Taco Holder

BACKGROUND

Taco holders or trays are well known in the art for preparing and/or serving tacos. When tacos are allowed to sit in these taco holders, the taco shells can become soggy from condensation or from grease or other juices dripping from the taco. Accordingly, there is a need for a taco holder that is easy to assemble and which minimizes or prevents the shells from becoming soggy due to condensation or from sitting in its own juices.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a taco holder in an assembled configuration showing a taco disposed therein.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the embodiment of the taco holder of FIG. 1 with the taco removed.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a single-piece die-cut blank shown in plan view from which the taco holder of FIG. 1 can be assembled.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a single-piece die-cut blank shown in plan view from which the taco holder can be assembled and which includes a plurality of oval shaped openings in the intermediate support panel portion.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a single-piece die-cut blank shown in plan view from which the taco holder can be assembled and which includes a plurality of rectangular openings in the intermediate support panel portion.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a single-piece die-cut blank shown in plan view from which the taco holder can be assembled and which includes a plurality of circular openings in the intermediate support panel portion.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a single-piece die-cut blank shown in plan view from which the taco holder can be assembled and which includes an embossed pattern on the intermediate support panel portion.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a single-piece die-cut blank shown in plan view from which a taco holder can be assembled and which included an embossed pattern over substantially the entire surface of the die-cut blank.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of two-piece die-cut blank shown in plan view.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the taco holder assembled using the two-piece die-cut blank of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of an assembled taco holder with an embossed pattern on the intermediate support panel.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another example of an assembled taco holder with an embossed pattern on the intermediate support panel and including a plurality of circular openings in the intermediate support panel.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dual taco holder in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a single-piece die-cut blank shown in plan view from which the dual taco holder of FIG. 12 can be assembled.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of an alternative three-piece die-cut blank for a dual taco holder.

FIG. 16 is an end elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a dual taco holder assembled using the three-piece die-cut blank of FIG. 15.

DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a taco holder 10 showing a taco 1 held therein. FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the taco holder 10, but with the taco 1 removed. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment a single-piece die-cut blank 20 shown in plan view from which the taco holder 10 can be assembled.

Referring to FIG. 1, the taco holder 10 includes first and second sidewalls 12, 14 spaced by a generally horizontal bottom wall 16. An intermediate support panel 18 is spaced a distance above the bottom wall 16, defining a cavity 26 between the bottom wall 16 and the intermediate support panel 18 and between the first and second walls 12, 14. It should be appreciated that when the taco holder 10 is viewed from either end it, has a U-shaped configuration. The upper ends of the first and second sidewalls 12, 14 may have an arched or arcuate shape. Thus, when viewed in perspective, the taco holder 10 may have the general appearance of a hardshell taco.

As best viewed in the enlarged perspective view of FIG. 2, the second sidewall 14 comprises an outer layer portion 14a and an inner layer portion 14b joined at their upper ends by a sidewall foldline 22 (FIG. 1). A spacer tab 24 supports the intermediate support panel 18 above the bottom wall 16 adjacent to the first sidewall 12. The other side of the intermediate support panel 18 is connected to and supported from the second sidewall inner layer portion 14b. It should be noted that the second sidewall inner layer portion 14b is shorter in height than the second sidewall outer layer portion 14a by the same distance as the height of the spacer tab 24, thereby maintaining the intermediate support panel 18 generally parallel with the bottom wall 16.

FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of a single-piece die-cut blank 20 from which the taco holder 10 can be assembled. The die-cut blank 20 includes a first generally circle portion 20a and a second generally semi-circular portion 20b joined together along the sidewall foldline 22 between the outer layer portion 14a and the inner layer portion 14b of the second sidewall 14. The generally circular portion 20a includes a first intermediate foldline 23 between the first sidewall portion 12 and the bottom wall portion 16. A second intermediate foldline 25 is provided between the bottom wall portion 16 and the outer layer portion 14a of the second sidewall 14. The generally semi-circular portion 20b includes the inner layer portion 14b of the second sidewall 14. A third intermediate foldline 27 is provided between the inner layer portion 14b of the second sidewall 14 and the intermediate support panel portion 18. A forth intermediate foldline 29 is provided between the intermediate support panel portion 18 and the spacer tab portion 24.

