CONTAINER FOR FOOD ITEMS

Abstract

A container for a food item is disclosed that includes a body and a cap that is configured for removable connection to the body to allow for opening and closure of the container. The body includes an exterior wall and is configured in correspondence with the non-liquid food item such that the configuration of the body substantially approximates that of the non-liquid food item. The body defines a storage compartment that is configured to store the non-liquid food item as well as a chamber that is enclosed within the exterior wall. The chamber is configured to accommodate a thermal medium to hinder (inhibit) temperature variation of the non-liquid food item.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure is directed to a container for food items. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a container that accommodates a thermal medium to hinder (inhibit) temperature variation (e.g., warming and cooling) of food items stored therein and that is configured (e.g., shape and sized) in correspondence with a particular food item, such as, for example, a cheese stick.

2. Background of the Related Art

Absent refrigeration, ice packs and the like are often utilized to keep food items cool (or cold) within a chest, cooler, backpack, lunchbox, or other such portable article. Due to the generally rectangular (or otherwise polygonal) shape of most ice packs, however, certain (non-liquid) food items may move around (e.g., roll, slide, etc.) within the portable article out of contact and/or proximity with the ice pack, which can result in undesirable temperature variation (e.g., warming) of the food item.

To address this issue, the present disclosure describes a container that is specifically configured (e.g., shaped and sized) to receive a particular food item (or items) and that includes a chamber for a thermal medium, which resists temperature variation of the food item stored within the container.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure addresses the deficiencies and disadvantages of known containers and, in one aspect, provides a container for a non-liquid food item that includes a body and a cap that is configured for removable connection to the body to allow for opening and closure of the container. The body includes an exterior wall and is configured in correspondence with the non-liquid food item such that the configuration of the body substantially approximates that of the non-liquid food item. The body defines a storage compartment that is configured to store the non-liquid food item as well as a chamber that is enclosed within the exterior wall. The chamber is configured to accommodate a thermal medium to hinder (inhibit) temperature variation of the non-liquid food item.

In some embodiments, the body may include an upper end and a lower end that is opposite to the upper end. In some embodiments, the body may define an overall length that extends between the upper end and the lower end.

In some embodiments, the chamber may span the overall length of the body.

In some embodiments, the overall length of the body may lie substantially within the range of approximately 4″ to approximately 7″.

In some embodiments, the body may define an overall transverse dimension that extends in generally orthogonal relation to the overall length and that lies substantially within the range of approximately 1″ to approximately 3″.

In some embodiments, the cap may define a cavity that is configured to receive the upper end of the body.

In some embodiments, the upper end of the body may define a shoulder that is configured to support the cap such that an outer surface of the cap is generally flush with an outer surface of the body when the container is closed.

In some embodiments, the cap may be captive to the body. For example, in some embodiments, the container may further include a tether that extends between the cap and the body.

In some embodiments, the cap may include a tactile member that is configured for manual engagement by a user to facilitate opening and closure of the container.

In some embodiments, the exterior wall of the body may define an aperture that is configured to facilitate filling of the chamber with the thermal medium.

In some embodiments, the container may further include a plug that is configured for removable insertion into the aperture to inhibit escape of the thermal medium from the chamber.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a container for a food item is disclosed that includes a first body portion and a second body portion that is releasably connectable to the first body portion. The first body portion includes a first exterior wall and defines a first chamber that is configured to accommodate a thermal medium, wherein the first chamber is enclosed within the first exterior wall. The second body portion includes a second exterior wall and defines a second chamber that is configured to accommodate a thermal medium, wherein the second chamber is enclosed within the second exterior wall. Upon closure of the container, the first body portion and the second body portion collectively define a storage compartment for the food item.

In some embodiments, the container may further include a coupling mechanism that is configured to facilitate removable connection of the first body portion and the second body portion.

In some embodiments, the container may define an overall length that lies substantially within the range of approximately 4″ to approximately 7″.

In some embodiments, the container may define an overall transverse dimension that extends in generally orthogonal relation to the overall length and that lies substantially within the range of approximately 1″ to approximately 3″.

In some embodiments, the first exterior wall of the first body portion may define a first aperture that is configured to facilitate filling of the first chamber with the thermal medium and the second exterior wall of the second body portion may define a second aperture that is configured to facilitate filling of the second chamber with the thermal medium.

