Spill-free container

Abstract

A disposable food container forms a pouch or pocket having a closed ends and sides, as well as a mouth or opening. A substantially rigid member forms the opening of the mouth to provide support to the container, and to permit only a desired amount of food to extend out of the mouth of the container. A user can easily control the amount of food that protrudes out of the container by applying pressure to the outside of the container and pushing only a desired amount of food out of the mouth of the container. The remainder of the food remains enclosed within the container, thereby preventing unwanted touching of such food and spillage.

Description

STATEMENTS AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT: NONE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention comprises a container for wrapping and handling of products including, without limitation, food products. More particularly, the present invention comprises a container for protecting items from contamination while permitting a user to easily handle said items. More particularly still, the present invention comprises a disposable wrapper for protecting food, such as sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and “fast food”, from contamination while permitting easy handling and consumption of such food.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Existing prior art methods for packaging food items generally comprise either wrapping a piece of paper, wax paper, foil or other similar material around the food item, or a providing carton-like box into which the food item is placed. Although such existing packaging methods offer some protection to the food items, such existing methods do not address the problem of spillage while an item is being handled and, especially, when the food item is being eaten.

Problems commonly arise when a sandwich or other fast food item that is wrapped using conventional methods is being consumed. Specifically, from the time that a food item is picked up and brought to a user's mouth, until it is placed down again, contents of conventional food packaging are prone to falling. Such contents may include solid pieces of the food itself, as well as various sauces and condiments, all of which can be potentially soiling to clothes and the surrounding environment.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method and apparatus for wrapping and serving food items. Said improved method and apparatus should ensure that the food item remains substantially covered and shielded from outside contaminants during periods when the food is not being consumed. Further, the improved method and apparatus should permit food items to be conveniently handled and eaten, ideally with a single hand, while preventing spillage of said food items.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a disposable container that can be used to hold food items. In the preferred embodiment, the disposable container of the present invention substantially covers and shields food items placed within said container from outside contaminants during periods when said food items are not being consumed. Further, the container of the present invention permits food items to be conveniently handled and eaten, even with a single hand, while preventing inadvertent or unwanted spillage of such food items and related condiments and/or sauces.

The disposable container of the present invention can be beneficially constructed of any of the same wrapping materials commonly used in the food industry including, without limitation, paper, wax paper, aluminum foil with a paper lining, or plastic.

In a preferred embodiment, the disposable food container of the present invention forms a pouch or pocket having a closed end and sides, as well as a mouth or opening leading into said pouch or pocket. Said mouth or opening includes a substantially rigid member that provides support to the container, and permits only a desired amount of food to extend out of the mouth of the container. A user can easily control the amount of food that protrudes out of said mouth by applying pressure to the container and pushing a desired amount of food out of the mouth. The remainder of the food stays fully enclosed within said container, preventing unwanted contact between hands and food. Inadvertent or unwanted food spillage is also prevented.

The container of the present invention can have any number of beneficial shapes and sizes to accommodate the food product(s) placed within said container. In the preferred embodiment, said container is substantially rectangular in shape, in order to accommodate round or square sandwiches. However, it is to be observed that the container can also have a generally elongate shape for holding hot dogs, burritos, submarine sandwiches or other elongate food items.

A tab can be provided which can be easily pulled to spread said rigid member in order to open said mouth of the container for purposes of inserting the food. The container can also include an optional cover member that can be closed and secured in place to substantially close the opening of said mouth.

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a simple and easy-to-use disposable container/holder for various food items that prevents spillage of sauce and food pieces while the food items are being consumed.

An additional objective of the present invention is to provide a holder that prevents hands and fingers from directly touching food items to avoid getting hands/fingers dirty and from contaminating the food.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show certain preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed. Further, dimensions, materials and part names are provided for illustration purposes only and not limitation.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the container of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the container of the present invention in a closed position.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the container of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the container of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 5 depicts a side perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the container of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of a first alternative embodiment of the container of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a first alternative embodiment of the container of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 8 depicts a front view of a second alternative embodiment of the container of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of a second alternative embodiment of the container of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of a third alternative embodiment of the container of the present invention in an open position.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of a third alternative embodiment of the container of the present invention in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The method and apparatus of the present invention are described herein primarily in connection with so-called “fast food”. Such fast food can typically include, without limitation, hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, tacos, burritos and other food items. However, it is to be observed that such description is provided solely for ease of reference by way of illustration, and should not be construed as limiting in any way. As such, the method and apparatus of the present application can be used in connection with many different types of products and food items other than so-called fast food, as well as non-food items.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of container 10 of the present invention in an open position. Disposable container 10 can be used to hold food items including, without limitation, fast food items such as hamburger 200. Said container 10 of the present invention can be beneficially constructed of any of number of different materials including wrapping materials commonly used in the food industry such as paper, wax paper, aluminum foil with a paper lining, or plastic.

