Special stackable container for storage of baked goods

Abstract

A group of special devices that are stackable and front-loading containers for the storage and transport of baked goods. These simply designed devices are for covering and protecting baked goods such as brownies, cookies, truffles and the like. The features are less complex and thus less expensive to produce than prior art containers. Particularly this storage and container device is related to devices and methods to protect any baked good during storage, transport or in between the preparation processes of baking. This is especially true of various times that baked goods are needed in quantity and then placed into temporary storage until transport.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Special Stackable and Front Loading Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices that are preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Special Stackable and Front Loading Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices. It is understood, however, that the Special Stackable and Front Loading Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices are not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a drawing of the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods with various components noted.

FIGS. 3 A, 3 B, and 3C are drawings of the Top View of the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods and flap details.

FIGS. 4 include 4 A—a Top View and 4 B—a Side View of the shelf for the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods.

FIG. 5 A is a Bottom View of the lid and FIG. 5 B is a Side View of the Lid of the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods.

FIGS. 6 A and 6 B are isometric drawings of the Special Front Loading Shelvability Container for Storage of Baked Goods.

FIGS. 7 A through 7 E are drawings that show the components and various features of a Special Front Loading Shelvability Container device.

FIGS. 8 A and 8 B are drawings that show the novel syringe means to evacuate air from the Special Front Loading Shelvability Container.

FIGS. 9 are sketches that show the typical “Burp” for modern storage devices.

FIGS. 10 A and 10 B are sketches that show a typical hinge.

FIGS. 11 A through 11 H are sketches that show other plastic hinges.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

The following list refers to the drawings:

• • 31 general assembly of the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods
  • 32 shelf(ves) for the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31
  • 33 bottom surface for the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31
  • 34 external side surface for the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31
  • 35 top aperture or opening to the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31
  • 36 support means for the shelves of the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31
  • 37 inner surface of the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31
  • 38 handle or pick-up means for the container of the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31
  • 39 means to attach support means 36 to inner surface 37 of the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31
  • 40 thickness of support means for the shelves of the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31
  • 41 aperture for holding and moving shelf 32
  • 42 alternative handle means for holding and securing shelf 32
  • 43 notch and clearance aperture for shelf 32
  • 44 top surface of shelf 32
  • 45 bottom surface of shelf 32
  • 46 lid for Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31
  • 47 lid handle for the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31
  • 48 seal means for the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31
  • 49 underside and bottom surface of Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31
  • 50 Special Front Loading Shelvability Container
  • 51 enclosure means for Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50
  • 51 B bottom of enclosure means 51
  • 51 E end of enclosure means 51
  • 51 O opening or aperture of enclosure means 51
  • 51 S side of enclosure means 51
  • 51 T top of enclosure means 51
  • 52 shelf(ves) slide rails for Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50
  • 53 front door to Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50
  • 54 shelf(ves) for Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50
  • 55 interior surface of the Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50
  • 56 exterior surface of the Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50
  • 57 closure latch(es) for the Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50
  • 57A receiver for closure latch(es) for the Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50
  • 58 hinge receiver for Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50
  • 58A hinge attachment means for Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50
  • 59 shelf rod or separator means on the shelf(ves) for the Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50
  • 60 seal means for the door 53 to the enclosure 51 for the Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50
  • 61 door/lid gasket
  • 62 interior surface of door 53
  • 63 exterior surface of door 53
  • 64 syringe device for removing air
  • 64A syringe base
  • 65 pivot insert for syringe device 64
  • 66 inner circle device for syringe 64
  • 67 seal means for syringe device 64
  • 68 typical lid “burp” devices on modern storage containers
  • 68A burp or diaphragm action
  • 69 example of typical external hinge device
  • 70 molded “thin” hinge means
  • 71 sample hinge device with multiple component parts
  • 72 another plastic hinge device
  • 73 simple thermoplastic hinge means
  • 70 molded “thin” hinge means

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present device is a mechanism for a person to protect and store baked goods such as brownies, cookies truffles and the like. The devices are called a Special Stackable 31 and Front Loading 50 Containers for storage of Baked Goods. The preferred embodiments of the devices are comprised of a clear or colored material that is capable of being heated and/or exposed to a microwave oven. The devices have an enclosure with an inner and outer surface, a lid, a plurality of shelves for stacking baked goods within the container, and a means to removably secure the shelves to the inner surface of the container. A person having ordinary skill in the field of plastic and metal forming, processing and joining appreciates the various manners that may be used to physically permit this Special Stackable 31 and Front Loading Containers for storage of Baked Goods 50 devices to be produced and utilized.

