Patent Grant
8343560
The present invention relates generally to containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular container assembly and a merchandising container display.
The use of inexpensive polymeric, paper or metal packaging containers has become popular, especially for preparing and serving various food products. Polymeric, paper and metal containers generally have been used for heating the food product(s) disposed therein. These containers typically comprise a cover or lid and a base.
It would be desirable to have a container assembly that would be easy for the customer to close and open. It would also be desirable to provide a container assembly that is releasably engageable and prevents or inhibits material, such as liquid, from leaving the container assembly. It would also be desirable for the container assembly to be able to hold two different types of items such as food.
It would also be desirable to provide a container that is easy to manufacture and reduces the inventory requirement of customers that purchase the containers. It would also be desirable to produce a container that stacks efficiently so as to reduce the costs associated with shipping and storing the containers.
According to one embodiment, a modular container assembly comprises a first container, a second container and a third container. The first container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding second feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the first feature. The second container includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a third feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding fourth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the third feature. The third container includes a third continuous body portion and a third rim. The third rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the third body portion. The third rim has a fifth feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding sixth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the fifth feature. The first rim, the second rim, and the third rim are substantially identical. The first container, the second container, and the third container are releasably engaged to each other by fitting respective first, third and fifth upwardly-projecting features into the corresponding second, fourth or sixth feature of another container or into the first, third or fifth upwardly-projecting feature of another container. At least one of the first container, second container, and third container is inverted with respect to the remaining containers so as to form a modular container assembly.
According to another embodiment, a modular container assembly, which contains and holds food, comprises a first container, a second container and a third container. The first container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding second feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the first feature. The second container includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a third feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding fourth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the third feature. The third container includes a third continuous body portion and a third rim. The third rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the third body portion. The third rim has a fifth feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding sixth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the fifth feature. The first rim, the second rim, and the third rim are substantially identical. The first container, the second container, and the third container are releasably engagable to each other by fitting respective first, third and fifth upwardly-projecting features into the corresponding second, fourth or sixth feature of another container or into the first, third or fifth upwardly-projecting feature of another container. At least one of the first container, second container, and third container is inverted with respect to the remaining containers so as to form a modular container assembly with a first area being formed between the first container and the second container, and a second area being formed between the second container and the third container. The first area and the second area are distinct from each other. The first area contains a first food and the second area contains a second food.
According to one method, a modular container assembly is formed. A first container, a second container and a third container are provided. The first container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding second feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the first feature. The second container includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a third feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding fourth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the third feature. The third container includes a third continuous body portion and a third rim. The third rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the third body portion. The third rim has a fifth feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding sixth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the fifth feature. The first rim, the second rim, and the third rim are substantially identical.
The first container and the second container are aligned such that the first rim and the second rim are adjacent to each other. The first upwardly-projecting feature is fit into the corresponding fourth feature of the second container or is fit into the third upwardly-projecting feature of the second container such that the first and second containers are releasably engaged to each other and form a first area. The third container is positioned in an inverted position relative to the first container. The second container and the third container are aligned such that the second rim and the third rim are adjacent to each other. The fifth upwardly-projecting feature of the third container is fit into the corresponding fourth feature of the second container or is fit into the third upwardly-projecting feature of the second container such that the first and second containers are releasably engaged to each other and form a second area.
According to a further embodiment, a modular container assembly comprises a first container, a second container, a third container and a fourth container. The first container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding second feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the first feature. The second container includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a third feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding fourth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the third feature.
The third container includes a third continuous body portion and a third rim. The third rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the third body portion. The third rim has a fifth feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding sixth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the fifth feature. The fourth container includes a fourth continuous body portion and a fourth rim. The fourth rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the fourth body portion. The fourth rim has a seventh feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding eighth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the seventh feature. The first rim, the second rim, the third rim, and the fourth rim are identical. The first container, the second container, the third container, and the fourth container are releasably engagable to each other by fitting respective first, third, fifth and seventh upwardly-projecting features into the corresponding second, fourth, sixth or eighth feature of another container or into the first, third, fifth or seventh upwardly-projecting feature of another container. At least one of the first container, second container, third container, and the fourth container is inverted with respect to the remaining containers so as to form a modular container assembly.
