Patent Application
20100133268
The present invention relates generally to portable food containers, and more particularly relates to an apparatus and system for portable, blind retrieval of food.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,261 for a DISPOSABLE FOOD TRAY WITH CONDIMENT CONTAINER, Cook discloses a comestible container structurally supporting at least one ancillary condiment container. Cook fails to disclose an attachment structure to maintain relative positioning between the user and the food container. In particular, Cook does not disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, attachment to a single thigh, and a slidable mount and connector combination.
In U.S. Des. Pat. No. D253,628 for a TRAY, Adamson discloses an ornamental design for a tray. Adamson fails to disclose an open detachable clamshell-shaped container with two food receptacles, an elastically conformable semi-rigid circular band attachable to a single human thigh, and a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,274 for a LEG SUPPORTED TRAY, Jenkins discloses a leg supported tray in which the leg engaging support is generally semicircular in configuration and open downwardly with its lower surface being provided with coating or covering in the form of a fabric or rubber coating to form a cushion for engaging the surface of the leg of the user. Jenkins fails to disclose an open detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles, a circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh, and a combination of a slidably attachable mount disposed on the band and a connector disposed on the container.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,032 for TORSO-MOUNTED HOLDER TRAY ASSEMBLY, Bott et al. discloses a holder tray assembly for mounting on the torso of a wearer that includes a tray capable of supporting objects, the tray held by a pair of laterally spaced apart support rods. Bott et al. fails to disclose an elastically conformable circular semi-rigid band with opening that is attachable to a single human thigh, enabling easy attachment and removal from the wearer. Bott et al. further does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.
In U.S. Des. Pat. No. D338,035 for BINDER WITH KNEE SUPPORT, Graham discloses a binder with knee support. Graham does not disclose a container for holding food. Graham fails to disclose a circular semi-rigid band that is elastically conformable for attachment to a human thigh, capable of connection to an open detachable clamshell-shaped container having a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to an opening in the circular semi-rigid band.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,455 for FOLDING LAP TRAY, Miller et al. discloses a lap tray that is folded from a corrugated cardboard blank that can be gripped by a user's thighs. In particular, Miller et al. does not disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, attachment to a single thigh, and a slidable mount and connector combination.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,885 for LAP TRAY FOR CARRYING FOOD, Sussman discloses a lap tray adapted to be laid upon the lap of a user when the user is in a seated position. Sussman does not disclose an open detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles, a circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh, and a combination of a slidably attachable mount disposed on the band and a connector disposed on the container
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,119 for FAST FOOD LAP TRAY, Eisenberg discloses a tray suited for supporting fast food on the lap of an individual seated in an automobile that includes a pair of pliant leg straps whose lengths are sufficient only to be individually secured beneath the legs of the user. Eisenberg fails to disclose a circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh. Eisenberg further does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to an opening in the band, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.
In U.S. Des. Pat. No. D376,732 for PLATE WITH CENTER HOT DOG COMPARTMENT, Smith discloses a plate with center hot dog compartment with a comestible container structurally supporting at least one ancillary condiment container. Smith fails to disclose an attachment structure to maintain relative positioning between the user and the food container. Smith fails to disclose a circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh. Smith fails to disclose an elastically conformable circular semi-rigid band with opening that is attachable to a single human thigh, enabling easy attachment and removal from the wearer. In particular, Smith does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,512 for TRAY OR PLATE ASSEMBLY, Brickley discloses a tray which can be held and stabilized using one hand and forearm. Brickley fails to disclose a circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh. In particular, Brickley does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,784 for FAST FOOD BOX TRAY, Wojcik discloses a fast food box tray that includes a top tray that can be foldably secured to an upper edge of the bottom tray and can be placed on a user's lap. Wojcik fails to disclose a slidable connector on the food container that is attachable to a slidable mount on an elastically conformable circular semi-rigid band attachable to a single human thigh.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,933 for PORTABLE LAP TRAY, Neville discloses the portable lap tray with receiving loops for securing around thighs of a user. Neville fails to disclose an elastically conformable circular semi-rigid band with opening that is attachable to a single human thigh, enabling easy attachment and removal from the wearer. Neville further does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.