The improvement over the existing art have advantages and features not yet demonstrated or taught by prior art. These advantages and features are well described in Tables A, B, C, and D above in Paragraphs 11 through 14.

There is shown in FIGS. 1-11 a complete operative embodiment of the Special Stackable 31 and Front Loading 50 Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-11 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this invention. The preferred embodiment of the device is comprised of only a few parts as shown in the drawings. These structural members or parts are comprised of and include, but are not limited to, a clear or colored material that is capable of being heated or exposed to a microwave oven device. The devices have an enclosure with an inner and outer surface, a lid, a plurality of shelves for stacking baked goods within the container, and a means to removably secure the shelves to the inner surface of the container.

Various important features of these member components are delineated in FIGS. 1-11 of the drawings and are described below in appropriate detail for one skilled in the art to appreciate their importance and functionality to the Special Stackable 31 and Front Loading 50 Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Special Stackable 31 and Front Loading 50 Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices that are preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Special Stackable 31 and Front Loading 50 Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices. It is understood, however, that the Special Stackable 31 and Front Loading 50 Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices are not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a drawing of the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31. The general Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31 is shown with the removable and stackable shelf 32.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31 with various components noted. In this drawing, the shelf(ves) 32 is/are shown interior to the general Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31. The external surface or side 34, the top aperture or opening 35, and the unit's bottom 33 are depicted. Interior to the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31 are support means 36 or flaps that are integrally or securely connected to the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31 by an attachment means. This attachment means may be integral manufacturing—such as thermoplastic molding or the like—or by another securing means such as fusing the flap to the interior with a heat process or with an adhesive. One skilled in the art appreciates the plethora of attachment means for the support means or flap. Therefore these securing and attachment means are exemplary and not limiting to the scope and spirit of the present concept for the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31. One skilled also appreciates that the means 36 may be spaced at various heights to permit the space between the shelves to be variable. One example, and not limiting to the scope, is to place the means or flaps 36 at every ¾^th or inch in the height of the container 31.

The materials used for the Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31 and its various components are generally microwave safe materials and/or typical kitchen ware plastics such as polypropylene or poly ethylene and of course FDA approved, food grade silicone. The advancements and continual developments in safe, microwaveable materials and various composite materials are anticipated by this concept. Therefore, the current level of materials is not a limitation but an example of the abundant materials that may be used in the manufacture of this Special Stackable Container for Storage of Baked Goods 31. Therefore any material denoted is exemplary and not limiting to the scope and spirit of this concept and new configuration. One skilled in the art of storage containers appreciates well that the standard materials such as various plastics, rubber-based, and other elastomeric materials are well suited. Additionally, metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass might be suited to production of the devices in the described configurations. These materials are suited for both the Special Stackable 31 and Front Loading 50 Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices. Likewise, some earthen ware and ceramic configurations are feasible. Finally, while the microwave safe is a preferred embodiment, other heatable and even non-heatable materials are included in the full scope and spirit for the new devices.

For the size of typical Stackable Containers 31, TABLE E and TABLE F are provided with several examples. These are exemplary and not limiting for the device 31.

TABLE E
(Rectangular) Top Load Stackable Container:
Item Width × length × height
1    8 × 8 × 4,
2    8 × 8 × 6,
3    8 × 8 × 8,
4    8 × 8 × 10,
5    9 × 13 × 6,
6    9 × 13 × 8,
6    9 × 13 × 10,
7    9 × 13 × 11,
8    9 × 13 × 12,
9    10 × 10 × 6,
10   10 × 10 × 8,
11   10 × 10 × 10

TABLE F
(Essentially Round) Top Load Stackable Containers:
Item Width × length × height
1    11.5 × 11.5 × 6,
2    11.5 × 11.5 × 8,
3    11.5 × 11.5 × 10,
4    11.5 × 11.5 × 12,
5    6 × 6 × 4,
6    6 × 6 × 5,
6    7.5 × .7.5 × 6,
7    9 × 9 × 9,
8    12 × 12 × 6,
9    12 × 12 × 8
10   12 × 12 × 10

In reference to the color of materials, TABLE G is provided as examples and not as a limitation to the devices 31 and 50.

