Convertible pizza box

Abstract

A container for pizza formable into a smaller, space saving box useful as, for example, refrigerator containers for pizza slices. Also disclosed are easily environmentally friendly disposable pizza boxes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a space-saving box, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a blank, in accordance with the present invention, useful for forming a full-sized pizza box, the blank including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being suitable for forming the space saving box shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the blank shown in FIG. 2 with the second portion separated from the first portion and the second, portion being separated into individual plate-sized portions.

FIG. 4 shows generally, a plan view of the blank shown in FIG. 2 with the second portion removed therefrom.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the first portion of the blank shown in FIG. 2 as the first portion is being folded into the space saving box shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows perspective view of the first portion of the blank shown in FIG. 2 as the first portion is further folded into the space saving box shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 a shows an alternate embodiment of one of the two side walls of the first portion 26, wherein a first triangular side wall segment 74 and second triangular side wall segment 76 are not substantially equal in size, and wherein a third side wall segment 78 is not substantially triangular in at least one plane.

FIG. 7 b shows an alternate embodiment of one of the two side walls of the first portion 26, wherein a second side wall segment has an arcuate edge in at least one plane and wherein a second side wall score line is curved.

FIG. 7 c shows an alternate embodiment of one of the two side walls of the first portion 26, wherein a first side wall segment and a second side wall segment each have an arcuate edge in at least one plane, and wherein the first and second side wall score lines are curved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of the following description, as used herein, “score line” encompasses any line, curve or irregular shape provided on a paperboard or cardboard blank for allowing the same to be folded or torn in a predetermined fashion. By “foldable box” it is meant a box which takes its shape by folding different segments of a blank piece of flat material, such as cardboard for example, around score lines. This action is also called “formation” of the box. “Unfolded box” generally refers to the blank, while “folded box” generally refers to the shaped article after folding the miscellaneous segments around certain score lines.

The score lines may include indentations, miscellaneous cuts, through-cut slits, perforations, and the like. They have a maximum possible degree of weakening the box at their location, so that an operator may perform the folding as fast and as easily as possible, with a minimum chance of folding the box in the wrong place. Thus, the box may be folded, unfolded, and re-folded at will many times around the score lines without any substantial loss of its final integrity as a folded or formed box. Thus, score line generally refers to a preformed fold line which is free from perforations, partially perforated, or fully perforated.

Providing perforations along a fold line facilitates folding certain portions of the blank, particularly where the blank is formed from corrugated cardboard. Where thinner cardboard is used, preformed fold lines which are free from perforations are generally sufficient to allow folding as desired. Scoring by, for example, perforating also facilitates removal, for example by manually tearing, of one or more portions or segments of the blank.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, some of the score lines are lines of weakness along which the blank can be torn so that portions of the full size blank can be easily removed. Such lines of weakness are preferably perforated lines, particularly where the box is formed from corrugated cardboard. However, cuts in and/or through the material of the blank need not necessarily be provided and perforated score line as used herein is intended to refer to any score line defining a line of weakness along which the material of the blank can be torn.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a space saving box useful for pizza and other relatively flat food products is shown generally at 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the space saving box 10 has a relatively low profile for storing relatively flat products, for example, relatively flat food products, for example, but not limited to pizza pies, muffins, tarts, fruit pies, cookies, quiches, and the like. The space saving box 10 is advantageously tapered in depth, (either linearly (as shown) or by way of a curve.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is depicted a product, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, the product comprises a blank 20 that is formable into a space saving box, for example the space saving box 10 shown in FIG. 1. Notably, in this particular embodiment of the invention, the blank 20 is suitable for forming both a relatively larger box (not shown in assembled form) for example, a box suitable for holding a whole pizza pie, as well as the space saving box 10 shown in FIG. 1. Thus, blank 20 is preferably structured to be configurable to form a full sized box that can accommodate a relatively large food product, for example a full sized pizza, and is further structured to be configurable to form a reduced size, space saving box (such as box 10 shown in FIG. 1) to accommodate a relatively smaller food product, for example, less than a full pizza, for example, one or more individual “leftover” pizza slices.

