Patent Application
20200323372
Not Applicable
The present systems, apparatuses, and methods lie in the field of food wrappers, dishes, and napkins. The present disclosure relates to a multi-function food wrapper that also serves as a plate and a napkin, which can be a tear-away napkin. The multi-function food wrapper is used for any food product, some examples of which include sandwiches, burritos, and hot dogs. The multi-function food wrapper is most useful in scenarios where customers need to eat on the run such as in a concert, at a sports arena, in an airport, and in a vehicle (e.g., an airplane).
Society is continually becoming more mobile in many ways. This trend includes meals that are often “on-the-go”, including fast food items, food trucks, and take-out items. Now, people frequently eat in their car, on park benches, at their desk, or in their laps. Current “deli wraps” used in sandwich shops (such as Subway@) use a thin sheet(s) of waxed paper to simply contain and package the sandwich. Such paper is a poor substitute for plates because they have no form or rigidity; they are also somewhat crude and unsightly. To minimize mess, the wrapper is placed on a plate and a separate napkin is obtained. Currently, there are no other disposable sandwich wrappers that also function as a plate and provide a napkin.
U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2010/0270314 published to Kolleda on Oct. 28, 2010 (“Kolleda”) relates to containers for fast food or at an outdoor venue. More specifically, Kolleda discloses a container for storing a food item and a napkin attached to the container. The napkin is attached permanently to the container such that the weight of the container makes the napkin less susceptible to wind forces and the undesirable blowing away of the napkin due to the wind. However, by not being detachable from the container, it is difficult to use the napkin to clean spills in an area in which the food is consumed, or spills on an individual's clothing.
U.S. Design Pat. No. D823,640 issued to Leaphart et al. on Jul. 24, 2018 (“Leaphart”), relates to a disposable deep-centered plate with an attached foil sheet. The unique ornamental design of Leaphart presents a plate having a circular shape and a square foil sheet attached at a tangent to the plate. It is arguable that the foil sheet folds over the plate to cover food when wrapped around the plate edges. The foil sheet is not a napkin. In addition, the design does not allow or suggest the plate and the foil sheet being rolled to contain food for consumption “on the go.”
Great Britain Patent No. GB2450354A issued to Hardy on Dec. 24, 2008 (“Hardy”) relates to a food container. More specifically, Hardy discloses a food container having a lid providing an integrated napkin. The food container presents a pouch for receiving and containing food for consumption and a lid that folds over the pouch to contain the food within the pouch. Similar to Kolleda, the lid portion providing an integrated napkin is not detachable from the container and cannot be used to clean spills in an area in which the food is consumed, or spills on an individual's clothing.
Thus, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art systems, designs, and processes as discussed above.
The systems, apparatuses, and methods described provide a multi-function food wrapper with an integral plate and a napkin, referred to as a “Dish-Wrap,” that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that has an integral plate and a napkin, which can be a tear-away napkin.
In an exemplary embodiment, the Dish-Wrap is a single sheet, similar in size to existing deli paper wraps, but with a different material. Rather than a slick waxed paper, at least a portion of the sheet has a surface texture having an absorbency similar to a paper towel. One exemplary embodiment of the paper towel is the relatively stiff paper towel that is used in commercial bathroom dispensers. One portion of the sheet (e.g., one-half or one-third of the sheet) is a napkin portion. The napkin portion can be a single napkin or a plurality of napkins. The other portion (e.g., the other half or two-thirds of the sheet) is thicker and has, in its form, a shallow plate with a rim molded into the sheet itself. This sheet is rolled around the food product. In this manner, when the entire wrapper is unrolled, the food (e.g., a sandwich) is revealed. In an exemplary embodiment, the napkin portion has a perforated edge allowing it to be torn off from the plate portion. Thus, when the napkin portion is removed, a paper plate is left under the food product and the napkin portion can be used separately and serve as a napkin. As used herein, a napkin is of a material having at least some ability to absorb a liquid, referred to as absorbability. One example of such a material is a paper towel but other paper products having absorbability can be used.
The stand-alone Dish-Wrap can be used by restaurants to package their food product to the public and represents an upgrade to the waxed paper deli-wrap used, for example, by sandwich shops and delicatessens and other fast food chains and restaurants that use wrappers or boxes to contain solid food products such as sandwiches, hoagies, wraps, burritos, hamburgers, and/or hotdogs.