In a preferred embodiment, disposable food container 10 of the present invention forms a pouch or pocket defining an internal cavity. Said disposable food container 10 has opposing front and back surfaces 11, opposing sides 12, and closed end 13 defining said internal cavity. A mouth opening 14 is formed opposite said closed end 13 and provides access to said internal cavity. Said mouth 14 has substantially rigid member 15 that extends substantially around the entire circumference of said mouth 14. Rigid member 15 can include optional tab 16; although said tab 16 can be located in a number of different locations, in the preferred embodiment said tab is positioned at approximately the mid-point of mouth 14 between opposing sides 12.

Rigid member 15 can be a cardboard strip or other material having similar characteristics. Said rigid member 15 should beneficially have sufficient rigidity to substantially maintain its basic shape, while still having sufficient flexibility or pliability to permit opening and closing of mouth 14. Substantially rigid member 15 provides support to container 10, while permitting only a desired amount of food item 200 to extend outside of said mouth 14 of container 10. A user can easily control the amount of food item 200 that protrudes out of mouth 14 by applying pressure to opposing front and back surfaces 11, and pushing a desired portion of food item 200 out of mouth 14. The remaining portion of food item 200 stays fully enclosed within said container 10, preventing unwanted contact between the hands of a user and food item 200. Importantly, inadvertent or unwanted spillage of pieces of food item 200 (including, without limitation, any condiments or sauces) is also prevented.

Container 10 of the present invention can have any number of beneficial shapes and sizes to accommodate the food product(s) placed within said container. In the preferred embodiment, said container 10 is substantially rectangular in shape, in order to accommodate round or square sandwiches, such as food item 200. Tab 16 can be easily pulled to spread rigid member 15 in order to open mouth 14 of container 10 for purposes of inserting food item 200 into said container 10. Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 1, sides 12 can be gusseted, or can incorporate a fold, to allow said container 10 to expand to accommodate food items having larger thicknesses. Said sides 12 can be wider near mouth 14 than at end 13, thereby permitting the expansion of container 10 to be greater at mouth 14 than at end 13. In other words, container 10 can be sloped along sides 12 so that it has a greater width at mouth 14 than at end 13. Container 10 can also include an optional foldable cover member 17.

Referring to FIG. 2, said cover member 17 can be closed and secured in place to substantially close the opening of said mouth 14; in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, said cover member 17 is tucked under flap 18, to hold said cover member 17 in the closed position. By using cover member 18 in this manner, disposable container 10 of the present invention substantially covers and shields food items placed within said container 10 from outside contaminants during periods when said food items are not being consumed. Container 10 of the present invention permits food items to be conveniently handled and eaten, even with a single hand, while preventing inadvertent or unwanted spillage of such food items. FIG. 3 depicts a front view of container 10 of the present invention in an open position. Disposable food container 10 of the present invention forms a pouch or pocket having front surface 11 (and opposing back surface 11, not visible in FIG. 3), with closed sides 12 and end 13. A mouth opening 14 is formed opposite said closed end 13, and has substantially rigid member 15 that extends substantially around the entire circumference of said mouth 14, as well as foldable cover member 17. Tab 16 is positioned at approximately the mid-point along the width of mouth 14.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of disposable container 10 of the present invention in an open position. Disposable food container 10 forms a pouch or pocket having opposing front and back surfaces 11, closed side 12 and closed end 13. A mouth opening 14 is formed opposite said closed end 13, and has substantially rigid member 15 that extends substantially around the entire circumference of said mouth 14, as well as foldable cover member 17 and tab 16.

FIG. 5 depicts a side perspective view of alternative embodiment container 20 of the present invention in an open position. In a preferred embodiment, disposable food container 20 of the present invention forms a pouch or pocket having opposing front and back surfaces 21, opposing sides 22, and closed end 23. A mouth opening 24 is formed opposite said closed end 23. Said mouth 24 has substantially rigid member 25 that extends substantially around the entire circumference of said mouth 24. Rigid member 25 can include optional tab 26 and foldable cover member 27. Tab 26 can be easily pulled to spread rigid member 25 in order to open mouth 24 of container 20 for purposes of inserting a food item into said container 20. Sides 22 can be gusseted, or can incorporate a fold, to allow said container 20 to expand to accommodate food items having larger thicknesses.

