Patent Application
20250066073
Disposable containers for packaging, distributing, displaying or otherwise housing consumer items, especially perishable foods, are becoming increasingly important. Historically, perishable products were brought to market and sold quickly to avoid loss due to exposure to natural elements causing ripeness and eventual decay.
The advent of plastics resulted in many products being wrapped or packaged in plastic, both in the form of flexible plastic bags and solid plastic containers. The use of plastics in the modern-day convenience food industry has significantly improved the “shelf life” of perishable products, allowing both merchants and their customers to store the products for longer periods of time, resulting in substantial savings, and greater distribution.
In addition, consumers may prefer to visually inspect the food product within such containers. Thus, fabricating containers from clear see-through plastics is desirable. For example, packaging provided for bakery goods or agriculture products has often been in the form of clear, plastic clamshell packaging, because, among other things, such clear, plastic clamshell packaging, provides a baked-on-the-premises or homegrown image that grocery retailers have found to be especially appealing to consumers.
Typically, plastic containers will include a fairly rigid lid and base. Ideally, the lid should be capable of properly and effectively sealing the container, yet the container should be constructed so that the lid is relatively easy to remove, and in some circumstances, replace, since it may be expected that the container and lid would be reused. In addition, the lid should provide adequate space for product branding and meeting regulatory product identification (e.g., identification of the product, place of product origin, weight, etc.) in the form of a label that may comprise paper, plastic or both. Typically, these containers are either pre-labeled or labeled after the product is filled in a secondary application.
Initial use and later reuse of the lid with the base favors hand securement by a user, particularly in food service and for household consumers with less access to equipment configured to seal the lid and the base. Mechanical coupling between the lid and the base typically provides sufficient closure and sealing for consumer use. These mechanical coupling features are often positioned on the outermost perimeters between the lid and the base in order to maximize storage space within the container for food. Despite the outermost perimeters of lid and base supporting these mechanical coupling features, carrying the container from the base may be difficult in some instances, because the lid may inadvertently release from the base due to forces associated with carrying the base, particularly if being carried with one hand. Moreover, with the lid removed, the container may lack sufficient structural rigidity in some instances, which hinders the consumer from carrying and feeding from the base while traveling, such as while walking.
Furthermore in the food service and household settings, although not limited to such settings, amounts of food identified for containing and storing at a given instance may vary considerably. The restaurant, or even the consumer, typically has containers of varying sizes to accommodate these differing volumes. Of course, handling more types of containers requires more storage capacity as well as a greater variety of unused storage containers resulting in greater logistical maintenance and inventory monitoring to ensure that the desired containers are available on demand.
There is thus a need for a container, particularly a disposable container, that addresses present challenges and characteristics such as those discussed above.
While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:
The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.
The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
It will be appreciated that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. that are described herein. The following-described teachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.
With respect to
As briefly discussed above, dual securement (16) of the present example includes lid and base securement portions (20, 22) respectively on lid (12) and reversible base (14). Reversible base (14) more particularly includes a front sidewall (24), a rear sidewall (26) opposite front sidewall (24), a left sidewall (28), and a right sidewall (30) opposite left sidewall (28). Front and rear sidewalls (24, 26) extend to corner sidewalls (32) with left and right sidewalls (28, 30) similarly extending to corner sidewalls (32) defining a generally rectangular outer profile in the present example. Notably, any references to front, rear, left, and right are merely exemplary as to the present figures and not intended to unnecessarily limit the invention described herein. Also, while the present arrangement of sidewalls (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) define a generally rectangular outer profile of reversible base (14), it will be appreciated that alternative shapes may be similarly constructed such that the invention is not intended to be unnecessarily limited to the example described herein.