According to yet another embodiment, a modular container assembly, which contains and holds food, comprises a first container, a second container, a third container and a fourth container. The first container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding second feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the first feature. The second container includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a third feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding fourth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the third feature.
The third container includes a third continuous body portion and a third rim. The third rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the third body portion. The third rim has a fifth feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding sixth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the fifth feature. The fourth container includes a fourth continuous body portion and a fourth rim. The fourth rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the fourth body portion. The fourth rim has a seventh feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding eighth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the seventh feature. The first rim, the second rim, the third rim, and the fourth rim are identical.
The first container, the second container, the third container, and the fourth container are releasably engagable to each other by fitting respective first, third, fifth and seventh upwardly-projecting features into the corresponding second, fourth, sixth or eighth feature of another container or into the first, third, fifth or seventh upwardly-projecting feature of another container. At least one of the first container, second container, third container, and the fourth container is inverted with respect to the remaining containers so as to form a modular container assembly with a first area being formed between the first container and the second container, a second area being formed between the second container and the third container, and a third area being formed between the third container and the fourth container. The first area, the second area and the third area are distinct from each other. The first area contains a first food. The second area contains a second food and the third area contains a third food.
According to another method, a modular container assembly is formed. A first container, a second container, a third container and a fourth container are provided. The first container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding second feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the first feature. The second container includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a third feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding fourth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the third feature.
The third container includes a third continuous body portion and a third rim. The third rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the third body portion. The third rim has a fifth feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding sixth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the fifth feature. The fourth container includes a fourth continuous body portion and a fourth rim. The fourth rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the fourth body portion. The fourth rim has a seventh feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding eighth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the seventh feature. The first rim, the second rim, the third rim and the fourth rim are substantially identical.
The first container and the second container are aligned such that the first rim and the second rim are adjacent to each other. The first upwardly-projecting feature is fit into the corresponding fourth feature of the second container or is fit into the third upwardly-projecting feature of the second container such that the first and second containers are releasably engaged to each other and form a first area. The second container and the third container are aligned such that the second rim and the third rim are adjacent to each other. The third upwardly-projecting feature is fit into the corresponding sixth feature of the third container or is fit into the fifth upwardly-projecting feature of the third container such that the second and third containers are releasably engaged to each other and form a second area. The fourth container is positioned in an inverted position relative to the first container. The fourth container and the third container are aligned such that the fourth rim and the third rim are adjacent to each other. The seventh upwardly-projecting feature of the fourth container is fit into the corresponding sixth feature of the third container or is fit into the fifth upwardly-projecting feature of the third container such that the fourth and third containers are releasably engaged to each other and form a third area.
According to another embodiment, a modular container assembly comprises a first container and a second container. The first container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding second feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the first feature. The second container includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a third feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding fourth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the third feature. The first rim and the second rim are substantially identical. The first container and the second container are of different sizes. The first container and the second container are sealingly engagable to each other by fitting the first feature of a first container into the third feature of the second container to form a modular container assembly.
According to yet another embodiment, a modular container assembly comprises a first container and a second container. The first container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding second feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the first feature. The second container includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a third feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding fourth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the third feature. The first rim and the second rim are substantially identical. The first container and the second container are of different sizes. The second container is inverted with respect to the first container. The first container and the second container are sealingly engagable to each other by fitting the first upwardly-projecting feature of the first container into the fourth feature of the second container and by fitting the third upwardly-projecting feature of the second container into the second feature of the first container to form a modular container assembly.
According to one embodiment, a merchandizing container display comprises a plurality of containers. The plurality of containers includes a continuous body portion and a rim. The rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the body portion. The first rim has a first feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding second feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the first feature. Each of the plurality of containers is releasably engaged to another one of the plurality of containers by fitting the upwardly-projecting feature of a first container into the first upwardly-projecting feature of another one of the containers.
According to another embodiment, a merchandizing container display comprises a plurality of first containers and a plurality of second containers. The plurality of first containers includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding second feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the first feature. The plurality of second containers includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a third feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding fourth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the third feature.
