TECHNICAL FIELD
The present technology relates to snack boards for holding and presenting food items, and snack board kits that provide interchangeable snack board pieces.
BACKGROUND
At various social gatherings where food is provided, people often present a selection of snack foods, or hors d′oeuvres, on a platter or board. Such platters and boards often have disadvantages, such as not having lids or being flat or being made of wood, and thus not being readily sanitary and versatile for use and reuse.
SUMMARY
Snack boards and snack board kits are provided herein.
In one aspect, a snack board is provided that includes: a base section having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side; a first end cap that removably attaches to the first end of the base section; and a second end cap that removably attaches to the second end of the base section.
In a second aspect, a snack board is provided that includes: a first base section having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a second base section having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; an adapter including a first joining section that removably attaches to the second end of the first base section, a second joining section that removably attaches to the first end of the second base section, and a divider between the first joining section and the second joining section; a first end cap that removably attaches to the first end of the base section; and a second end cap that removably attaches to the second end of the second base section.
In a third aspect, a snack board kit is provided that includes a plurality of base section sections, where each base section has a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side. The kit also includes a first end cap that removably attaches to the first end of any of the plurality of base section sections, and a second end cap that removably attaches to the second end of any of the plurality of base section sections. The kit may further include an adapter that removably attaches the second end of a first base section to the first end of a second base section.
Examples of snack boards and snack board kits may also have one or more additional features. For example, the first end of a base section may slidably receive the first end cap, and the second end of a base section may slidably receive the second end cap. As another example, the first side and the second side of a base section may each include at least one receiving hole configured to receive a corresponding push button on the first end cap or the second end cap. Additionally, at least one of the first side or the second side includes at least one receiving slot configured to receive a tab of the lid to secure the lid to the base section. The snack board may further include a lid that removably attaches to the base section. The base section may include a top surface that is substantially flat. The base section may include a bottom surface that has a plurality of recessed portions that define a plurality of food holding compartments. The bottom surface of the base section may include a central recessed portion that is circular. The base section may include two halves that join to form the base section, and a compartment may be defined in at least one of the halves, and the snack board may further include a coolant material housed within the compartment. The end caps may have various configurations. For example, at least one of the first end cap or the second end cap may be a handle end cap, wherein the handle end cap includes a handle portion and an insertion portion, wherein the handle portion includes a central passthrough and an outer edge and the insertion portion removably attaches to the first end or the second end of the base section. As another example, at least one of the first end cap or the second end cap may be a grip end cap, wherein the grip end cap includes a grip portion having a textured area and an insertion portion that removably attaches to the first end or the second end of the base section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Specific examples have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description, and are shown in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification.
FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one example of a snack board of the present technology.
FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of the snack board of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the bottom of the snack board of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom plan view of the snack board of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a second example of a snack board of the present technology.
FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the bottom of the snack board of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of a base section that may be used in the snack board of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the base section of FIG. 5.
FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of the base section of FIG. 5.
FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of a first example of an end cap that may be used in the snack board of FIG. 1, including an end cap.
FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the end cap of FIG. 8.
FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of a second example of an end cap that may be used in the snack board of FIG. 1, including a grip.
FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the end cap of FIG. 10.
FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a first example of an adapter that may be used to connect two base sections of FIGS. 7-9.
FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a second example of an adapter that may be used to connect two base sections of FIGS. 7-9.
FIG. 16 illustrates a top perspective view of one example of a snack board of the present technology in a second configuration.
FIG. 17 illustrates a top perspective view of one example of a lid on the base section of FIGS. 7-9.
FIG. 18 illustrates a top perspective view of the lid of FIG. 15 in isolation, not attached to the base section.
FIG. 19 illustrates a prospective view of one embodiment of a carrying case configured to hold a snack board kit of the present technology.
FIG. 20 illustrates an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a lid for a carrying case.
FIG. 21 illustrates one example of a snack board kit of the present technology.
While various embodiments discussed herein are amenable to modifications and alternative forms, aspects thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described, and instead is meant to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure. The term “configured to” as used herein with respect to a component being “configured to” have certain structural characteristics in specified circumstances or to perform a function means that the component is structurally formed such that the component meets the structural characteristics in the specified circumstances or performs the function without further modification. The term “about” an used herein with reference to any measurement or physical characteristic means approximately, and includes the stated measurement or physical characteristic plus or minus half an inch.