TABLE G
(Colors) Exemplary Color Schemes: The colors available
for containers, shelves, lids, even hinges include but are not limited to:
1 green
2 blue
3 orange
4 pink
5 red
6 yellow
7 purple
8 white
9 beige.

It is important to note that each color could range from light to dark and could be mixed and matched or even form patterns.

FIGS. 3 A, 3 B, and 3C are drawings of the Top View of the Special Stackable Container 31 for Storage of Baked Goods and flap details. In this view the external side surface 34 of the stackable container 31 is shown. Likewise, the interior surface 37 is demonstrated. A plurality of support means 36 such as flaps or rigid/non-rigid support surfaces 36 made of similar materials as the container 31 is shown. Likewise, the handle 38 is depicted of similar materials as the stackable container 31. In FIG. 3 B and 3 C, the Top and Side View of the tabs 36 are shown. Here the Top of the support 36 and the thickness 40 of the support 36 are shown.

FIGS. 4 include 4 A—a Top View and 4 B—a Side View of the shelf 32 for the Special Stackable Container 31 for Storage of Baked Goods. Here the Top View shows the general shelf 32 with the placement notch 43. The top surface 44 of the shelf 32 is also shown. For operations a finger aperture or holes 41 and/or a handle means 42 are shown for operatively using the device. Normally, and typically—but not limiting,

The exemplary Shelf Heights are 1.5″ to 11″ in half inch increments.

FIG. 5 A is a Bottom View of the lid and FIG. 5 B is a Side View of the Lid of the Special Stackable Container 31 for Storage of Baked Goods. Here the Top View 5 A demonstrates the general lid configuration 46 underside or bottom surface of the lid 49; the seal 48; the lid handle or tab 47.

FIGS. 6 A and 6 B are isometric drawings of the Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50 for Storage of Baked Goods. Here the materials appropriate for the Front Loader 50 are similar to those delineated above for the stackable Container 31. The View 6 A of the general Front Loader 50 shows the enclosure 51, the shelf slide rail 52, the door 53 and the receiver 57A and latch blade 57. Also, in FIG. 6 B one of a plurality of the typical shelf 54 is depicted. One skilled in the art of containers appreciates that the slide rail means 52 may be spaced at various heights to permit the space between the shelves to be variable. One example, and not limiting to the scope, is to place the slide rail means 52 at every ¾^th or inch in the height of the container 50.

For the size of typical Front Loading Container 50 TABLE H is provided with several examples. These are exemplary and not limiting for the device 50.

TABLE H
Front Loading Container:
ITEM Exemplary Height × width × depth
1    12 × 8 × 8
2    10 × 8 × 8
3    6 × 8 × 8
4    5 × 7 × 4.5
5    4 × 4 × 8.5
6    4.5 × 4.5 × 4.5
6    8 × 12 × 12
7    8 × 11 × 11
8    10 × 10.5 × 10.5
9    12 × 10.5 × 10.5
10   6 × 10.5 × 10.5,
11   6 × 11 × 11,
12   10 × 11 × 11,
13   8 × 8 × 8
14   8 × 8 × 10
15   12 × 12 × 12
16   10 × 12 × 12
17   12 × 10 × 10

FIGS. 7 A through 7 E are drawings that show the components and various features of a Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50 device. FIG. 7 A shows a Front View of the Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50. Here the exterior surface 56 of the device's enclosure means 51 is depicted. The enclosure means 51 includes the closure latches 57 which are secured to the top side 51 T along the edge of the enclosure opening or aperture 51 O. Also shown are the hinge receivers 58 for the device which are secured along the bottom side 51 B at edge of the aperture 51 O. The overall enclosure means 51 is comprised of the top 51 T, the two sides 51 S, the bottom 51 B and the back end 51 E with the described features. The Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50 components include the enclosure means, one or more shelves 54, and the front door 53. In FIG. 7 B a Section View AA of the Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50 is shown. This section shows the container 50 with the shelf slide rails 52; the exterior surface 56 and the interior surface 55 of the enclosure 51.

