Patent Application
20230012048
The present disclosed subject matter relates to a container for packaging and serving of food items, such as chicken nuggets, french fries, and other bite-size foods. Particularly, the present disclosed subject matter is directed to a container for holding food items, wherein the container has an integral pocket for holding items, such as condiments.
A variety of food items, such as french fries, onion rings, chicken nuggets, popcorn shrimp, and other bite-size foods, are often served from small paperboard containers. These containers can be pouch-shaped, such as commonly used for french fries, or can be box-shaped and have a lid to contain the food item, such as deli items or the like. Exemplary containers for packaging and serving a variety of food items are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,329,049; 6,050,482; 6,053,403; 6,216,946; 6,561,414; and 8,584,884, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Containers of this type can be formed of foldable paperboard, and can be a single-use product used in large quantities. As such, it can be desirable to reduce or minimize the costs associated with materials, manufacturing, storage, shipping, manner of use, and the like, of such containers.
It can also be desirable to provide a container with an integral pocket therein to hold items such as condiments. In this manner, each portion or compartment can contain a serving of a different product, with the different products separated by the divider.
The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes a unitary blank for forming a container. The blank includes a base panel, a back body panel, a front body panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a pocket portion. The base panel has a base front edge and a base back edge. The back body panel extends from the base back edge to define a back base fold line therebetween. The back body panel has a back upper edge. The front body panel extending from the base front edge to define a front base fold line therebetween. The front body panel has a first front side edge, a second front side edge, and a front upper edge. The first side panel extends from the first front side edge to define a first front side fold line therebetween. The second side panel extends from the second front side edge to define a second front side fold line therebetween. The pocket portion extends from the front upper edge. The pocket portion includes a support panel, a pocket flap, a first side tab, and a second side tab. The support panel has a support top edge, a first support side edge, and a second side support edge. The pocket flap extends from the support top edge to define a pocket portion fold line therebetween. The first side tab extends from the first support side edge, and the first side tab is coupled to the first side panel. The second side tab extends from the second support side edge, and the second side tab is coupled to the second side panel. The first and second side panels are configured to be joined to the back body panel such that the front body panel, back body panel, first side panel, and second side panel define a container. The support panel of the pocket portion is configured to be separated from the front body panel along the front upper edge and joined to the back body panel such that the pocket portion and back body panel define a pocket therebetween.
As embodied herein, the first side panel can include a first side first portion, a first side second portion, and a first side third portion. The first side first portion can extend from the first front side fold line to a first side second portion fold line. The first side second portion can extend from the first side second portion fold line to a first side third portion fold line. The first side third portion can extend from the first side third portion fold line. The second side panel can include a second side first portion, a second side second portion, and second side third portion. The second side first portion can extend from the second front side fold line to a second side second portion fold line. The second side second portion can extend from the second side second portion fold line to a second side third portion fold line. The second side third portion can extend from the second side third portion fold line. The first side tab of the pocket portion can be joined to the first side second portion of the first side panel along the first side second portion fold line. The second side tab of the pocket portion can be joined to the second side second portion of the second side panel along the second side second portion fold line.
As embodied herein, the front upper edge can be cut along at least a length thereof. The front upper edge can be substantially arcuate in shape. The back upper edge can be substantially arcuate in shape and can have a concave notch defined therein. The pocket portion can have a pocket upper edge substantially arcuate in shape and can have a convex projection extending therefrom. The base panel can have a base fold line defined therein spaced from the base front edge and base back edge.
The disclosed subject matter also includes a container having a base panel, a back body panel, a front body panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a pocket portion. The base panel has a base front edge and a base back edge. The back body panel extends from the base back edge to define a back base fold line therebetween. The back body panel has a back upper edge. The front body panel extends from the base front edge to define a front base fold line therebetween. The front body panel has a first front side edge, a second front side edge, and a front upper edge. The first side panel is joined to the back body panel, and the first side panel extending from the first front side edge to define a first front side fold line therebetween. The second side panel is joined to the back body panel, and the second side panel extending from the second front side edge to define a second front side fold line therebetween. The pocket portion is joined to the back body panel. The pocket portion includes a support panel, a pocket flap, a first side tab, and a second side tab. The support panel has a support top edge, a first support side edge, and a second side support edge. The pocket flap extends from the support top edge to define a pocket portion fold line therebetween. The first side tab extends from the first support side edge, and the first side tab is coupled to the first side panel. The second side tab extends from the second support side edge, and the second side tab is coupled to the second side panel. The pocket portion and back body panel define a pocket therebetween. The pocket is moveable between a closed configuration and an open configuration by pivoting the pocket flap about the pocket portion fold line.