In the embodiment shown, blank 20 generally comprises a first portion 26 and a second portion 28. The first portion 26 has a perimeter defined by opposing longitudinal side edges 26s, a front edge 26f and a back edge 26b. Similarly, the second portion 28 has a perimeter defined by opposing longitudinal side edges 28s, a front edge 28f, and a back edge 28b.

The second portion 28 is preferably hingedly coupled to the first portion 26, for example by a common back panel 30 defined in part by the first portion back edge 26b, the second portion back edge 28b, and score lines 30a.

In addition, the blank 20 further comprises a side wall 32 preferably hingedly coupled to each of the opposing longitudinal side edges 26s of the first portion 26. Similarly, the blank 20 may further comprise additional side walls 34 each preferably hingedly coupled to one of the opposing longitudinal side edges 28s of the second portion 28.

In addition, the blank 20 may further comprise one or more front end walls, for example, first portion front end wall 36 and second portion front end wall 38, each preferably hingedly coupled to the front edge 26f of the first portion 26 and the front edge 28f the second portion 28, respectively.

The blank 20 also includes a plurality of primary folding lines disposed, for example as shown, along each of side edges 26s and 28s, front edges 26f and 28f and back edges 26b and 28b, which serve to form a full sized box (not shown) by folding along the folding lines the various portions of the blank 20 inwardly. More particularly, a full sized box is formable from blank 20 by folding the blank 20, generally inwardly (away from the page), for example, along the first portion back edge 26b, the second portion back edge 28b, score lines 30a, first portion front edge 26f, double score line 26ff, the second portion front edge 28f, first portion opposing longitudinal side edges 26s, and second portion opposing longitudinal side edges 28s.

It is noted and will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, that the layout of the primary folding lines may be consistent with a conventional full sized pizza box folding line layout. In the present state of the art, these folding lines may optionally include indentations, through-cut slits, and the like in order to form a full sized pizza box having square or other than square dimensions, such as, for example, hexagonal, octagonal, and the like. The exemplary layout of primary folding lines shown in FIG. 2 should not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention, as other variations are possible that are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

In accordance with the present invention, and unlike a conventional pizza box, back edge 28b is shown as a perforated score line that is suitable for manually separating, for example by tearing, first portion 26 from second portion 28. This is an important feature of the invention, as it allows a consumer to quickly and easily separate the first portion 26 from the second portion 28 in order to form the space saving box 10 (see FIG. 1) from the first portion 26, as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

Another feature of certain embodiments of the present invention comprises perforated score lines 42, which allow the second portion to be manually separated into a plurality of individual serving segments, or “plates” 44, suitable for serving slices of pizza to multiple people.

These and other aspects of the present invention may be more clearly understood with reference to FIG. 3. Preferably, though not exclusively, when used for containing pizza, the blank 20 is configured such that first portion 26 defines a bottom of the full sized pizza box and second portion 28 defines a top of the full sized pizza box. Thus, when first portion 26 is separated from second portion 28, as shown, and segments 44 are separated from each other, as shown, segments 44 any unserved pizza can be contained on first portion 26, and individual slices thereof can be contained on plate segments 44, which will be relatively free of grease, sauce and/or cheese.

Turning now to FIG. 4, blank 20, having second portion 28, and the third sidewall segment 78 removed therefrom, is shown in a flat, unfolded configuration. In accordance with one especially advantageous embodiment of the invention, said blank 20 preferably further includes a transverse score line 50, for example on and across the first portion 26 as shown, and extending substantially between the opposing longitudinal side edges 26s of the first portion 26. Preferably, the transverse score line 50 comprises a single transverse score line that facilitates folding of the first portion 26, for example inwardly.

Preferably, the transverse score line 50 is offset, for example a minor distance, for example, a distance of between about 0.25 inches to about 0.5 inches, measured from a theoretical centerline of the first portion 26.

It is noted that transverse score line 50 may, in some embodiments of the invention, comprise more than one transverse score line, each being parallel to one another, for example a double transverse score line. In this case, it is preferred that the separation between adjacent parallel transverse score lines is less a width than a maximum depth of the space saving box, in order that the space saving box will have a tapering depth.