In some embodiments, the first body portion may further include a first plug that is configured for removable insertion into the first aperture to inhibit escape of the thermal medium from the first chamber and the second body portion may further include a second plug that is configured for removable insertion into the second aperture to inhibit escape of the thermal medium from the second chamber.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of hindering temperature variation of a food item is provided. The method includes inserting the food item into a container and closing the container. The container includes a body with an exterior wall that defines an enclosed chamber spanning an overall length of the body and which is configured to accommodate a thermal medium. The body is configured such that the overall length lies substantially within the range of approximately 4″ to approximately 7″ and such that an overall transverse dimension of the body extending in generally orthogonal relation to the overall length lies substantially within the range of approximately 1″ to approximately 3″.

In some embodiments, closing the container may include using a coupling mechanism to connect a first body portion defining a first enclosed chamber accommodating the thermal medium to a second body portion defining a second enclosed chamber accommodating the thermal medium.

In some embodiments, closing the container may include securing a captive cap of the container to the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the subject disclosure appertains will more readily understand how to practice the methodologies described herein, various embodiments thereof will be described in detail hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of one embodiment of a container (shown open) for (non-liquid) food items according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front, perspective view of the container seen in FIG. 1 illustrating the insertion of a food item.

FIG. 3 is a front, perspective view of the container seen in FIG. 1 (shown closed).

FIG. 4 is a rear, perspective view of the container seen in FIG. 1 (shown closed).

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal (vertical) cross-sectional view of the container seen in FIG. 1 (shown closed).

FIG. 6 is a front, plan view of an alternate embodiment of the container seen in FIG. 1 (shown closed).

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal (vertical) cross-sectional view of the container as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side, plan view of the container seen in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal (vertical) cross-sectional view of the container as shown in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structures, element, and features, various embodiments of the presently disclosed container will be discussed.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of a container according to the principles of the present disclosure, which is identified by the reference character 10. As described in further detail below, the container 10 is specifically configured (e.g., shaped and sized) in correspondence with one or more particular non-liquid food items F (FIG. 2) such that the configuration of the container 10 substantially approximates that of the non-liquid food item F and the container 10 is adapted to resist temperature variation (e.g., warming and/or cooling) of the food item(s) F when stored within the container 10. The container 10 includes a body 12 and a cap 14 that is configured for removable connection to the body 12 such that the container 10 can be opened and closed to allow for insertion and removal of the food item(s) F. The container 10 may include any suitable material or combination of materials and may be constructed using any suitable method of manufacture. For example, it is envisioned the container 10 may include (e.g., may be formed partially or entirely from) one or more metallic or non-metallic materials, such as, for example, plastic(s), polymer(s), stainless steel, aluminum, etc., and that the container 10 may be formed via injection molding, 3-D printing, extrusion, etc.

The body 12 includes an upper end 16 (FIG. 2) and an opposite lower end 18. The body 12 defines an overall length L that extends between the respective upper and lower ends 16, 18 along a longitudinal axis Y and an overall transverse dimension (e.g., a diameter) D that extends along an axis X that is generally orthogonal in relation to the overall length L and the longitudinal axis Y. In the particular embodiment of the container 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the container 10 is specifically configured to receive a cheese stick C. As such, the body 12 includes an elongated, generally tubular configuration with an arcuate (e.g., ovate) transverse (e.g., horizontal) cross-section and is configured such that the overall length L lies substantially within the range of approximately 4″ to approximately 7″ (e.g., approximately 6″) and such that the overall transverse dimension D lies substantially within the range of approximately 1″ to approximately 3″ (e.g., approximately 1.5″). It should be appreciated, however, that the container 10 may be configured in correspondence with a variety of food items F in alternate embodiments of the disclosure and, as such, that the particular configuration (e.g., shape and size) of the container 10 may be varied in accordance with those food items F. For example, it is envisioned that the container 10 may be configured in correspondence with a hotdog, with a piece of fruit (e.g., a banana), with an ice pop or a popsicle, etc. As such, embodiments in which the body 12 may be configured such that the overall length L and/or the overall transverse dimension D lies outside the aforementioned ranges would not be beyond the scope of the present disclosure. Further, in some embodiments, the container can have some flexibility to accommodate non-linear food items.

The body 12 includes an exterior wall 20 and defines a storage compartment 22 and a chamber 24 (FIG. 5). The storage compartment 22 is defined by an inner surface 26 of the exterior wall 20 and is configured to receive the food item(s) F upon insertion through a mouth 28 (FIG. 1) of the container 10. The chamber 24 is enclosed (embedded) within the exterior wall 20 of the body 12 and accommodates (receives) a thermal medium 30 (FIG. 5) so as to insulate the container 10 relative to the ambient and thereby hinder (inhibit) temperature variation of the food item(s) F stored within the container 10.