Reversible base (14) further includes a bottom (34) horizontally extending between sidewalls (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) with sidewalls (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) vertically extending upward and downward therefrom to a central peripheral frame (36). In this respect, bottom (34) has a first bottom side (37) and a vertically opposing second bottom side (38). Central peripheral frame (36) defines a first base opening (39) into a first base chamber (40) bounded against first bottom side (37) of bottom (34). Additionally, central peripheral frame (36) defines a second base opening (41) into a second base chamber (42) bounded against second bottom side (38) of bottom (34). Central peripheral frame (36) is configured to provide rigidity to reversible base (14) about openings (39, 41) and further includes vertically opposing first and second sealing surfaces (43, 44), each of which is respectively configured to engage a lower sealing surface (45) (see
To this end, lid (12) of the present example includes a cover (46) with a lower peripheral frame (48) configured to provide rigidity to lid (12). Lower peripheral frame (48) further includes lower sealing surface (45) as discussed above and surrounds cover (46) such that cover (46) extends therebetween and upward therefrom. Cover (46) of the present example is also generally rectangular in shape to complement outer periphery of reversible base (14) and is generally domed to further define a lid chamber (50). In one example, a plurality of lid vents (51) also extend through cover (46) to fluidly connect lid chamber (50) to the surrounding environment for venting warm, moist air from container (10) to maintain food freshness more effectively. When connected together in the three-taco configuration shown in
A. Dual Securement with Lid and Reversible Base
Dual securement (16) has base securement portion (22) on reversible base (14) and lid securement portion (20) on lid (12).
With respect to the three-taco configuration and the two-taco configuration shown respectively in
Similarly, with respect to the two-taco configuration of
Central peripheral frame (36) is generally rectangular in shape, but may be alternatively shaped as discussed briefly above. However, in order to improve support about central peripheral frame (36), particularly when being held as a tray for food service as discussed below in greater detail, opposing left and right ends of central peripheral frame (36) of the present example include outward curved portions (65) configured to provide additional rigidity to central peripheral frame (36). Such outward curved portions (65) also provide additional surfaces through central peripheral frame (36) through which to position base vents (56). Of course, base vents (56) may be alternatively positioned in reversible base (14) and central peripheral frame (36) may have alternative inward and/or outward structures to provide greater rigidity for support during use. The invention is thus not intended to be unnecessarily limited to outward curved portions (65) as shown in the present example.
Similarly,
Referring back to
As noted above, central peripheral frame (36) generally surrounds outer periphery of first and second pockets (68, 70) in a vertically central portion of sidewalls (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) as shown in the present example. More particularly, sidewalls (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) project a first vertical distance from detent lip (52) to a series of first ridges (72) on first bottom side (37), whereas sidewalls (24, 26, 28, 30, 32) project in an opposite direction a second vertical distance from detent lip (52) to a series of second ridges (74) on second bottom side (38). In one example, first and second distances are the same, but in another example first and second distances differ. In either case, each of the first and second vertical distances is sized such that ridges (72, 74) of first and second bottom sides (37, 38) are configured to be received within lid chamber (50) of lid (12). A vertical lid distance from detent catch (54) (see
In use, with first bottom side (37) facing upward for the three-taco configuration of the present example of
As selectively connected in the three-taco configuration, first ridges (72) are within first inner storage space (17) acting as partitions between food, while second ridges (74) in turn are configured to function as support legs for container (10). When stacking an upper container (10) on a lower container (10) as shown in
As selectively connected in the two-taco configuration, second ridges (74) are within second inner storage space (19) acting as partitions between food, while first ridges (72) in turn are configured to function as support legs for container (10). When stacking upper container (10) on lower container (10) as shown in
The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor in interest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in this application or in subsequent filings related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability.
A container, comprising: (a) a base, including: (i) a bottom having a first bottom side and a second bottom side, wherein the first bottom side faces a first direction and the second bottom side faces a second direction opposite the first direction, (ii) a peripheral frame horizontally surrounding at least a portion of the bottom, (iii) a sidewall extending from the peripheral frame in the first direction and the second direction, (iv) a first base chamber on the first bottom side at least partially defined by the sidewall and the first bottom side of the bottom, and (v) a second base chamber on the second bottom side at least partially defined by the sidewall and the second bottom side of the bottom; and (b) a dual securement including a base securement portion positioned on the base, wherein the base securement portion is configured to releasably connect a lid to the base in a first configuration such that the lid covers the first bottom side of the bottom, and wherein the base securement portion is further configured to releasably connect the lid to the base in a second configuration such that the lid covers the second bottom side of the bottom.
The container of Example 1, further comprising a lid, wherein the dual securement includes a lid securement portion configured to releasably connect to the base securement portion.
The container of Example 2, wherein the base securement portion is on the peripheral frame, wherein the base securement portion is configured to releasably connect the lid to the peripheral frame such that the lid covers the first bottom side of the bottom to define a first inner storage space, and wherein the base securement portion is further configured to releasably connect the lid to the peripheral frame such that the lid covers the second bottom side of the bottom to define a second inner storage space.