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of alternative embodiment disposable food container 20 of the present invention in an open position. Disposable food container 20 has front surface 21 (and an opposing back surface 21, not visible in FIG. 6), with closed sides 22 and closed end 23. Mouth opening 24 is formed opposite said closed end 23, and has substantially rigid member 25 that extends substantially around the entire circumference of said mouth 24, as well as foldable cover member 27. Tab 26 is positioned at approximately the mid-point along the width of mouth 24.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of alternative embodiment food container 20 in an open position. Disposable food container 20 forms a pouch or pocket having opposing front and back surfaces 21, closed side 22 and closed end 23. A mouth opening 24 is formed opposite said closed end 23, and has substantially rigid member 25 that extends substantially around the entire circumference of said mouth 24, as well as foldable cover member 27 and tab 26. As depicted in FIG. 7, opposing surfaces 21 of disposable container 20 come together at closed end 23 to form a substantially wedge-shaped configuration. The tip of said wedge-shaped closed end 23 assists a user in pushing a food item held within said container 20 away from said wedge-shaped closed end 23 and toward mouth 24, especially when a user first starts eating a food item stored within said disposable container 20.

FIG. 8 depicts a front view of alternative embodiment disposable food container 30 of the present invention in an open position. Disposable food container 30 has front surface 31 (and an opposing back surface 31, not visible in FIG. 8), with closed sides 32 and closed end 33. Mouth opening 34 is formed opposite said closed end 33, and has substantially rigid member 35 that extends substantially around the entire circumference of said mouth 34, as well as foldable cover member 37. Tab 36 is positioned at approximately the mid-point along the width of mouth 34.

Still referring to FIG. 8, closed bottom 33 of alternative embodiment disposable food container 30 does not form a straight edge between opposing sides 32. Instead, bottom 33 forms peak 33a at substantially the mid-point between said closed sides 32. Disposable food container 30 still has a substantially rectangular overall shape to hold hamburgers, sandwiches and other similar food items. However, disposable container 30 accommodates asymmetrical food items, such that the longer dimensions of said food items can correspond to and conveniently fit within peak 33a, while still permitting foldable cover 37 to substantially close over mouth opening 34 and protect the food item within.

FIG. 9 depicts a side view of alternative embodiment disposable food container 30 of the present invention in an open position. Disposable food container 30 forms a pouch or pocket having opposing front and back surfaces 31, closed side 32 and closed end 33 having peak 33a. A mouth opening 34 is formed opposite said closed end 33, and has substantially rigid member 35 that extends substantially around the entire circumference of said mouth 34, as well as foldable cover member 37 and tab 36.

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of yet another alternative embodiment of disposable food container 40 of the present invention in an open position. Disposable food container 40 has front surface 41 (and an opposing back surface 41, not visible in FIG. 10), with closed sides 42 and closed end 43. Mouth opening 44 is formed opposite said closed end 43, and has substantially rigid member 45 that extends substantially around the entire circumference of said mouth 44, as well as foldable cover member 47. Tab 46 is positioned at approximately the mid-point along the width of mouth 44.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of alternative embodiment disposable food container 40 in an open position. Disposable food container 40 forms a pouch or pocket having opposing front and back surfaces 41, closed side 42 and closed end 43. A mouth opening 44 is formed opposite said closed end 43, and has substantially rigid member 45 that extends substantially around the entire circumference of said mouth 44, as well as foldable cover member 47 and tab 46.

Alternative embodiment disposable container 40 has a generally elongate shape. Although still substantially rectangular in shape, alternative embodiment disposable container 40 can accommodate food items having substantially elongate dimensions, such as hot dog 300.

It is to be observed that the disposable container of the present invention can be used in connection with foods other than so-called “fast food”. For example, the disposable container can be used with brownies, cookies, and other food items that are not characterized as so-called “fast food”. Additionally, it is to be observed that the disposable container of the present invention can also be used in connection with the handling of non-food items.

The above-described invention has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A disposable container comprising: a) a pouch defining an internal cavity, and having a mouth opening into said internal cavity;b) a substantially rigid member disposed around the circumference of said mouth;c) a flexible cover connected to said pouch adapted to be folded over said mouth; andd) a flap connected to said pouch for securing said flexible cover over said mouth.