To assemble the single taco holder 10 using the single-piece die-cut blank 20, the first sidewall portion 12 is folded upwardly relative to the bottom wall portion 16 along the first intermediate foldline 23, thus forming the first sidewall 12 of the taco holder 10. The outer layer portion 14a is folded upwardly relative to bottom wall portion 16 along the second intermediate foldline 25. The inner layer portion 14b is folded over onto the outer layer portion 14a along the sidewall foldline 22, thus forming the second sidewall 14 of the taco holder 10. The intermediate support panel portion 18 is folded along the third intermediate foldline 27 such that it is substantially perpendicular to the inner layer portion 14b. The spacer tab 24 is folded down along the fourth intermediate foldline 29 such that it is substantially perpendicular to the intermediate support panel 18. The spacer tab 24 may be secured to the first sidewall 12 by adhesive, thus completing the assembly of the taco holder 10. Alternatively, the spacer tab 24 may include projections (not shown) that are received within matingly aligned slots (not shown) in the bottom wall 16 or in the first sidewall 12 to secure the spacer tab 24 in place and preventing the taco holder 10 from unfolding.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of a single-piece die-cut blank 30. All the components or parts of this second die cut blank 30 are substantially the same as the first die-cut blank 20 and therefore the same reference numbers are used to identify the corresponding components or parts. The only difference is that, in this second die-cut blank 30, the intermediate support panel 18 includes a plurality of oval openings 32 for reasons discussed later. The method of assembling the taco holder 10 using the second die-cut blank 30 is the same as described above for the first embodiment of the die-cut blank 20. Accordingly, the method of assembly of the taco holder 10 using this second die-cut blank 30 will not be repeated in the interest of brevity.

FIG. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of a single-piece die-cut blank 40. All the components or parts of this third die cut blank 40 are substantially the same as the first die-cut blank 20 and therefore the same reference numbers are used to identify the corresponding components or parts. The only difference is that, in this third die-cut blank 40, the intermediate support panel 18 includes a plurality of rectangular openings 42 for reasons discussed later. The method of assembling the taco holder 10 using the third die-cut blank 40 is the same as described above for the first embodiment of the die-cut blank 20. Accordingly, the method of assembly of the taco holder 10 using this third die-cut blank 40 will not be repeated in the interest of brevity.

FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth alternative embodiment of a single-piece die-cut blank 50. All the components or parts of this fourth die cut blank 50 are substantially the same as the first die-cut blank 20 and therefore the same reference numbers are used to identify the corresponding components or parts. The only difference is that, in this fourth die-cut blank 50, the intermediate support panel 18 includes a plurality of circular openings 52 for reasons discussed later. The method of assembling the taco holder 10 using this fourth die-cut blank 50 is the same as described above for the first embodiment of the die-cut blank 20. Accordingly, the method of assembly of the taco holder 10 using this fourth die-cut blank 50 will not be repeated in the interest of brevity.

FIG. 7 illustrates a fifth alternative embodiment of a single-piece die-cut blank 60. All the components or parts of this fifth die cut blank 60 are substantially the same as the first die-cut blank 20 and therefore the same reference numbers are used to identify the corresponding components or parts. The only difference is that, in this fifth die-cut blank 60, the intermediate support panel 18 includes an embossed pattern as explained later for reasons discussed later. The method of assembling the taco holder 10 using this fifth die-cut blank 60 is the same as described above for the first embodiment of the die-cut blank 20. Accordingly, the method of assembly of the taco holder 10 using this fifth die-cut blank 60 will not be repeated in the interest of brevity.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sixth alternative embodiment of a single-piece die-cut blank 70. All the components or parts of this sixth die cut blank 70 are substantially the same as the first die-cut blank 20 and therefore the same reference numbers are used to identify the corresponding components or parts. The only difference is that, in this sixth die-cut blank 70, the entire or surface of the die-cut blank 70 (excluding the spacer tab 24) includes an embossed pattern as explained later for reasons discussed later. The method of assembling the taco holder 10 using this sixth die-cut blank 70 is the same as described above for the first embodiment of the die-cut blank 20. Accordingly, the method of assembly of the taco holder 10 using this sixth die-cut blank 70 will not be repeated in the interest of brevity.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a two-piece die-cut blank 80. FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a taco holder 10A that can be assembled from this two-piece die-cut blank 80. The two-piece die-cut blank 80 includes a generally circular blank portion 80a and a separate rectangular blank portion 80b. The generally circular blank portion 80a is similar to the generally circular portion 20a, 30a, 40a, 50a, 60a, 70a of the various embodiments of the single-piece die-cut blanks 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 in that it includes a first intermediate foldline 23 between the first wall portion 12 and the bottom wall portion 16 and it includes a second intermediate foldline 25 between the bottom wall portion 16 and the second sidewall portion 14. It should be appreciated that in the two-piece die-cut blank 80, the second sidewall 14 is a single layer. The generally rectangular blank portion 80b includes the intermediate support panel 18, a first spacer tab 24a and a second spacer tab 24b. The third intermediate foldline 27 is between the first spacer tab 24a and the intermediate support panel 18. The fourth intermediate foldline 29 is between the intermediate support panel 18 and the second spacer tab 24b.

