

16. A blank for erecting a container, the blank comprising a base, a first pair of opposed side wall panels and a second pair of opposed side wall panels, one of the pairs of opposed side wall panels being arranged such that each sidewall panel of the pair has a ledge panel extending therefrom, a fold line being located between the sidewall panel and the ledge panel, the ledge panel having an angled panel extending therefrom, a fold line being located between the ledge panel and the angled panel, the angled panel having an attachment flap extending therefrom, a I U fold line being located between the attachment flap and the angled panel, the angled panel including at least one cutout portion that defines one or more tabs attached to the attachment flap when the angled panel and the attachment flap are folded at an angle to each other.

17. A multiple piece blank for forming a container in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the multiple piece blank comprising a first blank having a base, opposed first sidewall panels extending from opposed edges of the base and at least a second blank, the second blank including a sidewall panel, the sidewall panel having a ledge panel extending therefrom, the ledge panel having an angled panel extending therefrom, a fold line being located between the ledge panel and the angled panel, the angled panel having an attachment flap extending therefrom, a fold line being located between the attachment flap and the angled panel, the angled panel including at least one cutout portion that defines one or more tabs attached to the attachment flap when the angled panel and the attachment flap are folded at an angle to each other, wherein the first blank and the second blank are joined together during erection of the container.

18. A multiple piece blank as claimed in claim 17 wherein the multiple piece blank includes a third blank, including a sidewall panel, the sidewall panel having a ledge panel extending therefrom, the ledge panel having an angled panel extending therefrom, a fold line being located between the ledge panel and the angled panel, the angled panel having an attachment flap extending therefrom, a fold line being located between the attachment flap and the angled panel, the angled panel including at least one cutout portion that defines one or more tabs attached to the attachment flap when the angled panel and the attachment flap are folded at an angle to each other, wherein the first blank and the second blank are joined together during erection of the container and wherein the first blank and the third blank are joined together during erection of the container.

19. A multiple piece blank as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the first blank comprises a wrap blank.

20. A container erected from the blank as claimed in claim 16 or erected from the multiple piece blank as claimed in any one of claims 17, 18 or 19.