For purposes of illustration only, not to be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention, first portion 26 may have a width of about 16.5 inches (measured from front edge 26f to back edge 26b of first portion 26), and a length of about 16.5 inches measured between opposing longitudinal side edges 26s. Transverse score line 50 may be located substantially entirely across the first portion 26 at about 8.5 inches from and parallel to front edge 26f, thereby bisecting the first portion into unequal segments 52 and 54, wherein segment 52 is slightly wider than segment 54.

Turning back now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each of the first portion side walls 32 includes a first score line 60, a second score line 60a coextensive with the longitudinal side edges 26s, and a third score line 60b. The first, second, and third score lines 60, 60a, and 60b are preferably perforated in order to allow the blank 20 to be manually broken or torn therealong and facilitating the removal of the removable third side wall segment 78.

It will be understood that various modifications of this arrangement may be made resulting in the removable third side wall segment having a variety of different shapes. However, if a preferred embodiment the removable third side wall segment will not in any event be substantially triangular in shape.

In another embodiment the non-removable segment(s) of each side wall do not comprise two substantially triangular side wall segments of substantially identical size.

In addition, very preferably at least one of the first score line 60 and the second score line 60a adjoins the transverse score line 50. More preferably, both of the first score line 60 and the second score line 60a adjoin the transverse score line 50 and intersect the transverse score line 50 at points 66 generally located at corresponding longitudinal side edges 26s of the first portion 26.

Although each of the side walls 32 may include a side wall first segment 74 and a side wall second segment, in the embodiment pictured in FIG. 2, there is no second side wall segment. In alternate embodiments a second side wall segment comprises a portion of side wall shown in FIG. 2 as the removable third side wall segment 78. In this alternate embodiment, the removable third side wall segment is separated from the second side wall segment by one or more score lines, and is preferably defined in part by at least a portion of the first score line 60.

It will be understood that in a different embodiment the first side wall segment may be defined by at least a portion of the back edge 26b, rather than at least a portion of the front edge 26f as shown in FIG. 2.

If there is a second side wall segment preferably at least one of, and more preferably, only one of, the side wall first segment 74 and the side wall second segment are substantially triangular in shape. In this embodiment, preferably, the side wall first segment 74 and the side wall second segment have an edge at least partly coextensive with and disposed along at least a portion of the corresponding opposing longitudinal side edge 26s of the first portion 26. When the side wall first segment is substantially triangular in shape it defines an angle, preferably between about 10° and about 30°, which will define, generally, a tapering angle of the space saving box shown in FIG. 1.

Still referring to FIG. 2, each of the side walls 32 of the first portion 26 may further include a side wall third segment 78, preferably having a shape other than triangular, and being disposed generally between and abutting or close to the side wall first segment 74 on one side and the side wall second segment, if present, and/or a back score line such as 62b (as shown) or a front score line such as one coextensive with the front edge 26f.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the blank 20 preferably further includes a slot 82 and a tab portion 84 sized to be inserted into the slot 82. Support portions 86, are provided as well, and may contain support portion tabs 86a to secure the folded support portion by insertion into support portion slots or slits 86b. Longitudinal support tabs 88 may also be provided.

Advantageously, in accordance with the present invention, the first portion 26 is structured to be formable into the space saving box 10 shown in FIG. 1. For example, in FIG. 2, score lines 60, 62a and 62b are suitably made to allow manual removal of third side wall segment 78 from the first portion 26 to achieve the configuration of the first portion 26 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Prior to formation of the space saving box 10 (as will be described in greater detail hereinafter), third side wall segment 78 (not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) is preferably removed from the blank 20 and discarded in a trash can, or more preferably, a recycling bin.

Assembly of the blank into the exemplary space saving box 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be more clearly understood with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

As shown in FIG. 5, blank 20 (having the second portion 28 and side wall third segment 78 removed therefrom) is being folded along appropriate score lines such that sidewall first segment 74 and longitudinal support tabs 88 are folded inwardly in directions of arrows 92 and 94, respectively. Next, support portions 86 are folded inwardly in direction of arrows 102.

An outer front wall 106, shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, of space saving box 10, is formable by folding support portions 86 over and substantially enclosing support tabs 88. This step may be facilitated by provision of support portion tabs 86a and slots 86b sized to receive the protrusions 86a, shown in FIG. 4.