The first rim and the second rim are substantially identical. The first container and the second container are of different sizes. Each of the plurality of first containers is releasably engagable to another one of the plurality of first containers by fitting the first upwardly-projecting feature of a first container into the first upwardly-projecting feature of another first container. Each of the plurality of second containers is releasably engagable to another one of the plurality of second containers by fitting the third upwardly-projecting feature of a second container into the third upwardly-projecting feature of another second container.
According to yet another embodiment, a merchandizing container display comprises a plurality of first, second and third containers. The plurality of first containers includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding second feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the first feature. The plurality of second containers includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a third feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding fourth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the third feature. The plurality of third containers includes a third continuous body portion and a third rim. The third rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the third body portion. The third rim has a fifth feature projecting generally upwardly therefrom and a corresponding sixth feature being adapted to be releasably engageable with another one of the fifth feature. The first rim, the second rim and the third rims are substantially identical.
The first container, the second container, and the third container are of different sizes. Each of the plurality of first containers is releasably engagable to another one of the plurality of first containers by fitting the first upwardly-projecting feature of a first container into the first upwardly-projecting feature of another first container. Each of the plurality of second containers is releasably engagable to another one of the plurality of second containers by fitting the third upwardly-projecting feature of a second container into the third upwardly-projecting feature of another first container. Each of the plurality of third containers is releasably engagable to another one of the plurality of third containers by fitting the fifth upwardly-projecting feature of a third container into the fifth upwardly-projecting feature of another third container.
According to yet another embodiment, a modular container assembly comprises a first container, a second container and a connecting member. The first container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The first rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first rim has a first feature. The second container includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The second rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The second rim has a second feature. The connecting member is adapted to releasably engage with the first container and an inverted second container. The first container and the second container are substantially identical. The first container and the second container are releasably engaged to each other by fitting respective first and second features of the first and second containers with the connecting member. The second container is inverted with respect to the first container to form a modular container assembly.
a is a side view of the plurality of containers of
b is a side view of the plurality of containers of
a is a side view of the plurality of containers of
b is a side view of the plurality of containers of
a is a top view of a container having a rib and groove to be used in a modular container assembly according to one embodiment.
b is a side view of the container of
c is an enlarged view of generally circular region
d is an enlarged view of generally circular region
a is a side view of a modular container assembly using the container of
b is a side view of the modular container assembly of
a is a side view of a modular container assembly in an assembled position according to another embodiment.
b is a side view of a modular container assembly in an assembled position according to yet another embodiment.
a is a side view of a modular container assembly in an assembled position according to a further embodiment.
b is a side view of a modular container assembly in an assembled position according to a further embodiment.
a is a merchandising container display with a plurality of containers in a shrink wrap according to one embodiment.
b is the merchandising container display of
a is a merchandizing container display with a first plurality of containers and a second plurality of containers in a shrink wrap according to another embodiment.
b is the merchandising container display of
a is a merchandizing container display with a first plurality of containers, a second plurality of containers and a third plurality of containers in a shrink wrap according to a further embodiment.
b is the merchandising container display of
c is a merchandizing container display with the containers of
d is a merchandizing container display with the containers of
a is an exploded side view of a container assembly using a connecting member according to one embodiment.
b is a side view of the container assembly of
a is an exploded side view of a container assembly using a connecting member according to another embodiment.
b is a side view of the container assembly of
a is an exploded side view of a container assembly using a connecting member according to a further embodiment.
b is a side view of the container assembly of
c is a top view of the connecting member used in the container assembly of
a is a top view of a container having a rib and groove to be used in a modular container assembly according to another embodiment.
b is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 25b-25b of
c is a side view of a modular container assembly using the container of
d is an enlarged view of generally circular region
e is an enlarged view of a transition region of the modular container assembly of
f is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 25f-25f of
g is another side view of a modular container assembly using the container of
h is an enlarged view of generally circular region
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Referring to
The modular container assemblies of the present invention are desirable because of the flexibility or interchangeability of the containers used to form the modular container assembly. This flexibility allows consumers to select container sizes that best fit their needs.
Referring back to
Referring specifically to
The plurality of ribs 30, however, may be formed in different patterns than shown in
Turning to
It is contemplated that the ribs may have sidewalls with no undercuts or at least one undercut. It is also contemplated that some ribs within the same container may have no undercuts, while other ribs may have one or more undercuts.