To assemble the taco holder 10A using the two-piece die-cut blank 80, the first sidewall portion 12 is folded upwardly relative to bottom wall portion 16 along the first intermediate foldline 23, thus forming the first sidewall 12 of the taco holder 10A. The second sidewall portion 14 is folded upwardly relative to bottom wall portion 16 along the second intermediate foldline 25, thus forming the second sidewall 14 of the taco holder 10A. The first spacer tab portion 24a is folded downwardly relative to the intermediate support panel portion 18 along the third intermediate foldline 27. The second spacer tab portion 24b is folded downwardly relative to the intermediate support panel portion 18 along the fourth intermediate foldline 29. As best illustrated in FIG. 10, the folded rectangular blank portion 80b is placed between the upwardly folded first and second sidewalls 12, 14 such that the lower ends of the downwardly folded spacer tabs 24a, 24b engage with the bottom wall 16 such that the intermediate support panel 18 is generally parallel with the bottom wall 16 and spaced vertically above the bottom wall 16 by the height of the first and second spacer tabs 24a, 24b. The first and second spacer tabs 24a, 24b may be secured to the respective first and second sidewalls 12, 14 by adhesive, thus completing the assembly of the taco holder 10A. Alternatively, the first and second spacer tabs 24a, 24b may include projections (not shown) that are received within matingly aligned slots (not shown) in the bottom wall 16 or in the first and second sidewalls 12, 14 to secure the spacer tabs 24a, 24b in place and preventing the taco holder 10A from unfolding or coming apart.

FIG. 11 shows the taco holder 10, 10A assembled from the die-cut blank 70 of FIG. 7 with the embossed pattern formed in the intermediate support panel 18. FIG. 12, shows the taco holder 10, 10A assembled from the die-cut blank 70 of FIG. 7 with the embossed pattern in the intermediate support panel 18 and also including the circular openings 52 in the intermediate support panel 18 as shown in the die-cut blank 50 of FIG. 6. It should be appreciated that any of the various openings 32, 42, 52 shown in the die-cut blanks 30, 40, 50 or any other size, shape or configuration of openings may be used in the intermediate support panel 18 along with the embossed pattern, which may be over the entire inner surface of the taco holder 10, 10A, such as shown in FIG. 8, or any portion thereof, including only over the intermediate taco support panel 18 as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a dual taco holder 100. The dual taco holder 100 is basically two single taco holders 10, 10A with their respective first walls 12 back-to-back and connected together. Thus, the dual taco holder 100 has a W-shape when viewed from one end and includes an inner wall 112, a first outer sidewall 114-1, a second outer sidewall 114-2, a first bottom wall 116-1, a second bottom wall 116-2, a first intermediate support panel 118-1 spaced above the first bottom wall 116-1 forming a first air cavity 126-1 therebetween, and a second intermediate support panel 118-2 spaced above the second bottom wall 116-2 forming a second air cavity 126-2 therebetween. It should be noted that the inner wall 112 comprises a first inner wall layer 112-1 and a second inner wall layer 112-2 connected together by an inner wall foldline 121. The first and second outer sidewalls 114-1, 114-2 are formed similar to the second sidewall 14 of the first embodiment of the single taco holder 10 in that the first outer sidewall 114-1 includes a first sidewall outer layer 114a-1 and a first sidewall inner layer 114b-1 joined by a first sidewall foldline 122-1. Similarly, the second outer sidewall 114-2 includes a second sidewall outer layer 114a-2 and a second sidewall inner layer 114b-2 joined by a second sidewall foldline 122-2.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a dual single-piece die-cut blank 120 from which the dual taco holder 100 can be assembled. The dual single-piece die-cut blank 120 includes a first blank portion 120-1 and a second blank portion 120-2, which are mirror images of one another joined together along the inner wall foldline 121. It should be appreciated that the first and second blank portions 120-1, 120-2 each have the same configuration as the single piece die-cut blanks 20 (FIG. 3). Thus, the first blank portion 120-1 includes a generally circular portion 120a-1 and a generally semi-circular portion 120b-1. The second blank portion 120-2 includes the generally circular portion 120a-2 and a generally semi-circular portion 120b-2. The generally circular portions 120a-1, 120a-2 are connected end-to-end along the inner wall foldline 121.