In addition, the terms “example” and “embodiment” as used throughout this application is only by way of illustration, and not limitation, the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items unless otherwise noted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Snack boards and snack board kits of the present technology include at least one base section that has removable end caps. The base section may be reversible, having a flat top surface and a bottom surface configured with compartments to hold food items, such as chips and dips. Snack board kits may include a plurality of interchangeable base sections. In some examples, the flat top surface of a base section may include artwork, which may include designs and messages for various themes or occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, or seasons. Accordingly, a snack kit may include a plurality of interchangeable base sections, where each base section has artwork for a different theme or occasion.
FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one example of a snack board 100 of the present technology. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the top of the snack board 100. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the bottom of the snack board 100. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the snack board 100 includes a base section 102, a first handle 104 and a second handle 106. The base section 102 has a first end 108 and a second end 110 opposite the first end 108. The base section 102 also includes a first side 112 and a second side 114 opposite the first side.
Referring to FIG. 2, the snack board 100 may have any suitable width W and any suitable length L. In the illustrated embodiment, the snack board 100 may have a width of at least about 10 inches, and may have a length of at least about 29½ inches.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base section 102 of the snack board 100 also includes a top surface 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 116 is flat, or at least substantially flat. The top surface 116 may be used as a tray for presenting snack foods that would normally be associated with a charcuterie board. In some examples, the top surface 116 may include artwork (not shown), which may include designs and messages for various themes or occasions.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base section 102 of the snack board 100 also includes a bottom surface 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom surface 118 includes at least one, and preferably a plurality, of recessed portions 120. Each recessed portion 120 defines a food holding compartment. Each recessed portion 120 may have any suitable shape, which may by regular or irregular. The bottom surface 118 may include a central recessed portion 122, which may have any suitable shape, and as illustrated is circular or substantially circular. The central recessed portion 122 may be configured to receive a dip, or a bowl that contains dip. As shown, the plurality of recessed portions 120 surround the central recessed portion 122.
Many variations of the snack board 100 may be implemented. The example of the snack board 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 is formed with straight lines dividing the base section 102 and each of the first handle 104 and the second handle 106, as well as having six recessed portions 120, However, any number of recessed portions may be used, in any pattern, with or without a central recessed portion 122. Additionally, other design variations, such as in the shapes and configurations of the base portion 102 and the handles 104 and 106 may be used.
For example, one variation of the snack board 100 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 as snack board 124. FIG. 5 shows the top of the snack board 124 and FIG. 6 shows the bottom of the snack board 124. As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the snack board 124 includes a base section 126, a first handle 128 and a second handle 130. The base section 126 has a first end 132, a second end 134 opposite the first end 132. The base section 126 also includes a first side 136 and a second side 138 opposite the first side 136. As with the snack board 100, the snack board 124 may have any suitable width and any suitable length.
As shown in FIG. 5, the base section 126 of the snack board 124 includes a top surface 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 140 is flat, or at least substantially flat. The top surface 140 may be used as a tray for presenting snack foods that would normally be associated with a charcuterie board. In some examples, the top surface 140 may include artwork (not shown), which may include designs and messages for various themes or occasions.
As shown in FIG. 6, the base section 126 of the snack board 124 also includes a bottom surface 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom surface 142 includes a plurality of recessed portions 144, specifically four recessed portions 144, that each define a food holding compartment. The bottom surface 142 may also include a central recessed portion 146, which may have any suitable shape, and as illustrated is circular or substantially circular. The central recessed portion 146 may be configured to receive a dip, or a bowl that contains dip. As shown, the plurality of recessed portions 120 surround the central recessed portion 122.