It is contemplated that the upwardly-projecting feature may be shaped differently than the ribs shown in
Referring to
In addition to the first container 20, the modular container assembly includes the second container 40 and the third container 60. The second container 40 includes a continuous body portion 42 and a continuous rim 44 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion 42. The body portion 42 includes a bottom 46 and a continuous sidewall 48 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 46. The continuous rim 44 includes a feature (i.e., plurality of ribs 50) that projects generally upwardly therefrom (in the orientation of
The third container 60 includes a continuous body portion 62 and a continuous rim 64 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion 62. The body portion 62 includes a bottom 66 and a continuous sidewall 68 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 66. The continuous rim 64 includes a feature (i.e., plurality of ribs 70) that projects generally upwardly therefrom. Each of the plurality of ribs 70 is the same as the plurality of ribs 30. The plurality of ribs 70 has a plurality of spaces 72 formed therebetween. The respective spaces 72 are adapted to be releasably engageable with a respective space 32 of container 20.
The containers 20, 40 and 60 of the modular container assembly 10 are of different shapes. Specifically, the height H1 of sidewall 28, the height H2 of sidewall 48 and the height H3 of sidewall 68 are of different lengths. The rims 24, 44 and 64 of respective containers 20, 40 and 60 are identical. It is contemplated that the rims may be substantially identical. The containers 20, 40, 60 of
The height and shape of the containers forming the modular container assembly may vary from that shown without departing from the scope of the invention. It is contemplated that the containers used to form the modular container assembly may be other shapes such as rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, other polygonal shapes, oval, or other non-polygonal shapes. For example, containers used to form a modular container assemblies may be shaped in a polygonal shape (i.e., rectangular) as shown with container 610 of
To form a modular container assembly, in one embodiment, at least one of the first container, second container, and third container is inverted with respect to the remaining containers. The upwardly-projecting features of respective containers are fit into the corresponding second, fourth or sixth features of another container or into the first, third or fifth upwardly-projecting feature of another container.
As specifically shown in
After the modular container assembly 10 is formed into an assembled position, a first area 80 (see
Alternatively, the first item 84 may be a first non-food item and the second item 86 may be a second non-food item. Non-limiting examples of non-food items include household goods, medical supplies, cosmetics or other items. The first and second non-food items may be the same or may be different.
To form the modular container assembly 10, the first container 20, the second container 40 and the third container 60 are provided. The first container 20 and the third container 60 are aligned such that the first rim 24 and the third rim 64 are adjacent to each other. The upwardly-projecting feature (e.g., ribs 70) of the third container 60 is fit into the upwardly-projecting feature (e.g., ribs 30) of the first container 20 such that the first and third containers 20, 60 are releasably engaged to each other and form the first area 80. To fit the ribs 70 into respective ribs 30, the container 20 or the container 60 may have to be rotated slightly such that the ribs are aligned with each other.
The second container 40 is placed in an inverted position relative to the third container 60. For example, the second container 40 may be flipped 180 degrees relative to the third container 60. The first and second containers 20, 40 are aligned such that the rims 24, 44 are adjacent to each other. The upwardly-projecting feature (e.g., ribs 50) of the second container 40 is fit into the corresponding feature (e.g., spaces 32) of the first container 20 such that the first and second containers are releasably engaged to each other and form the second area 82. To fit the ribs 50 into respective spaces 32, the container 40 or the container 20 may have to be rotated slightly such that the ribs are offset (i.e., the ribs and spaces are aligned with each other).
It is contemplated that the modular container assembly may be formed with at least two containers being identical. For example, referring to
It is also contemplated that a modular container assembly may be formed with more than three containers. For example, referring to
The modular container assembly 130 of
Referring to
The modular container assembly 160 of
Referring to
The continuous rim 244 includes a feature (i.e., a rib 250) that projects generally upwardly therefrom and a second feature formed therein (i.e., groove 252). The rib 250 extends generally around about one-half of the circumference of the container 240 and the groove is formed around the remainder of the circumference of the container 240. It is contemplated that a container may include a plurality of ribs and a plurality of grooves.
The groove 252 as shown in
Referring back to
In addition to the second container 240, the modular container assembly 210 of
The third container 260 includes a continuous body portion 262 and a continuous rim 264 (see
The containers 220, 240 and 260 of the modular container assembly 210 are of different shapes. Specifically, the height H4 of sidewall 228, the height H5 of sidewall 248 and the height H6 of sidewall 268 are of different lengths. The rims 224, 244 and 264 of respective containers 220, 240 and 260 are identical. It is contemplated that the rims may be substantially identical. The containers that form the modular container assembly 210 are depicted as being generally circular.