The first blank portion 120-1 comprises the first generally circle portion 120a-1 and a second generally semi-circular portion 120b-1 joined together along a first outer sidewall foldline 122-1. The first generally circular portion 120a-1 includes a first intermediate foldline 123-1 between the first inner wall portion 112-1 and the first bottom wall portion 116-1. A second intermediate foldline 125-1 is provided between the first bottom wall portion 116-1 and the first outer layer portion 114a-1 of the first outer sidewall 114-1. The first generally semi-circular portion 120b-1 of the first blank portion 120-1 includes the first inner layer portion 114b-1 of the first outer sidewall 114-1. A third intermediate foldline 127-1 is provided between the first inner layer portion 114b-1 of the first outer sidewall 114-1 and the first intermediate support panel portion 118-1. A forth intermediate foldline 129-1 is provided between the first intermediate support panel portion 118-1 and the first spacer tab portion 124-1.

The second blank portion 120-2 comprises a second generally circle portion 120a-2 and a second generally semi-circular portion 120b-2 joined together along a second outer sidewall foldline 122-2. The second generally circular portion 120a-2 includes a fifth intermediate foldline 123-2 between the second inner wall portion 112-2 and the second bottom wall portion 116-2. A sixth intermediate foldline 125-2 is provided between the second bottom wall portion 116-2 and the second outer layer portion 114a-2 of the second outer sidewall 114-2. The second generally semi-circular portion 120b-2 includes the second inner layer portion 114b-2 of the second outer sidewall 114-1. A seventh intermediate foldline 127-2 is provided between the second inner layer portion 114b-2 of the second outer sidewall 114-2 and the second intermediate support panel portion 118-2. An eighth intermediate foldline 129-2 is provided between the second intermediate support panel portion 118-2 and the second spacer tab portion 124-2.

To assemble the dual taco holder 100 using the single-piece die-cut blank 120, the first blank portion 120-1 is folded by folding the first inner wall portion 112-1 upward relative to the first bottom wall portion 116-1 along the first intermediate foldline 123-1. The first sidewall outer layer portion 114a-1 is folded upwardly relative to first bottom wall portion 116-1 along the second intermediate foldline 125-1. The first sidewall inner layer portion 114b-1 is folded over onto the first sidewall outer layer portion 114a-1 along the first outer sidewall foldline 122-1, thus forming the first outer sidewall 114-1 of the dual taco holder 100. The first intermediate support panel 118-1 is folded along the third intermediate foldline 127-1 such that it is substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall inner layer portion 114b-1. The first spacer tab 124-1 is folded down along the fourth intermediate foldline 129-1 such that it is substantially perpendicular to the first intermediate support panel portion 118-1. The first spacer tab 124-1 may be secured to the first inner wall portion 112-1 by adhesive. Alternatively, the first spacer tab 124-1 may include projections (not shown) that are received within matingly aligned slots (not shown) in the first bottom wall portion 116-1 or in the first inner wall portion 112-1 to secure the first spacer tab portion 124-1 in place and preventing the first side of the dual taco holder 100 from unfolding.

A similar process is repeated for the second blank portion 120-2, by folding the second inner wall portion 112-2 upward relative to the second bottom wall portion 116-2 along the fifth intermediate foldline 123-2. The second sidewall outer layer portion 114a-2 is folded upwardly relative to second bottom wall portion 116-2 along the sixth intermediate foldline 125-2. The second sidewall inner layer portion 114b-2 is folded over onto the second sidewall outer layer portion 114a-2 along the second outer sidewall foldline 122-2, thus forming the second outer sidewall 114-2 of the dual taco holder 100. The second intermediate support panel 118-2 is folded along the seventh intermediate foldline 127-2 such that it is substantially perpendicular to the second sidewall inner layer portion 114b-2. The second spacer tab 124-2 is folded down along the eighth intermediate foldline 129-2 such that it is substantially perpendicular to the second intermediate support panel portion 118-2. The second spacer tab 124-2 may be secured to the second inner wall portion 112-2 by adhesive. Alternatively, the second spacer tab 124-2 may include projections (not shown) that are received within matingly aligned slots (not shown) in the second bottom wall portion 116-2 or in the second inner wall portion 112-2 to secure the second spacer tab portion 124-2 in place and preventing the second side of the dual taco holder 100 from unfolding.