The thermal medium 30 accommodated within the chamber 24 may include any suitable material, matter, or substance, such as, for example, a thermal gel 32 (FIG. 5) (e.g., a sodium polyacrylate gel), water, etc., and may be cooled (and/or heated) prior to use of the container 10 in any suitable manner. For example, when used with food item(s) F that are intended to be kept in a cooler environment, such as the cheese stick C seen in FIG. 2, for example, the container 10 and, thus, the thermal medium 30, may be cooled prior to use (e.g., via placement in a refrigerator, a freezer, etc.). It is also envisioned, however, that the container 10 may be used with food item(s) F that are intended to be kept in a warmer environment, such as, for example, a hotdog. In such instances of use, the container 10 and, thus, the thermal medium 30, may be heated prior to use (e.g., via a microwave, etc.).

In the embodiment of the container 10 seen in FIGS. 1-5, the chamber 24 extends from the upper end 16 of the body 12 to the lower end 18 such that the chamber 24 spans (extends along) the entire overall length L (FIG. 2) of the body 12 to increase (maximize, optimize) the thermal effect of the container 10. For example, it is envisioned that the temperature of the food item(s) F may be substantially maintained for an interval of time that lies substantially within the range of approximately 3 hours to approximately 5 hours (e.g., 4 hours). In certain embodiments, however, it is envisioned that the chamber 24 may span less than the entire overall length L of the body 12 so as to allow for variation in the thermal effect of the container 10. It is also envisioned that the thermal effect of the container 10 may be varied by altering a transverse dimension Dc (FIG. 5) (e.g., thickness) of the chamber 24 to thereby increase or decrease the volume of the thermal medium 30 accommodated therein. More specifically, increasing or decreasing the transverse dimension Dc of the chamber 24 likewise increases or decreases the volume of the thermal medium 30 accommodated therein and, thus, the magnitude and/or duration of the thermal effect provided by the container 10. In particular embodiment of the container 10 seen in FIGS. 1-5, the body 12 is configured such that the transverse dimension Dc of the chamber 24 lies substantially within the range of approximately 0.1″ to approximately 0.5″ (e.g., approximately 0.25″). It should be appreciated, however, that embodiments in which the body 12 may be configured such that the transverse dimension Dc lies outside that range would not be beyond the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., depending upon the particular food items(s) F intended for use with the container 10, the interval of time over which it is desired to (substantially) maintain the temperature of the food item(s) F, etc.).

It is envisioned that the chamber 24 may be pre-filled (impregnated) with the thermal medium 30 (e.g., during manufacture of the container 10), thereby obviating the need for any action by a user. Alternatively, however, it is envisioned that the container 10 may include a removable plug 34 to allow for filling (and/or drainage) of the chamber 24 by the user through an aperture 36 formed in the exterior wall 20 of the body 12. For example, in such embodiments, it is envisioned that the user may remove the plug 34 from the aperture 36, fill the chamber 24 with water (or any other suitable thermal medium 30), and replace the plug 34 to inhibit escape of the thermal medium 30 from the chamber 24. The user can then cool or heat the container 10 and the thermal medium 30 in the manner discussed above.

The cap 14 is removably connectable to the upper end 16 of the body 12. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper end 16 of the body 12 includes a recess 38 (FIG. 1) defining a collar 40 and shoulder 42 that is configured to support the cap 14, and the cap 14 defines a cavity 44 (or other such interior region) that is configured to receive the upper end 16 of the body 12 such that an outer surface 46 of the cap 14 is generally flush with an outer surface 48 of the exterior wall 20 when the cap 14 is connected to the body 12 (e.g., when the container 10 is closed).

To maintain the closure of the container 10 and connection of the cap 14 to the upper end 16 of the body 12, it is envisioned that the cap 14 and the body 12 may be configured such that the upper end 16 of the body is received within the cavity 44 of the cap 14 in an interference fit. Additionally, or alternatively, it is envisioned that the cap 14 and/or the body 12 may include one or more engagement members. For example, the cap 14 and the body 12 may include one or more corresponding projections (e.g., detents) and/or recesses, frictional members (e.g., rubberized strips), or the like.