The height and shape of the modular container assembly may vary from that shown without departing from the scope of the invention. It is contemplated that the containers used to form the modular container assembly herein may be other shapes such as rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, other polygonal shapes, oval or other non-polygonal shapes.
As specifically shown in
As shown in
The transition of the rib and the groove in the modular container assembly is shown in detail in
Referring back to
To form the modular container assembly 210, the first container 220, the second container 240 and the third container 260 are provided. The second container 240 and the third container 260 are aligned such that the second rim 244 and the third rim 264 are adjacent to each other. The upwardly-projecting feature (i.e., rib 270) of the third container 260 is fit into the upwardly-projecting feature (i.e., rib 250) of the second container 240 and the groove 252 of the second container 240 is fit into the groove 272 of the third container 260 such that the second and the third containers 240, 260 are releasably engaged to each other and form the first area 280. To fit the rib 270 into the rib 250, the container 240 or the container 260 may have to be rotated slightly such that the ribs 250, 270 are aligned with each other.
The first container 220 is placed in an inverted position relative to the third container 260. For example, the first container 220 may be flipped 180 degrees relative to the third container 260. The first and second containers 220, 240 are aligned such that the rims 224, 244 are adjacent to each other. The upwardly-projecting feature (e.g., rib 230) of the first container 220 is fit into the groove 252 of the second container 240 and the rib 250 of the second container 240 is fit into the groove 232 of the first container 220 such that the first and the second containers 220, 240 are releasably engaged to each other and form the second area 282.
Another embodiment of the modular container assembly is depicted in
It is contemplated that a modular container assembly may include a plurality of first containers. For example, referring to
A further embodiment of a modular container assembly is depicted in
It is contemplated that a modular container assembly may include a plurality of first containers. For example, referring to
The containers used in forming the modular container assembly may be used in forming a merchandising container display. For example, referring to
As shown in
As shown in
It is contemplated that the merchandising container display may include containers of different shapes. One example of a display having two different shaped containers is depicted in
Referring to
Another example of a merchandizing container display with containers of different shapes is shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The first container 620 includes a continuous body portion 612 and a rim 614. The rim 614 encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the body portion 612. The rim 614 has a first feature 618 (e.g., groove) formed therein. The second container 660 includes a continuous body portion 662 and a rim 664. The rim 664 encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the body portion 662. The rim 664 has a first feature 668 (e.g., groove) formed therein.
The first container 620 is adapted to be releasably engageable with the second container 660 in an inverted position via a connecting member 640. Specifically, extension 642 of the connecting member 640 is fit into the groove 618 and extension 644 of the connecting member 640 is fit into the groove 668 to releasably engage the first container 620 to the second container 660. After the connecting member 640 releasably engages the first container 620 and the second container 660, the modular container assembly 610 is formed as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The continuous rim 924 includes at least one first feature (i.e., a plurality of ribs 930a,b) that projects generally upwardly therefrom and at least one second feature formed therein (i.e., plurality of grooves 932a,b). As shown in
The groove 932b, which is shown in the container assembly of
In addition to the first container 920, as discussed above, the modular container assembly 910 of
The third container 960 includes a continuous body portion 962 and a continuous rim 964 encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion 962. The body portion 962 includes a bottom 966 and a continuous sidewall 968 encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom 966. The continuous rim 964 includes a feature (i.e., plurality of ribs 970a,b) that projects generally upwardly therefrom and a feature (i.e., plurality of grooves 972a,b). The ribs 970a,b and the grooves 972a,b are the same as described above with respect to the ribs 930a,b and the grooves 932a,b.
The containers 920, 940 and 960 are the same, including their height. It is contemplated that the containers of the modular container assembly with the above-described rims 924, 944 and 964 may be of different heights such as with the container assembly 210 of
The containers that form the modular container assembly 910 are depicted as being generally circular. The shape of the modular container assembly may vary from that shown without departing from the scope of the invention. It is contemplated that the containers used to form the modular container assembly herein may be other shapes such as rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, other polygonal shapes, oval or other non-polygonal shapes.