With the first blank portion 120-1 and the second blank portion 120-2 folded as described above, the first inner wall 112-1 and the second inner wall 112-2 are folded back-to-back along the inner wall foldline 121 and are secured together with an adhesive to keep the two sides of the dual taco holder 100 together. Alternatively, one of the first or second inner wall portions 112-1, 112-2 may include one or more projections (not shown) that are received within matingly aligned slots (not shown) in the opposing first or second inner wall portions 112-1, 112-2 to secure the first and second inner walls 112-1, 112-2 together.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a three-piece die-cut blank 130 from which an alternative embodiment of the dual taco holder 100A can be assembled. FIG. 16 is an end elevation view the dual taco holder 100A assembled using the three-piece die-cut blank 130 of FIG. 15. Similar to the dual taco holder 100, the alternative dual taco holder 100A includes an inner wall 112, a first outer sidewall 114-1, a second outer sidewall 114-2, a first bottom wall 116-1, a second bottom wall 116-2, a first intermediate support panel 118-1 spaced above the first bottom wall 116-1 forming a first air cavity 126-1 therebetween, and a second intermediate support panel 118-2 spaced above the second bottom wall 116-2 forming a second air cavity 126-2 therebetween. It should be noted that the inner wall 112 comprises a first inner wall layer 112-1 and a second inner wall layer 112-2 connected together by an inner wall foldline 121. Unlike the dual taco holder 100, the first and second outer sidewalls 114-1, 114-2 of this dual taco holder embodiment 100A comprise a single layer.

The three-piece die-cut blank 130 includes a generally circular portion 130a-1 and a generally circular portion 130a-2 similar to the generally circular portions 120a-1, 120a-2 of the single-piece dual die-cut blank 120 of FIG. 14 and are joined along the inner wall foldline 121. However, instead of the generally semi-circular portions 120b-1, 120b-2 connected to the generally circular portions 120a-1, 120a-2 as in the single-piece die-cut blank 120, the three-piece die-cut blank 130 includes separate rectangular portions 130b-1, 130b-2.

The first generally circular portion 130a-1 includes a first intermediate foldline 123-1 between the first inner wall portion 112-1 and the first bottom wall portion 116-1. A second intermediate foldline 125-1 is provided between the first bottom wall portion 116-1 and the first outer sidewall portion 114-1. The first generally rectangular portion 120b-1 includes the first intermediate support panel portion 118-1, a first spacer tab portion 124a-1 and a second spacer tab portion 124b-1. A third intermediate foldline 127-1 is provided between the first intermediate support panel portion 118-1 and the first spacer tab portion 124a-1. A forth intermediate foldline 129-1 is provided between the first intermediate support panel portion 118-1 and the second spacer tab portion 124b-1.

The second generally circular portion 120a-2 includes a fifth intermediate foldline 123-2 between the second inner wall portion 112-2 and the second bottom wall portion 116-2. A sixth intermediate foldline 125-2 is provided between the second bottom wall portion 116-2 and the second outer sidewall portion 114-2. The second generally rectangular portion 120b-1 includes the second intermediate support panel portion 118-2, a third spacer tab portion 124a-2 and a fourth spacer tab portion 124b-2. A seventh intermediate foldline 127-2 is provided between the second intermediate support panel portion 118-2 and the third spacer tab portion 124a-2. An eighth intermediate foldline 129-2 is provided between the second intermediate support panel portion 118-2 and the fourth spacer tab portion 124b-2.

To assemble the dual taco holder 100A using the three-piece die-cut blank 130, the first blank portion 130-1 is folded by folding the first inner wall portion 112-1 upward relative to the first bottom wall portion 116-1 along the first intermediate foldline 123-1. The first outer sidewall portion 114-1 is folded upwardly relative to first bottom wall portion 116-1 along the second intermediate foldline 125-1. The first and second spacer tabs 124a-1, 124b-1 are folded down along the respective third intermediate foldline 127-1 and fourth intermediate foldline 129-1 such that they are substantially perpendicular to the first intermediate support panel portion 118-1. The folded rectangular blank portion 130b-1 is then inserted between the first inner wall 112-1 and the first outer sidewall 114-1 such that the first and second spacer tabs 124a-1, 124b-1 engage with the first bottom wall 116-1. The first and second spacer tabs 124a-1, 124b-1 may be secured to the respective first inner wall portion 112-1 and to the first outer sidewall 114-1 by adhesive. Alternatively, the first and second spacer tabs 124a-1, 124b-1 may include projections (not shown) that are received within matingly aligned slots (not shown) in the first inner wall 112-1 and first outer sidewall 114-1 or slots (not shown) in the first bottom wall portion 116-1 to secure the first and second spacer tabs 124a-1, 124b-1 in place.