In U.S. Des. Pat. No. D405,621 for LAPTOP FOOD TRAY, Myers discloses an ornamental design for a laptop food tray. Myers fails to disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid circular band. Myers does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,938 for BODY-ATTACHED CUP HOLDER, Fava discloses a cup holder adapted to be attached to a person's thigh that consists a receptacle member forming a generally cylindrical shell which is open at its top end and closed at its bottom end, and two arcuate arms which extend downwardly. Fava does not disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid band and does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable container. Fava does not disclose a band opening that is perpendicular to the slidable mount and connector combination.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,689 for BOWL WITH GRIPPING MEANS, Benett discloses a bowl in with gripping means located at a recessed portion of the bottom or base. Benett fails to disclose an attachment structure to maintain relative positioning between the user and the food container. Benett fails to disclose an elastically conformable circular semi-rigid band with opening that is attachable to a single human thigh, enabling easy attachment and removal from the wearer. Benett further does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to the opening, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,885 for MOBILE-DINING MEALHOLDER WITH BEVERAGE CONTAINER PLATE-LID, Krueger et al. discloses a mobile-dining mealholder consisting of a plate-lid and detachable beverage cup in which the cup has a lip with an annular bead. Krueger et al. fails to disclose a circular semi-rigid band structure enabling balanced attachment to a single human thigh, and a combination of a slidably attachable mount disposed on the band and a connector disposed on the container. Krueger et al. fails to disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to an opening of a circular semi-rigid band structure.
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,927 for POP-UP TRAY FOR COMBINATION MEALS, Sorensen et al. discloses an automatic pop-up food tray support leg system that positions the tray in the driver's lap. Sorensen et al. does not disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, attachment to a single thigh, and a slidable mount and connector combination. Sorensen et al. does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to an opening in an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.
In U.S. Pat. No. 7,185,763 for CUPHOLDING LAP TRAY, Ali discloses a lap tray with a cup receptacle positioned at the center of gravity of the tray. Ali fails to disclose an attachment structure to maintain relative positioning between the user and the food container. Ali does not disclose an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, attachment to a single thigh, and a slidable mount and connector combination. Ali does not disclose a slidable mount and connector combination disposed perpendicular to an opening in an elastically conformable semi-rigid band, enabling balanced attachment of a detachable clamshell-shaped container with multiple food receptacles to a single human thigh.
Prior attempts to provide a portable food retrieval device have met with varied limitations. In particular, the arrangement for securing the device is typically not interchangeable with a choice in food container, owing to the limited range of stability of the prior art portable devices. At the same time, it is desired to maintain the relative position between the user and the food so that the user does not have to look for the food in order to retrieve the food. Engagement of the securing device with the food container has been either bulky or unable to provide stability of the food container. Further, it is desired to have a device or system that is easily attachable, removable, and easy to use by a user. There is a need to overcome all of these limitations in a single, generic device or system.
According to a first set of examples of the invention, an apparatus and system are disclosed for blind retrieval of food, the apparatus including: a single semi-rigid bad, where the band is elastically conformable for attachment to a human thigh; a mount having a first sliding surface, the mount disposed on the band; a food container having a lower surface and an upper surface; and a connector having a second sliding surface, the connector disposed on the lower surface of the food container; and where the connector is slidably attachable to the mount.
In another example, the sliding surface of the mount includes a first T-shaped groove and a second T-shaped groove; and the sliding surface of the connector includes a first T-shaped rail and a second T-shaped rail where the first and second T-shaped rails conformably fit to the T-shaped grooves of the mount. In a further example, the connector further includes a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface of the food container. The recessed surface includes a first side and a second side. The first T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the first side of the recessed surface. The second T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the second side of the recessed surface. In another further example, the food container includes a first food receptacle and a second food receptacle disposed on the upper surface of the food container and a ridge disposed on the upper surface separating the first food receptacle and the second food receptacle. The food container further includes a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface, the recessed surface including a first side and a second side, where the recessed surface is fittably receivable by the ridge on the upper surface. The first T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the first side of said recessed surface and the second T-shaped rail of the connector is disposed adjacent to the second side of said recessed surface. In another further example, the relative width between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.