In an exemplary embodiment of a diamond, a square, or a rectangle shape, the Dish-Wrap is well suited to elongated items such as submarine sandwiches and burritos. In alternative embodiments, the sheet is modified to accommodate different dimensions and shapes, such as a cone shape for mouth-sized products, such as French fries.
In an exemplary embodiment, the Dish-Wrap comprises a wrapper substrate, a plate connected to the substrate, and a napkin removably connected to the substrate. The plate is integral with the substrate or is fixed to the substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the plate has a periphery with ridges. In an exemplary embodiment, the napkin is integral with the substrate. The napkin can be of the same material as the substrate. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the napkin is of a material different from the substrate. Detachment of the napkin from the substrate may occur by having a perforated edge(s) between the napkin and the substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the napkin is a plurality of napkins, each connected in some orientation to the substrate. The plurality of napkins may be of the same material as the substrate. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the plurality of napkins is of a material different from the substrate. In another alternative exemplary embodiment, the napkins are of a material different from each other. The plurality of detachably attached napkins may be attached in series to the substrate or in parallel to the substrate so that one or more are usable at any given time.
In an exemplary embodiment for using the Dish-Wrap, the plate wraps at least partially around the food product in a rolling manner with the napkin and/or the substrate continuing to wrap around the food product until the food product is completely wrapped and secured within the Dish-Wrap. In an exemplary embodiment, the Dish-Wrap has wings to fold into and temporarily secure the Dish-Wrap to itself, for example, by folding the wings under portions of the Dish-Wrap.
In an exemplary embodiment, the plate is detachably attached to the substrate with detachable edges, e.g., with perforations. In exemplary embodiments where the plate is circular or ovular, the remaining substrate (with or without the napkin removed) is in a shape to form a bib for a user. The removed plate, which can be the same or of a different material as the substrate, leaves a neck- or head-sized hole in the substrate large enough to be worn around a user's neck. In a first exemplary shape of the plate/hole, the hole is large enough to fit over the user's head and rest around the user's neck while in use. In another exemplary shape of the plate/hole, the hole is sized to fit around the user's neck after a portion of the loop is torn to form two ends that can be tied behind a user's neck. In each of these exemplary configurations, Dish-Wrap is usable as a bib when eating with the removed plate and either attached or removed napkin.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, a multi-function food wrapper comprises a substrate having a plate portion and a napkin portion, the substrate, the plate portion, and the napkin portion being of at least one material having a flexibility to be rolled up around a food product and contain the food product therein when rolled, the napkin portion being removable and of a material having absorbability.
With the objects in view, there is also provided a multi-function food wrapper comprises a substrate having a plate portion and a napkin portion, the substrate, the plate portion, and the napkin portion all being integral and of a material having a flexibility to be rolled up around a food product and contain the food product therein when rolled, the napkin portion being removable and of a material having absorbability.
In accordance with another feature, the substrate, the plate portion, and the napkin portion are all integral and of the same material.
In accordance with a further feature, the plate portion is of a material different from a material of the napkin portion.
In accordance with an added feature, the plate portion is of a material relatively stiffer than a material of the napkin portion.
In accordance with an additional feature, the plate portion is attached to the substrate.
In accordance with yet another feature, the plate portion is attached to the substrate by at least one of an adhesive and by bonding.
In accordance with yet a further feature, the material of the plate portion is at least one of paper, coated paper, and plastic.
In accordance with yet an added feature, a material of the napkin portion is at least one of plant or cellulose fibers, paper pulp, PLA, and Bagasse.
In accordance with yet an additional feature, the napkin portion is removable from at least the substrate.
In accordance with again another feature, the substrate has a perforation to permit the removal of the napkin portion from at least the substrate.
In accordance with again a further feature, the napkin portion comprises a plurality of napkins. The plurality of napkins are connected to the substrate in series and/or in parallel.
In accordance with again an added feature, the substrate has a length sized to roll around the food product and until both the plate portion and the napkin portion spiral completely around the food product.
In accordance with again an additional feature, the substrate has a width sized such that when the substrate is rolled around the food product, the substrate has ends sufficient to form end seals that keep the food product protected until removed from the substrate.
In accordance with still another feature, the substrate has lateral wings having a width sized such that, when the substrate is rolled around the food product, the wings form end seals that keep the food product protected until removed from the substrate.
In accordance with still a further feature, the plate portion is removable such that, upon removal, the plate portion leaves an opening in the substrate sized to fit a human head therethrough and the substrate becomes a bib.