As embodied herein, the first side panel can include a first side first portion, a first side second portion, and a first side third portion. The first side first portion can extend from the first front side fold line to a first side second portion fold line. The first side second portion can extend from the first side second portion fold line to a first side third portion fold line. The first side third portion can extend from the first side third portion fold line. The second side panel can include a second side first portion, a second side second portion, and second side third portion. The second side first portion can extend from the second front side fold line to a second side second portion fold line. The second side second portion can extend from the second side second portion fold line to a second side third portion fold line. The second side third portion can extend from the second side third portion fold line. The first side tab of the pocket portion can be joined to the first side second portion of the first side panel. The second side tab of the pocket portion can be joined to the second side second portion of the second side panel.
The disclosed subject matter also includes a method of forming a container including providing a blank. The blank includes a base panel, a back body panel, a front body panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a pocket portion. The base panel has a base front edge and a base back edge. The back body panel extends from the base back edge to define a back base fold line therebetween. The back body panel has a back upper edge. The front body panel extending from the base front edge to define a front base fold line therebetween. The front body panel has a first front side edge, a second front side edge, and a front upper edge. The first side panel extends from the first front side edge to define a first front side fold line therebetween. The second side panel extends from the second front side edge to define a second front side fold line therebetween. The pocket portion extends from the front upper edge. The pocket portion includes a support panel, a pocket flap, a first side tab, and a second side tab. The support panel has a support top edge, a first support side edge, and a second side support edge. The pocket flap extends from the support top edge to define a pocket portion fold line therebetween. The first side tab extends from the first support side edge, and the first side tab is coupled to the first side panel. The second side tab extends from the second support side edge, and the second side tab is coupled to the second side panel. The method further includes joining the first and second side panels to the back body panel such that the front body panel, back body panel, first side panel, and second side panel define a container. The method further includes separating the support panel of the pocket portion from the front body panel and joining the support panel to the back body panel such that the pocket portion and back body panel define a pocket therebetween.
As embodied herein, the first side panel can include a first side first portion, a first side second portion, and a first side third portion. The first side first portion can extend from the first front side fold line to a first side second portion fold line. The first side second portion can extend from the first side second portion fold line to a first side third portion fold line. The first side third portion can extend from the first side third portion fold line. The second side panel can include a second side first portion, a second side second portion, and second side third portion. The second side first portion can extend from the second front side fold line to a second side second portion fold line. The second side second portion can extend from the second side second portion fold line to a second side third portion fold line. The second side third portion can extend from the second side third portion fold line. The method can further include joining the first side tab of the pocket portion to the first side second portion of the first side panel. The method can further include joining the second side tab of the pocket portion to the second side second portion of the second side panel.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosed subject matter claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the disclosed subject matter. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter.
Reference will now be made in detail to the disclosed subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The structure and corresponding method of operation of the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system.
The apparatus and methods presented herein may be used for transport of food items and other perishable and nonperishable products. The disclosed subject matter is particularly suited for packaging, serving, and storing of food items.