In another example, the sliding surface of the connector includes a dovetail shaped groove; and the sliding surface of the mount includes a dovetail shaped rail conformably fitting the dovetail shaped groove of the connector. In a further example, the connector includes a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface. The recessed surface includes a first side and a second side. The dovetail shaped groove of the connector includes a first slot disposed in the first side of the recessed surface and a second slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface. In another further example, the food container includes a first food receptacle and a second food receptacle disposed on the upper surface of the food container. A ridge disposed on the upper surface separates the first food receptacle and the second food receptacle. The food container further includes a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface. The recessed surface includes a first side and a second side. The recessed surface is fittably receivable by the ridge on the upper surface. The dovetail shaped groove of the connector further includes a first slot disposed in the first side of the recessed surface and a second slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface.
In another example, the relative width between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface varies, providing a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount.
In another example, the upper surface and lower surface of the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a plurality of food containers.
In another example, the width of at least one of first sliding surface and second sliding surface varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.
In another example, the apparatus includes a plurality of food containers, where the food containers are interchangeably attachable to the mount of the band.
In another example, the food container further includes a plurality of indentations disposed in the upper surface, the plurality of indentations adapted to receive human fingers.
In another example, the band further includes an opening in the band, the opening positioned perpendicular to the mount.
In another example, the apparatus further includes a plurality of hemispherical protrusions disposed on the band. The protrusions are disposed adjacent to and in parallel with the mount. A depression surface is disposed on the sliding surface of the connector. The depression is capable of conformable engagement to the plurality of protrusions.
In a second set of examples of the invention, an apparatus and system are disclosed for blind retrieval of food, the apparatus including: a single semi-rigid band, the band further including an opening in the band, a mount disposed on the band perpendicular to the opening and where the band is elastically conformable for attachment to a human right; a food container having a lower surface and an upper surface, the food container including at least two food receptacles disposed on the upper surface, a ridge disposed on the upper surface separating the two food receptacles, a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface, the recessed surface including a first side and a second side, and where the recessed surface corresponds to and conforms with the ridge of the upper surface, whereby the upper surface and the lower surface of the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a plurality of food containers; and a connector disposed in the recessed surface of the lower surface of the food container, the connector including a dovetail shaped groove disposed in the recessed surface, the dovetail shaped groove of the connector further including a first slot disposed in the first side of the recessed surface of the food container and a second slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface of the food container; where the mount includes a dovetail shaped rail conformably fitting to the dovetail shaped groove of the connector, where the connector is slidably attachable to the mount; and where the relative width between the dovetail shaped rail and the first and second slots of the dovetail shaped groove varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.
In a third set of examples of the invention, an apparatus and system are disclosed for blind retrieval of food, the apparatus including: a single semi-rigid band, the band further including an opening in the band, a mount disposed on the band perpendicular to the opening, and where the band is elastically conformable for attachment to a human thigh; a food container having a lower surface and an upper surface, the food container including at least two food receptacles disposed on the upper surface, a ridge disposed on the upper surface separating the two food receptacles, a recessed surface disposed on the lower surface, the recessed surface including a first side and a second side, and where the recessed surface corresponds to and conforms with said ridge of the upper surface, whereby the upper surface and the lower surface of the food container are conformably shaped for stably stacking a plurality of food containers; and a connector disposed in the recessed surface of the lower surface of the food container, the connector including a dovetail shaped groove disposed in the recessed surface, the dovetail shaped groove of the connector further including a first slot disposed in the first side of the recessed surface of the food container and a second slot disposed in the second side of the recessed surface of the food container; where the mount includes a dovetail shaped rail conformably fitting to the dovetail shaped groove of the connector, where the connector is slidably attachable to the mount; and where the band further includes a plurality of hemispherical protrusions disposed on the band, the protrusions disposed adjacent to and in parallel with the mount; and the container further includes a depression surface disposed on the lower surface of the food container, the depression surface capable of conformable engagement to the plurality of protrusions upon attachment of the mount to the container.
In another example, the relative width between the dovetail shaped rail and the first and second slots of the dovetail shaped groove varies, whereby a wedging or cinching effect upon sliding-attachment of the connector to the mount is provided.
The present invention is best understood with reference to the attached drawings in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which:
The foregoing disclosure is presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to limit the invention to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings and the teaching of the relevant art are within the spirit of the invention. Such variations will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the relevant in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure. Further, the embodiments described are also intended to explain the best mode for carrying out the invention, and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and such or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the invention. It is intended that the claims based on this disclosure be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent that is permitted by prior art.