FIGS. 7-9 illustrate one example of a base section 200, which may be used as a base section 102. As shown in FIG. 7, the base section 200 has a top surface 202, which may have any of the features described above with respect to top surface 116 of base section 102. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the base section 200 also has a bottom surface 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom surface 204 includes plurality of recessed portions 206 that each define a food holding compartment. There may be any suitable number of recessed portions 206, such as the six recessed portions 206 in the illustrated example, or four as shown in FIG. 6. Each recessed portion 206 may have any suitable shape, which may by regular or irregular. The bottom surface 204 may include a central recessed portion 208, which may have any suitable shape, and as illustrated is circular or substantially circular. The central recessed portion 208 may be configured to receive a dip, or a bowl that contains dip. As shown, the plurality of recessed portions 120 surround the central recessed portion 122.
As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the base section 200 has a first end 210, a second end 212, a first side 214 and a second side 216. The first end 210 and the second end 212 may each be open, or include open channels, to receive an insertion portion of an end cap (discussed below).
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the first side 214 and the second side 216 may each include at least one receiving hole 218, configured to receive a corresponding push button on an end cap. At least one of the first side 214 and the second side 216 may include at least one receiving slot 220, which may be configured to receive a tab of a lid to secure the lid to the base section 200.
Referring to FIG. 9, the base section 200 may be made from two halves that are connected to each other and join to form the base section 200, and thus may include a first half 222 and a second half 224. Each of the halves many include one or more support ribs 226 and/or one or more connectors 228. A compartment may defined in at least one of the halves, such as compartment 230 shown in the second half 224. The compartment may be configured to and may receive and house a coolant material, such as cool pack 232, which may be able to be repeatedly frozen and thawed. Accordingly, the base section 200 may be placed in a freezer to allow the coolant material to freeze, and then may be able to maintain a cold temperature when removed from the freezer, at least until the coolant material thaws.
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a first type of end cap that is a handle end cap 300. Handle end caps 300, may be used as end cap 104 or 106 in snack board 100, and may be used with the base section 200. FIG. 10 shows a top side 302 of the end cap 300, and FIG. 11 shows a bottom side 304 of the end cap 300. The end cap 300 has a handle portion 306, and an insertion portion 308. The handle portion may define a central passthrough 316, which may be a cut-out area in a central area of the handle portion, and an outer edge 318, such that a person may pass their fingers through the passthrough 316 and hold on to the outer edge 318 when carrying a snack board 100 of the present technology. The insertion portion 308 has a first side 310 and a second side 312, which may each include a push button 314. The insertion portion 308 removably attaches to the first end or second end of the base section 102. The insertion portion 308 may be configured to be, and may be, slidably received by an end of a base section. Each push button 314 is configured to be received by a receiving hole of the base section.
FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a second type of end cap that is a grip end cap 400. The grip end cap 400 may be used as end cap 104 or 106 in snack board 100, and may be used with the base section 200. FIG. 10 shows a top side 402 of the grip end cap 400, and FIG. 11 shows a bottom side 404 of the grip end cap 400. The grip end cap 400 has a grip portion 406, and an insertion portion 408. The grip portion 406 may include a textured area 416, which is shown as being a recessed trough but may be any suitable texture, to facilitate a person being able to hold on to the grip portion 406 when carrying a snack board 100 of the present technology. The insertion portion 408 has a first side 410 and a second side 412, which may each include a push button 414. The insertion portion 408 removably attaches to the first end or second end of the base section 102. The insertion portion 408 may be configured to be, and may be, slidably received by an end of a base section. Each push button 414 is configured to be received by a receiving hole of the base section.
FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate examples of adapters that may be used to join two base sections 102. Adapters of the present technology generally include a first joining section and a second joining section, each of which removably attaches to an end of a base section, and a divider between the first joining section and the second joining section. FIG. 14 illustrates a first adapter 500, which is a straight adapter. The first adapter 500 includes a first joining section 502 that is configured to be and may be slidably received by an end of a first base section 102, and a second joining section 504 that is configured to be and may be slidably received by an end of a second base section 102. The first adapter may include a divider 506 that connects the first joining section 502 and the second joining section 504 at an angle that is equal to 180°. FIG. 15 illustrates a second adapter 508, which is an angled adapter. The second adapter 508 includes a first joining section 510 that is configured to be and may be slidably received by an end of a first base section 102, and a second joining section 512 that is configured to be and may be slidably received by an end of a second base section 102. The second adapter 508 may include a divider 514 that that connects the first joining section 502 and the second joining section 504 at an angle that is not equal to 180°, such as an angle from about 30° to about 120°.