In FIG. 7 C a typical shelf is depicted. The material for the shelf includes the various materials as discussed above. Also, these shelves may be made of molded composites materials and plastics. One skilled in the art of kitchen ware well appreciates that these shelves may be made of various metals that have spaces placed in the material (such as by punching through) or even made from a plurality of wire stock 59 that is encircled with a band. The wire 59 would need to be secured to the band by some means such as welding, brazing, etc. The shelves may be coated with various surfaces such as chrome, powder coat finishes, chromed, and other means to protect the surface and make the shelf 54 kitchen grade and fully FDA food ready.

FIGS. 7D and 7E demonstrate the front and rear view with components of the door 53 of the front loader's device 50. In FIG. 7D, the surface 63 of the exterior door 53 is shown with the hinge pin 58A and the latch receiver 57A. In FIG. 7 E, the rear surface 62 is shown with the seal 61. Likewise the hinge pin 58A and the latch receiver 57A is shown.

FIGS. 8 A and 8 B are drawings that show the novel syringe means 64 to evacuate air from the Special Front Loading Shelvability Container 50. The syringe 64 is generally comprised of an inner circle section 66 and a pivotal insert 65. The pivotal insert 65 turns from one side to the next (on a pivot means) and when pivoted in one direction the device 65 “pulls” air from the container. The pivot insert 65 has a small aperture running its length. Then when the pivot insert 65 is turned back to the other direction, the pivotal insert 65 syringe 64 allows air to return to the container. This syringe 64 air remover may be inserted on a top 51 T, side 51 S or end 51 E surface of the front loader 50 or a lid 46 of a stackable container 30.

FIG. 9 are sketches that show the typical “Burp” devices 68 for modern storage devices.

FIGS. 10 A and 10 B are sketches that show a typical plastic hinge (ribbon) with a pin internal to the hinge leaves. FIGS. 11 A through 11 H are various sketches that show other typical plastic hinges. FIGS. 11 A and B shows a typical thin hinge 70 made during the injection process with the material. This hinge 70 is “molded” in and attached to the top and base. FIGS. 11 C and D shows a more rigid and multi-part molded hinge 71. FIGS. 11 E and F shows a typical thicker hinge 72 that is more rigid than a thin hinge 70. This hinge 72 is still made during the injection process with the material. Another hinge variation is shown in FIGS. 11 G and H. Here a medium thick continuous strap hinge 73 is shown. All these variations may be used for attaching the fronts 53 to the enclosure means 51 of the Special Front Loading container 50.

All of the details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components specific to describing a Special Stackable 31 and Front Loading 50 Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of baked goods protection and storage devices well appreciates.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The new Special Stackable 31 and Front Loading 50 Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices have been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the devices operate is briefly described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the Special Stackable 31 and Front Loading 50 Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices. The preferred embodiments described above are essentially comprised of only a few parts as shown in the drawings. These components are comprised of and include, but are not limited to, enclosure means, lids or fronts, a means to attach the enclosure to the lid or front, and removable shelves. Each enclosure have various features including, but not limited to a means to hold the shelves securely and nearly rigid, but still permitting the shelves to be removed. Other features may include a lift tab or handle, an air remover syringe device and other aids well known to those skilled in the art of kitchenware devices.

The manner these devices 31, 50 are used is similar to other kitchen containers. However, there are some distinct differences. Reference to all the advantages, above, delineates most of the distinctions and is incorporated but not repeated here. Then baked goods may be placed directly onto the removable shelves 32, 54 as goods are removed from the oven. Then, when cooled, these shelves may be placed directly into the containers 31, 50. The shelves 32, 54 may be spaced onto the flap means 36 or slide rail means 52 at various levels in order to accommodate various thickness of baked goods. There is no need to place waxed paper or other kitchen wraps to protect the surfaces. Likewise, the goods may be decorated or iced, etc. and not be disturbed when placed into the containers.

If transport is the intended use, once the goods are transported to the end use location, the containers may be opened and the goods distributed or even left on the shelves as serving trays. For containers 31, 51 that are microwave safe, the baked goods can be warmed in a microwave or oven device if desired.

In summary, finally, a plastic storage container with shelves. The shelves are adjustable and removable. Every consumer is unique with different needs. This product is tailored to be able to adjust to each consumer's individualized needs. Other containers allow consumers to store only one layer of baked goods resulting in above wasted space. Using wax paper to separate layers is limited to certain baked goods and can result in a sticky mess. When storing items such as frosted brownies, most of the frosting sticks to the wax paper, thereby compromising not only the appearance but also the taste of the baked good. Sticky bars, cupcakes, pies, tortes, cheesecakes, jellied cookies, etc. can now be stacked in one container.