In accordance with the disclosed subject matter herein, the unitary blank for forming a container generally includes a base panel, a back body panel, a front body panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a pocket portion. The base panel has a base front edge and a base back edge. The back body panel extends from the base back edge to define a back base fold line therebetween. The back body panel has a back upper edge. The front body panel extends from the base front edge to define a front base fold line therebetween. The front body panel has a first front side edge, a second front side edge, and a front upper edge. The first side panel extends from the first front side edge to define a first front side fold line therebetween. The second side panel extends from the second front side edge to define a second front side fold line therebetween. The pocket portion extends from the front upper edge. The pocket portion includes a support panel, a pocket flap, a first side tab, and a second side tab. The support panel has a support top edge, a first support side edge, and a second side support edge. The pocket flap extends from the support top edge to define a pocket portion fold line therebetween. The first side tab extends from the first support side edge, and the first side tab is coupled to the first side panel. The second side tab extends from the second support side edge, and the second side tab is coupled to the second side panel. The first and second side panels are configured to be joined to the back body panel such that the front body panel, back body panel, first side panel, and second side panel define a container. The support panel of the pocket portion is configured to be separated from the front body panel along the front upper edge and joined to the back body panel such that the pocket portion and back body panel define a pocket therebetween. A container having a base panel, front and back body panels, first and second side panels, and a pocket portion is also provided. A method for forming a container is also provided.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, serve to further illustrate the disclosed subject matter and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, the disclosed subject matter is shown in
For purpose of illustration, and not limitation, reference will made herein to a container intended to contain food items. Additionally, as used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “side,” “upper,” “top,” and “base” are used for the purpose of illustration only, and not limitation. That is, it is recognized that the terms “front,” “back,” “side,” “upper,” “top,” and “base” are merely used herein as a point of reference.
For purpose of illustration and not limitation, reference is made to a unitary blank 100 for a container shown in
As shown in
With reference to the blank 100 of
For purpose of illustration and not limitation, and as embodied herein, the front upper edge 114 of front body panel 102 can have any suitable shape and dimension, including but not limited to substantially arcuate in shape. The upper edge 114 can be die-cut during manufacture along at least a length thereof. The back upper edge 140 of back body panel 106 can have any suitable shape and dimension, including but not limited to substantially arcuate in shape. The back upper edge 140 can have a concave notch 142 defined therein. The notch 142 can have any suitable shape and dimension, including but not limited to “c”-shaped or arcuate, radius corners, or angled straight edges. The pocket portion 112 can have a pocket upper edge 136, and the pocket upper edge 136 can have any suitable shape and dimension, including but not limited to substantially arcuate in shape. The pocket upper edge 136 can have a convex projection 138 extending therefrom. The projection 138 can be of any suitable shape and dimension, including but not limited to “c”-shaped or arcuate, radius corners, or angled straight edges. Additionally or alternatively, the convex projection 138 can be the convex mirror image of the concave notch 142. The support top edge 117 and pocket portion fold line 120 of support panel 116 can have any suitable shape and dimension, including but not limited to substantially arcuate in shape.
For purpose of illustration and not limitation, and as embodied herein, the base panel 104 of blank 100 can have a base fold line 105 defined therein spaced from the base front edge 107a and the base back edge 107b. The base front edge 107a and the base back edge 107b can have any suitable shape and dimension, including but not limited to curved, straight, or substantially arcuate in shape.
It is to be recognized that the dimensions and relative proportions of the front body panels 102, 202, back body panels 106, 206, etc., of the blank 100 or container 200 will vary according to the exact size and intended use of the blank 100 or container 200. For purpose of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the blank 100 of
With reference to the blank 100 of
Additionally, and with reference to
For purpose of illustration and not limitation, and as embodied herein, the pocket 211 of container 200 can be moveable between an open position and a closed position by pivoting the pocket flap 218 about a pocket portion fold line 220. The pocket 211 can have a closed configuration (as shown, for example, in
The container 200 can have one or more of the features as included in blank 100. For example, the container 200 can include upper edges 214, 236, 240. The upper edges 214, 236, 240 can be of any suitable shape and dimension, including the shapes and dimensions of upper edges 114, 136, 140 of blank 100.
The containers disclosed herein are preferably disposable, but it is contemplated that they may be reused at a future time. Also, the containers can be constructed from materials suitable to be placed in a heating apparatus, such as a microwave, to heat the food and/or used for storage in the refrigerator or freezer. Additionally, the materials from which the containers are made need not be the same throughout. The containers and blanks described herein can be manufactured from any suitable material, including but not limited to paperboard.
In addition to the disclosed subject matter claimed below, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other aspects of the disclosed subject matter having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below and those disclosed above. As such, the particular features presented in the dependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other aspects of the disclosed subject matter having any other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to the aspects of the disclosed subject matter disclosed.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the method and system of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
This application claim priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/219,634 filed Jul. 8, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63219634 | Jul 2021 | US |