To guard against loss or misplacement of the cap 14, in certain embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the cap 14 may be captive to (non-separable from) the body 12. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the container 10 includes a tether 50 (FIGS. 1, 2, 4) that extends between the cap 14 and the body 12 of the container 10. Although shown as being integrally formed with the body 12 and the cap 14, it should be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, the tether 50 may be configured as a discrete member.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-5, use of the container 10 will be discussed. Initially, prior to use, the container 10 is either cooled or heated, thereby activating (charging) the thermal medium 30 (FIG. 5) accommodated within the chamber 24. The food item(s) F (FIG. 2) can then be positioned within the storage compartment 22, and the cap 14 can be secured to the upper end 16 of the body 12 to close the container 10. To assist the user during opening and closure of the container 10 (e.g., connection and disconnection of the cap 14), it is envisioned that the cap 14 may include a tactile member 52 (e.g., a tab 54) (FIGS. 1-3) that is configured for manual engagement by the user.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, an alternate embodiment of the container 10 will be discussed, which is identified by the reference character 100. The container 100 is substantially similar to the container 10 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-5 and, accordingly, will only be described with respect to any differences therefrom in the interest of brevity.

The container 100 includes a body 102 having a lower (first) body portion (base) 104l and an upper (second) body portion (cap) 104u that is releasably connectable to the lower body portion 104l. The lower body portion 104l includes a (first) exterior wall 106l and defines a (first) chamber 108l (FIGS. 7, 9) that is enclosed (embedded) within the exterior wall 106l and which accommodates (receives) the aforedescribed thermal medium 30 (FIG. 5). The upper body portion 104u includes a (second) exterior wall 106u and defines a (second) chamber 108u (FIGS. 7, 9) that is enclosed (embedded) within the exterior wall 106u and which also accommodates (receives) the thermal medium 30.

As discussed above in connection with the container 10, it is envisioned that the chambers 108l, 108u may be pre-filled (impregnated) with the thermal medium 30 (e.g., during manufacture of the container 100) or that the body portions 104l, 104u may include removable plugs 110l, 110u (FIG. 6) to allow for filling (and/or drainage) of the chambers 108l, 108u by the user through apertures 112l, 112u formed in the exterior walls 106l, 106u, respectively. For example, in such embodiments, it is envisioned that the user may remove the plugs 110, 110u from the apertures 112l, 112u, fill the chambers 108l, 108u with water (or any other suitable thermal medium 30), and replace the plugs 110l, 110u to inhibit escape of the thermal medium 30 from the chambers 108l, 108u, respectively.

The lower body portion 104l and the upper body portion 104u are configured as discrete components of the body 102. Upon connection of the body portions 104l, 104u, respective inner surfaces 114l, 114u (FIG. 7) of the exterior walls 106l, 106u collectively define a storage compartment 116 that is configured to receive the food item(s) F (FIG. 2) such that the food item(s) F are housed (stored) within the container 100 between the body portions 104l, 104u.

To facilitate releasable connection of the body portions 104l, 104u, the container 100 includes a coupling mechanism 118, which may include any structure(s) or component(s) suitable for that intended purpose. It is envisioned that the coupling mechanism 118 may be either integrated into the body portions 104l, 104u or that the coupling mechanism 118 may be provided as a separate, discrete component of the container 100. Suitable examples of the coupling mechanism 118 include, but are not limited to, one or more threaded surfaces provided on the body potion 104l and/or the body portion 104u, corresponding surfaces on the body portions 104l, 104u that are configured for engagement in an interference fit, a latch, a clamp, one or more detents and corresponding recesses, etc.

To enhance the engagement between (connection of) the body portions 104l, 104, in certain embodiments, such as that seen in FIGS. 6-9, for example, the container 100 may further include a sealing member 120 (e.g., an O-ring 122, a gasket, or the like) (FIG. 7). It is also envisioned that the container 100 may include an eyelet 124 (or the like) (FIG. 6) to facilitate the connection of a lead 126 (e.g., a string, strap, or the like) to the container 100.

With continued reference to FIGS. 6-9, use of the container 100 will be discussed. Initially, prior to use, the container 100 is either cooled or heated, thereby activating (charging) the thermal medium 30 (FIG. 5) accommodated within the chambers 108l, 108u (FIGS. 7, 9). The food item(s) F can then be positioned within the body portion 104l (or the body portion 104u) and the body portions 104l, 104 can be secured (connected) together via the coupling mechanism 118 to close the container 100 such that the food item(s) F are housed within the storage compartment 116. To assist the user during opening and closure of the container 100 (e.g., connection and disconnection of the body portions 104l, 104u), it is envisioned that the body portions 104l, 104u may one or more tactile members 128 (e.g., projections, rubberized strips, tabs, etc.) (FIG. 6) that facilitate manual engagement and manipulation (e.g., gripping) of the body portions 104l, 104u by the user.