Stackable 31 and Front Loading 50 Containers gives consumers the Ability and flexibility to tailor the container to their own unique needs. The shelves enable consumers to utilize the entire space of the product. The adjustable shelves are removable which gives the product much versatility. When the product is not in use the shelves store neatly on the bottom of the container allowing the container to be used as storage for other containers or items as needed.

The unique shelving mechanism is practical, easy to clean, and durable. The product comes in a variety of sizes with a choice of two different styles of shelves (one is similar to a cooling rack and the other is plastic). The chrome shelf eliminates the cooling rack step, which is a nice feature. The plastic shelf can be purchased in solid or grated. These containers 31, 50 provides consumers more control and flexibility to adjust or remove shelves to suit their unique needs.

With this description it is to be understood that the Special Stackable 31 and Front Loading 50 Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices are not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment. The features of the Special Stackable 31 and Front Loading 50 Containers for storage of Baked Goods devices are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

Claims

1. A stackable multiple tier container, made from a microwaveable and dishwasher safe material, for storing, serving and transporting various types of baked goods and desserts comprising: a). a bottom surface that is essentially flat;b). a side surface with a means to support a plurality of shelves;c). a plurality of removable shelves with features to interconnect each shelf with the interior side surface support means;d). a top aperture formed by the uppermost edge of the side surface;e). a lid to cover the top aperture; andf). a means to seal the top lid to the side surface in an airtight manner

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means to seal the top lid to the side surface in an airtight manner is a labyrinth seal around the entire uppermost perimeter edge of the side surface with a mating labyrinth configuration on the perimeter edge of the top lid.

3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means to seal the top lid to the side surface in an airtight manner is diaphragm-like lid that may be “burped” to remove excess air inside the container.

4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the microwaveable and dishwasher safe material is a flexible composite material.

5. The device according to claim 1 wherein the microwaveable and dishwasher safe material is a flexible kitchen grade and FDA approved plastic material.

6. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means to support the plurality of shelves by the side surface is a feature configured and molded integral to the side surface.

7. The device according to claim 6 wherein the feature is a plurality of support flaps attached by a means interiorly to the side surface at regular intervals circumferentially and regular heights vertically

8. The device according to claim 7 wherein the attachment means is integrally molding the flaps to the interior of the side surface

9. The device according to claim 7 wherein the attachment means is ultrasonically welding a series of smaller, separate flaps the interior of the side surface

10. A front-loading multiple tier container, made from a microwaveable and dishwasher safe material, for storing, serving and transporting various types of baked goods and desserts comprising: a). an enclosure means;b). a plurality of removable shelves;c). a means to support each shelf interiorly to the enclosure means;d). a means to open the enclosure and reseal the enclosure means

11. The device according to claim 10 wherein the enclosure means comprises: a). a thin and lightweight tube structure consisting of four planar structures including a fixed top, a fixed bottom and two fixed side interconnected by a means to essentially form the four sided tube;b). a thin and lightweight planar structure forming a fixed end rigidly connected by a means to the farthermost perimeter of the four sided tube;c) an openable near end planar structure;d). a means to pivotally connect the openable structure to the near end of the tube; ande). a means to seal the openable structure to the near end of the tube structure

12. The device according to claim 11 wherein the means to pivotally connect the openable structure to the near end of the tube is by a thin plastic hinge.

13. The device according to claim 11 wherein the means to pivotally connect the openable structure to the near end of the tube is by multiple component with a pin and hinge leafs formed into the structure and the openable planar end.

14. The device according to claim 11 wherein the means to seal the openable end is a labyrinth configuration in the openable end and the near most end of the four sided tubular structure.

15. The device according to claim 10 wherein the microwaveable and dishwasher safe material is a flexible composite material.

16. The device according to claim 10 wherein the microwaveable and dishwasher safe material is a flexible kitchen grade and FDA approved plastic material.

17. The device according to claim 10 wherein the support means for each shelf is a series of pairs of rigid slide rail structures interiorly secured by a means along each side and equally spaced in height from the bottom of the enclosure

18. The device according to claim 17 wherein the means to secure the slided to the sides is by integrally molding the two together in the same manufacturing process.