Specifically referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, first portion 26 is now folded along transverse score line 50 (located behind crease 150 shown in FIG. 1) in the direction of arrow 108 (not shown in FIG. 1) to form a tapered, space saving box 10, having segment 54 forming a top of the space saving box 10 and segment 52 (not shown in FIG. 1) forming a bottom of the space saving box 10. Common back panel 30 may be placed behind outer front wall 106 to close the box 10. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 tab portion 84 is located as part of and separable from the support portion 86 is inserted into slot 82 (located in this embodiment on common back panel 30) in order to secure the space saving box 10 in a closed configuration.

Notably, in accordance with this particular embodiment of the invention, the blank 20 is structured such that, when properly reconfigured, generally by manually folding along the various score lines provided thereon as described hereinabove, the resulting reduced sized box 10 has a sleek, space saving, easy to carry, gently tapering configuration.

FIG. 7 a-c show non-limiting, alternative embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7a shows a side wall having a first triangular side wall segment 74 and second triangular side wall segment 76 are not substantially equal in size, and wherein a third removable side wall segment 78, not substantially triangular in at least one plane, is bordered by perforated (or otherwise tearable) score lines 60, 60a, and 60b.

FIG. 7 b shows an embodiment of a feature of the space saving box of the present invention comprising one of the two side walls of the first portion 26, wherein a first substantially triangular side wall segment 74 is partly defined by perforated score line 60, a second side wall segment 76 has an arcuate edge defined by curved perforated score line 60b, and wherein a third removable side wall segment is not substantially triangular in at least one plane.

FIG. 7 c shows an embodiment of a feature of the space saving box of the present invention comprising one of the two side walls of the first portion 26, wherein a first side wall segment 74 has an arcuate edge defined by curved perforated score line 60, a second side wall segment 76 has an arcuate edge defined by curved perforated score line 60b, and wherein a third removable side wall segment 78 is not substantially triangular in at least one plane.

It is to be appreciated that the scope of the present invention is considered to include the space saving box 10 itself, for example made from a blank having the configuration of first portion 26 shown in FIG. 4, without the provision of the second portion 28.

The advantages of the space saving box 10 of the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art and consumers alike.

The box 10 and blank 20 of the present invention minimizes waste of resources by facilitating reuse of nearly all of a full sized pizza box, for example, to form the serving segments 44 (see FIG. 3) and afterward, the space saving, “leftovers” box 10 (see FIG. 1). Breaking down the blank 20 as described herein also facilitates disposal thereof after use as a full sized box, for example into a standard kitchen trash can or recycle bin, when compared to the more cumbersome, conventional pizza boxes. It is to be appreciated that, with appropriate modifications thereto, the blank 20 can be structured such that the first portion and the second portion are both formable into two individual space saving boxes.

Preferably, in order to further minimize waste, the space saving boxes 10 and blanks 20 in accordance with the present invention are made of 100% recycled materials, for example, recycled paper products.

Advantageously, when placed in a refrigerator, the space saving box 10 is unlikely to be utilized as a storage surface for storage of other food items, such as, for example, heavy jars of food, due to the sloped nature of the top portion (e.g., segment 54) of the box 10.

In addition, two of said space saving boxes 10, in accordance with the present invention, can be stacked on top of one another in alternating fashion, to take up only as much space as the deepest dimension of a single one of the space saving boxes 10.

While this invention has been described with respect to various specific examples and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and that it can be variously practiced within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A box useful for pizza, the box comprising: a first portion having a perimeter defined by opposing longitudinal side edges, a front edge and a back edge;a second portion having a perimeter defined by opposing longitudinal side edges, a front edge and a back edge, the second portion being hingedly coupled to the first portion;a pair of side walls each hingedly coupled to one of the opposing longitudinal side edges of the first portion, wherein each side wall comprises one or more score line to facilitate removal of a segment of said blank comprising at least a portion of said side wall;a front end wall hingedly coupled to a front edge of one of the first portion and the second portion;a back end wall hingedly coupled to a back edge of one of the first portion and the second portion; anda transverse score line on the first portion and extending substantially between the opposing longitudinal side edges of the first portion, andwherein non-removable segment(s) of each side wall do not comprise two substantially triangular side wall segments of substantially identical size.