Although the apparatus and methods of the subject invention have been described with respect to preferred embodiments, which constitute non-limiting examples, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Additionally, persons skilled in the art will understand that the elements and features shown or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with those of another embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and will appreciate further features and advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter based on the description provided.

Throughout the present disclosure, terms such as “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially,” and the like should be understood to allow for variations in any numerical range or concept with which they are associated. For example, it is intended that the use of terms such as “approximately” and “generally” should be understood to encompass variations on the order of 25%, or to allow for manufacturing tolerances and/or deviations in design.

Although terms such as “first.” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various operations, elements, components, regions, and/or sections, these operations, elements, components, regions, and/or sections should not be limited by the use of these terms in that these terms are used to distinguish one operation, element, component, region, or section from another. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, a first operation, element, component, region, or section could be termed a second operation, element, component, region, or section without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and represents embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “A and/or B and/or C” should each be interpreted to include only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

Claims

1. A container for a non-liquid food item, the container comprising: a body including an exterior wall and being configured in correspondence with the non-liquid food item such that the configuration of the body substantially approximates that of the non-liquid food item, the body defining a storage compartment configured to store the non-liquid food item and a chamber enclosed within the exterior wall, the chamber configured to accommodate a thermal medium to hinder temperature variation of the non-liquid food item; anda cap configured for removable connection to the body to allow for opening and closure of the container.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the body includes an upper end and a lower end opposite to the upper end, the body defining an overall length extending between the upper end and the lower end.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the chamber spans the overall length of the body.

4. The container of claim 2, wherein the overall length of the body lies substantially within a range of approximately 4″ to approximately 7″.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the body defines an overall transverse dimension extending in generally orthogonal relation to the overall length that lies substantially within a range of approximately 1″ to approximately 3″.

6. The container of claim 2, wherein the cap defines a cavity configured to receive the upper end of the body.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the upper end of the body defines a shoulder configured to support the cap such that an outer surface of the cap is generally flush with an outer surface of the body when the container is closed.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the cap is captive to the body.

9. The container of claim 8, further including a tether extending between the cap and the body.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the cap includes a tactile member configured for manual engagement by a user to facilitate opening and closure of the container.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein the exterior wall of the body defines an aperture configured to facilitate filling of the chamber with the thermal medium.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein the container further includes a plug configured for removable insertion into the aperture to inhibit escape of the thermal medium from the chamber.

13. A container for a food item, the container comprising: a first body portion including a first exterior wall and defining a first chamber configured to accommodate a thermal medium, wherein the first chamber is enclosed within the first exterior wall; anda second body portion releasably connectable to the first body portion, the second body portion including a second exterior wall and defining a second chamber configured to accommodate a thermal medium, wherein the second chamber is enclosed within the second exterior wall, the first body portion and the second body portion collectively defining a storage compartment for the food item upon closure of the container.

14. The container of claim 13, further including a coupling mechanism configured to facilitate removable connection of the first body portion and the second body portion.

15. The container of claim 13, wherein the container defines an overall length that lies substantially within a range of approximately 4″ to approximately 7″ and an overall transverse dimension extending in generally orthogonal relation to the overall length that lies substantially within a range of approximately 1″ to approximately 3″.

16. The container of claim 13, wherein the first exterior wall of the first body portion defines a first aperture configured to facilitate filling of the first chamber with the thermal medium and the second exterior wall of the second body portion defines a second aperture configured to facilitate filling of the second chamber with the thermal medium.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein the first body portion further includes a first plug configured for removable insertion into the first aperture to inhibit escape of the thermal medium from the first chamber and the second body portion further includes a second plug configured for removable insertion into the second aperture to inhibit escape of the thermal medium from the second chamber.

18. A method of hindering temperature variation of a food item, the method comprising: inserting the food item into a container including a body with an exterior wall defining an enclosed chamber spanning an overall length of the body and configured to accommodate a thermal medium, wherein the body is configured such that the overall length lies substantially within a range of approximately 4″ to approximately 7″ and such that an overall transverse dimension of the body extending in generally orthogonal relation to the overall length lies substantially within a range of approximately 1″ to approximately 3″; andclosing the container.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein closing the container includes using a coupling mechanism to connect a first body portion defining a first enclosed chamber accommodating the thermal medium to a second body portion defining a second enclosed chamber accommodating the thermal medium.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein closing the container includes securing a captive cap of the container to the body.