In accordance with still an added feature, the plate portion is removable such that, upon removal, the plate portion leaves an opening in the substrate sized to fit a human neck therein and the substrate comprises a distal substrate end having a disconnection extending therefrom to the opening that, responsive to being disconnected, the substrate defines two handles that, upon tying together, form a bib.
In accordance with still an additional feature, the plate portion has ridges along its perimeter.
In accordance with a concomitant feature, the napkin portion comprises a crumb catcher pocket.
Although the systems, apparatuses, and methods are illustrated and described herein as embodied in a multi-function food wrapper with an integral plate and napkin, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.
Additional advantages and other features characteristic of the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be set forth in the detailed description that follows and may be apparent from the detailed description or may be learned by practice of exemplary embodiments. Still other advantages of the systems, apparatuses, and methods may be realized by any of the instrumentalities, methods, or combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the systems, apparatuses, and methods are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the systems, apparatuses, and methods, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the systems, apparatuses, and methods in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the systems, apparatuses, and methods. While the specification concludes with claims defining the systems, apparatuses, and methods of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, which are not true to scale, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to illustrate further various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the systems, apparatuses, and methods. Advantages of embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
As required, detailed embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the systems, apparatuses, and methods, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the systems, apparatuses, and methods in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the systems, apparatuses, and methods. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the systems, apparatuses, and methods that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.
Before the systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The description may use the terms “embodiment” or “embodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments.
The terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact (e.g., directly coupled). However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other (e.g., indirectly coupled).
For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “A/B” or in the form “A and/or B” or in the form “at least one of A and B” means (A), (B), or (A and B), where A and B are variables indicating a particular object or attribute. When used, this phrase is intended to and is hereby defined as a choice of A or B or both A and B, which is similar to the phrase “and/or”. Where more than two variables are present in such a phrase, this phrase is hereby defined as including only one of the variables, any one of the variables, any combination of any of the variables, and all of the variables, for example, a phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, and C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).
Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down, back/front, top/bottom, and proximal/distal. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict the application of disclosed embodiments. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in tum, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.
As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. As used herein, the terms “substantial” and “substantially” means, when comparing various parts to one another, that the parts being compared are equal to or are so close enough in dimension that one skill in the art would consider the same. Substantial and substantially, as used herein, are not limited to a single dimension and specifically include a range of values for those parts being compared. The range of values, both above and below (e.g., “+/−” or greater/lesser or larger/smaller), includes a variance that one skilled in the art would know to be a reasonable tolerance for the parts mentioned.
Herein various embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods are described. In many of the different embodiments, features are similar. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, repetitive description of these similar features may not be made in some circumstances. It shall be understood, however, that description of a first-appearing feature applies to the later described similar feature and each respective description, therefore, is to be incorporated therein without such repetition.
Described now are exemplary embodiments. Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to
There is shown in
The plate portion 50 is of a relatively stiffer material that is flexible enough to fold and wrap around a food product. Exemplary embodiments of the material for the plate portion 50 include paper that comprises a standard, off-the-shelf paper plate (shown at the bottom of
There is shown in
The plate portion 80 is connected to the substrate 70 in a removable fashion so that, when detached, as shown in
There is shown further exemplary embodiments of the multi-function food wrapper 1 comprising the substrate 10, 40, 70, the plate portion 20, 50, 80, and a plurality of napkin portions 100, 110, 120. In
In any of the embodiments described herein, anyone or more of the substrate 10, 40, 70, the plate portion 20, 50, 80, and/or the napkin portions 30, 60, 90, 100, 110, 120 can be of a recyclable material.
It is noted that various individual features of the inventive processes and systems may be described only in one exemplary embodiment herein. The particular choice for description herein with regard to a single exemplary embodiment is not to be taken as a limitation that the particular feature is only applicable to the embodiment in which it is described. All features described herein are equally applicable to, additive, or interchangeable with any or all of the other exemplary embodiments described herein and in any combination or grouping or arrangement. In particular, use of a single reference numeral herein to illustrate, define, or describe a particular feature does not mean that the feature cannot be associated or equated to another feature in another drawing figure or description. Further, where two or more reference numerals are used in the figures or in the drawings, this should not be construed as being limited to only those embodiments or features, they are equally applicable to similar features or not a reference numeral is used or another reference numeral is omitted.
The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principles, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of the systems, apparatuses, and methods. However, the systems, apparatuses, and methods should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the systems, apparatuses, and methods as defined by the following claims.