Due to the modular nature of the snack board components of the present technology, the components are combinable into multiple different configurations. While one configuration is shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a snack board 1000 of the present technology, which is in a second configuration as compared to the snack board 100.
Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16, the snack board 1000 includes a plurality of interconnected base sections, specifically a first base section 1002 and a second base section 1004. The first base section 1002 and the second base section 1004 may be the same or different, may each be a base section 200, and may have any suitable configuration, such as that shown in FIGS. 1-4 with respect to base section 102 or FIGS. 5-6 with respect to base section 126. Accordingly, the first base section 1002 and the second base section 1004 may have any of the features or components as described above with respect to base sections 102, 126 and 200. For example, the first base section has a first end 1006 and a second end 1008, and the second base section 1004 has a first end 1010 and a second end 1012. The first base section 1002 and the second base section 1004 are interconnected by an adapter 1014. The adapter may be any suitable adapter, such as the first adapter 500 or second adapter 508 described with respect to FIGS. 14 and 15 above. In the illustrated example, the adapter 1014 is a second adapter 508. More specifically, the adapter 1014 includes a first joining section (510 in FIG. 15) that is slidably received by the second end 1008 of the first base section 1002, and a second joining section (512 in FIG. 15) that is slidably received by the first end 1010 of the second base section 1004. The adapter 1014 includes a divider 1016 that that connects the first joining section (510 in FIG. 15) and the second joining section (512 in FIG. 15) at an angle that is not equal to 180°, such as an angle from about 30° to about 120°. The snack board 1000 includes also includes a first end cap 1018 that is connected to the first end 1006 of the first base section 1002, and a second end cap 1020 that is connected to the second end 1012 of the second base section 1004. As shown, the first end cap 1018 and the second end cap 1020 are each grip end caps, such as the grip end cap 400 shown and described above with respect to FIGS. 12 and 13. However, the first end cap 1018 and the second end cap 1020 may the same configuration or different configurations, and at least one may be a handle end cap, such as the handle end cap 300 shown and described above with respect to FIGS. 10 and 11, or any other suitable type of end cap. It should be understood that although two interconnected base sections are shown in FIG. 16, any number of base sections could be interconnected to form a snack board of the present technology.
FIGS. 17 and 18 show one example of a lid 600 that may be removably attachable to the snack board 100. Referring to FIG. 17, the lid 600 may be configured to fit over either the top surface 116 or the bottom surface 118 of the base section 102 of the snack board 100. Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18 The lid 600 may have a cover portion 602 and at least one closing mechanism 604, such as a locking tab, that secures the lid to the receiving slot 220 of the base section 102.
FIG. 19 illustrates a prospective view of a carrying case 700 configured to hold a snack board kit of the present technology, such as snack board kit 900 shown in FIG. 21. The carrying case 700 includes a handle 702 on the side 704 of the lid, and two closing mechanisms 706, each a latch, one on each side of the handle on the side 704 of the carrying case 700.
FIG. 20 illustrates an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a lid 700 for a carrying case configured to hold a snack board kit of the present technology, such as snack board kit 900 shown in FIG. 21. The lid 800 includes a single closing mechanism 802, shown as a latch, and has a handle 804 connected on the top 806 of the lid 800.
FIG. 21 shows one example of a snack board kit 900 of the present technology. The snack board kit 900 includes at least two end caps, and as shown includes two handle end caps 300 and two grip end caps 400, a plurality of base sections 200, and at least one lid 600. Each base section 200 may differ with respect to artwork (not shown) on the top surface of the base section 200. The snack board kit 900 may also include at least one adapter, and as shown includes at least one first adapter 500 and at least one second adapter 508. In at least one example, the snack board kit 900 may further include a carrying case, such as carrying case 700. However, in at least one other example the kit does not include a carrying case. In at least one alternative example, the kit may include a bag, such as an insulated bag, that is sized and configured to hold the components of the kit 900.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that although specific examples have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to particularly point out and distinctly claim the claimed subject matter.
Patent Application
20250221557