2. The box of claim 1 being, in an unfolded state, a one piece blank.

3. The box of claim 1 wherein the transverse score line is offset from a centerline of the first portion.

4. The box of claim 1 wherein each of the side walls of the first portion includes a removable segment.

5. The box of claim 4 wherein the removable segments are substantially triangular in at least one plane.

6. The box of claim 1 wherein the each of the side walls includes a substantially triangular segment having an edge coextensive along at least a portion of one of the opposing longitudinal side edges of the first portion.

7. The box of claim 1 wherein, when the second portion is separated from the first portion and the first portion is folded along the transverse score line, the first portion defines a container having a tapering depth.

8. The box of claim 1 which comprises recycled materials.

9. The box of claim 1 wherein the second portion includes second portion score lines to facilitate breaking the second portion into a plurality of segments.

10. The box of claim 9 wherein at least two of the second portion score lines cross each other.

11. The box of claim 9 wherein each of the plurality of segments is substantially equal in size.

12. A product formable into a space saving box, the product comprising: a substantially flat portion having a perimeter defined by opposing longitudinal side edges, a front edge and a back edge;a pair of side walls each coupled to one of the opposing longitudinal side edges of the portion;a front end wall coupled to a front edge of the portion;a back end wall coupled to a back edge of the portion; and

13. A composition formable into a space saving box for pizza, the composition comprising: a substantially flat portion having a perimeter defined by opposing longitudinal side edges, a front edge, and a back edge;a pair of side walls each coupled to one of the opposing longitudinal side edges of the portion;a front end wall coupled to the front edge of the portion;a back end wall coupled to the back edge of the portion; anda transverse score line located between and spaced apart from the front edge and the back edge of the portion and extending substantially between the opposing longitudinal side edges of the portion;wherein, when the portion is folded along the transverse score line, the portion defines a box for pizza having an outer front wall and a tapering depth that continually decreases from the outer front wall to the folded transverse score line, said box further defining a substantially enclosed interior space for containing one or more pizza slice.

14. A space saving box for pizza comprising: a substantially flat first portion having a perimeter defined by opposing longitudinal side edges, a front end and a back edge;a pair of side walls each coupled to one of the opposing longitudinal side edges of the first portion, each of the side walls including a removable segment which is not substantially triangular in at least one plane,a front end wall coupled to the front edge of the portion, anda substantially continuously flat second portion having a front edge and a back edge, said back edge defined by a creased transverse score line hingingly coupling said second portion to the back edge of the first portion; wherein when said box is in a closed position the front edge of said second portion contacts the front end wall of the first portion defining a substantially enclosed interior space of tapering depth for containing one or more pizza slice.

15. The product of claim 14 wherein the transverse score line is offset from a centerline of the portion.

16. The product of claim 14 wherein each of the side walls of the portion includes at least one side wall score line to facilitate removal of the removable segment.

17. A box useful for pizza, the box comprising: a first portion having a perimeter defined by opposing longitudinal side edges, a front edge and a back edge; a second portion having a perimeter defined by opposing longitudinal side edges, a front edge and a back edge, the second portion being hingedly coupled to the first portion; a pair of side walls each hingedly coupled to one of the opposing longitudinal side edges of the first portion, each of the side walls including a removable segment that is not substantially triangular in at least one plane; a front end wall hingedly coupled to the front edge of one of the first portion and the second portion; a back end wall hingedly coupled to the back edge of one of the first portion and the second portion; and a transverse score line extending across the first portion, the transverse score line located between and spaced apart from the front edge of the first portion and the back edge of the first portion, and extending substantially between the opposing longitudinal side edges of the first portion; the box being structured such that when the second portion is separated from the first portion and the separated first portion is creased along the transverse score line, the first portion, in an assembled condition, defines a container having an outer front wall, a hinge opposing the outer front wall and defined by the creased transverse score line, and a substantially tapering depth that decreases from the outer front wall to the creased transverse score line.

18. The box of claim 17 being, in an unfolded state, a one piece blank.

19. The box of claim 17 wherein the transverse scoreline is offset from a centerline of the first portion.

20. The box of claim 17 wherein each of the side walls of the first portion includes at least one side wall score line to facilitate removal of the removable segment.