The container of any one or more of Examples 2 through 3, wherein the lid defines a lid chamber, wherein the first bottom side is received within the lid chamber with the lid releasably connected against the peripheral frame defining the first inner storage space, and wherein the second bottom side is received within the lid chamber with the lid releasably connected against the peripheral frame defining the second inner storage space.
The container of any one or more of Examples 2 through 4, where the lid is configured to cover a selected one of the first bottom side and the second bottom side.
The container of any one or more of Examples 2 through 5, wherein the base securement portion includes a detent lip, wherein the lid securement portion includes a detent catch, and wherein the detent catch is configured to releasably connect to the detent lip.
The container of any one or more of Examples 1 through 6, wherein the lid further includes a plurality of lid vents extending therethrough.
The container of any one or more of Examples 1 through 7, wherein the peripheral frame includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface, wherein the first and second sealing surfaces respectively face the first and second directions, and wherein each of the first and second sealing surfaces are configured to engage a lower sealing surface of the lid.
The container of any one or more of Examples 1 through 8, wherein the first sealing surface is positioned horizontally outward relative to the second sealing surface.
The container of Example 9, wherein the peripheral frame includes a plurality of base vents vertically extending therethrough, wherein the plurality of base vents is positioned horizontally inward of the first sealing surface.
The container of Example 10, wherein the plurality of base vents is positioned vertically offset from the second sealing surface such that the plurality of base vents are in a different plane than the second sealing surface.
The container of any one or more of Examples 1 through 11, wherein the peripheral frame includes a plurality of base vents vertically extending therethrough.
The container of any one or more of Examples 1 through 12, wherein the first bottom side of the bottom defines at least one first ridge, wherein the second bottom side of the bottom defines at least one second ridge.
The container of any one or more of Examples 1 through 13, wherein the first bottom side at least partially defines a plurality of first pockets respectively configured to support food therein.
The container of Example 14, wherein the second bottom side at least partially defines a plurality of second pockets respectively configured to support food therein.
The container of Example 15, wherein each of the plurality of first pockets is V-shaped, and wherein each of the plurality of second pockets is V-shaped.
The container of any one or more of Examples 14 through 16, wherein the plurality of first pockets is V-shaped.
A container, comprising: (a) a base, including: (i) a bottom having a first bottom side and a second bottom side, wherein the first bottom side faces a first direction and the second bottom side faces a second direction opposite the first direction, (ii) at least one first pocket at least partially defined by the first bottom side, and (iii) at least one second pocket at least partially defined by the second bottom side; and (b) a lid defining a lid chamber, wherein the lid is configured to selectively releasably connect to the first bottom side in a first configuration such that the at least one first pocket and the lid chamber define a first inner storage space, and wherein the lid is configured to selectively releasably connect to the second bottom side in a second configuration such that the at least one second pocket and the lid chamber define a second inner storage space.
The container of Example 18, further comprising a dual securement including a base securement portion positioned on the base and a lid securement portion positioned on the lid, wherein the base securement portion includes a detent lip, and wherein the lid securement portion includes a detent catch, and wherein the detent catch is configured to releasably connect to the detent lip.
A method of storing a food within a container, the container including (a) a base, including: (i) a bottom having a first bottom side and a second bottom side, wherein the first bottom side faces a first direction and the second bottom side faces a second direction opposite the first direction, (ii) a peripheral frame horizontally surrounding at least a portion of the bottom, (iii) a sidewall extending from the peripheral frame in the first direction and the second direction, (iv) a first base chamber on the first bottom side at least partially defined by the sidewall and the first bottom side of the bottom, and (v) a second base chamber on the second bottom side at least partially defined by the sidewall and the second bottom side of the bottom; (b) a lid; and (c) a dual securement including a base securement portion positioned on the base, wherein the base securement portion is configured to releasably connect the lid to the base in a first configuration such that the lid covers the first bottom side of the bottom to define a first inner storage space, and wherein the base securement portion is further configured to releasably connect the lid to the base in a second configuration such that the lid covers the second bottom side of the bottom to define a second inner storage space, the method comprising: (a) selecting one of the first bottom side or the second bottom side to releasably connect the lid; and (b) releasably connecting the lid to the selected one of the first bottom side or the second bottom side.
It should be understood that any of the examples described herein may include various other features in addition to or in lieu of those described above. By way of example only, any of the examples described herein may also include one or more of the various features disclosed in any of the various references that are incorporated by reference herein.
It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.
It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.
Having shown and described various versions of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, versions, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.