As specifically shown in
As shown in
The transition of the ribs and the grooves in the modular container assembly 910 is shown in detail in
As shown in
Referring back to
To form the modular container assembly 910, the first container 920, the second container 940 and the third container 960 are provided. The second container 940 and the third container 960 are aligned such that the second rim 944 and the third rim 964 are adjacent to each other. The upwardly-projecting features (i.e., plurality of ribs 970a,b) of the third container 960 partially fit into a respective one of the upwardly-projecting features (i.e., plurality of ribs 950a,b) of the second container 940. The grooves 952a,b of the second container 940 partially fit into a respective one of the grooves 972a,b of the third container 960 such that the second and the third containers 940, 960 are releasably engaged to each other. To partially fit the ribs 970a,b into a respective one of the ribs 950a,b, the container 940 or the container 960 may have to be rotated slightly such that the ribs 950a,b, 970a,b are aligned with each other.
The second and third containers 940, 960 are placed in an inverted position relative to the first container 920. For example, the second and third containers 940, 960 may be flipped 180 degrees relative to the first container 920. The first and second containers 920, 940 are aligned such that the rims 924, 944 are adjacent to each other. The upwardly-projecting features (e.g., plurality of ribs 930a,b) of the first container 920 partially fit into a respective one of the grooves 952a,b of the second container 940 and the ribs 950a,b of the second container 940 fit into a respective one of the grooves 932a,b of the first container 920 such that the first and the second containers 920, 940 are releasably engaged to each other and form the area 980.
The modular container assemblies of the present invention are typically formed from polymeric materials, but may be formed from materials such as paper or metal. The polymeric containers may be formed from polyolefins. The polymeric containers are typically formed from orientated polystyrene (OPS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene and combinations thereof. It is contemplated that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other polymers or combinations of polymers may be used to form the containers. The modular containers assemblies may be made from a mineral-filled polymeric material such as, for example, talc or calcium carbonate-filled polyolefin. An example of paper that may be used in forming the container assemblies is paperboard or molded fiber. Paperboard and molded fiber typically have a sufficient coefficient of friction to maintain the first and second containers in an engageable position.
As discussed, the materials used in forming the modular container assembly may assist in releasably engaging the container assembly. For example, the material(s) forming the modular container assembly may have a fairly tacky laminate on one side that corresponds with a fairly tacky laminate on the opposing side, resulting in a desirable releasably engageable container assembly.
It is contemplated that the containers used in forming the modular container assemblies may be made from different materials. It is contemplated that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other polymers or combination of polymers may be used to form the containers.
The modular container assemblies of the present invention are typically disposable, but it is contemplated that they may be reused at a future time. The containers used in forming the modular container assemblies (e.g., container 20) are shown as including one compartment. It is contemplated that the containers may be formed of multiple compartments.
As discussed above, the container assemblies may be used with food items. A method of using such container assemblies includes placing the food and engaging the containers to form a modular container assembly with food therein. The container assembly is then placed in a heating apparatus and heated. Typical heating apparatuses include microwaves and conventional ovens. The container assemblies may contain solid food products. The container assemblies may be used for storage in the refrigerator and/or the freezer.
The containers to be used in forming the modular container assemblies of the present invention may be formed using conventional thermoforming (e.g., by pressure, vacuum or the combination thereof), injection-molding processes, or rotational molding. According to one method of thermoforming, pellets of a polymeric resin and additives, if any, are added into an extruder. The pellets of the polymeric resin and additives, if any, are melted to form a blend. The blend is extruded through a die to form an extruded sheet. The extruded sheet is thermoformed to a desired shape of a container to be used in forming the container assembly.
The thickness of the container to be used in forming the container assemblies generally ranges from about 0.002 to about 0.15 inch, but is typically from about 0.005 to about 0.04 inch. The modular container assemblies may be opaque or a variety of colors or color combinations. The container assemblies typically have at least one translucent or transparent container if it is desired for the customer to ascertain the nature of the accommodated product and the condition thereof without having to open the modular container assembly. It is especially desirable to have all of the containers used in the modular container assembly to be translucent and transparent.
While particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes, and variations may be apparent from the foregoing descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional Application 60/722,090 filed on Sep. 30, 2005 and entitled “Modular Container Assembly And Merchandizing Container Display” and this provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
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