A similar process is repeated for the second blank portion 130-2, by folding the second inner wall portion 112-2 upward relative to the second bottom wall portion 116-2 along the fifth intermediate foldline 123-2. The second outer sidewall portion 114-2 is folded upwardly relative to second bottom wall portion 116-2 along the sixth intermediate foldline 125-2. The third and fourth spacer tabs 124a-2, 124b-2 are folded down along the respective seventh intermediate foldline 127-2 and eighth intermediate foldline 129-2 such that they are substantially perpendicular to the second intermediate support panel portion 118-2. The folded rectangular blank portion 130b-2 is then inserted between the second inner wall 112-2 and the second outer sidewall 114-2 such that the third and fourth spacer tabs 124a-2, 124b-2 engage with the second bottom wall 116-2. The third and fourth spacer tabs 124a-2, 124b-2 may be secured to the respective second inner wall portion 112-2 and to the second outer sidewall 114-2 by adhesive. Alternatively, the third and fourth spacer tabs 124a-2, 124b-2 may include projections (not shown) that are received within matingly aligned slots (not shown) in the second inner wall 112-2 and second outer sidewall 114-2 or slots (not shown) in the in the second bottom wall portion 116-2 to secure the third and fourth spacer tabs 124a-2, 124b-2 in place.

With the first blank portions 130a-1, 130a-2 folded and assembled with the second and third blank portions 130b-1, 130b-2 inserted therein, the first inner wall 112-1 and the second inner wall 112-2 are folded back-to-back along the inner wall foldline 121 and secured together with an adhesive to keep the two sides of the dual taco holder 100 together. Alternatively, one of the first or second inner wall portions 112-1, 112-2 may include one or more projections (not shown) that are received within matingly aligned slots (not shown) in the opposing first or second inner wall portions 112-1, 112-2 to secure the first and second inner walls 112-1, 112-2 together.

It should be appreciated that in the single taco holder 10, 10A, the taco 1 is intended to rest on the intermediate support panel 18 with the sides of the taco retained between the first and second sidewalls 12, 14, thereby supporting the taco 1 when it is being prepared or when the taco 1 is being plated or served at home or at a restaurant, or when the taco 1 is being inserted into a to-go or carry-out bag. Similarly, with a dual taco holder 100, 100A, a taco 1 is intended to rest on each of the first and second intermediate support panels 118-1, 118-2 with the sides of the first taco 1 retained by the first outer sidewall 114-1 and the inner wall 112 and with the second taco retained between the second outer sidewall 114-2 and the inner wall 112, thereby supporting both tacos 1 when they are being prepared or when the tacos are being plated or served at home or at a restaurant, or when the tacos are being inserted into a to-go or carry-out bag. By supporting the tacos on the intermediate support panels 18, 118-1, 118-2 above the bottom walls 16, 116-1,116-2, the tacos may stay more crisp due to the airflow through the air cavities 26, 126, 126-1, 126-2. Although the taco holders 10, 10A, 100, 100A are particularly adapted for holding tacos, they may also be used for holding other food products.

It should be appreciated that any of the die-cut blanks 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 120, 130 may include any of the openings 32, 42, 52 or any other size or shape openings in the intermediate support panels 18, 118, 118-1, 118-2. It should also be appreciated that any of the die-cut blanks 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 120, 130 may include the embossed pattern shown in FIG. 7 or 8 or any other embossed pattern over any portion of the die-cut blanks. It should further be appreciated that any of the embossed patterns may be used with any of the openings 32, 42, 52 or any other size or shape openings in the intermediate support panels 18, 118, 118-1, 118-2.

The die-cut blanks 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 120, 130 may be made from any suitable natural or synthetic material. If made from natural material, the die-cut blanks 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 120, 130 may be made from a pulp-based, fiber-based or cellulose-based material, whether from wood, other plant material. In preferred embodiments, the die-cut blanks 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 120, 130 are made from premium grade solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paper, paperboard, cardstock or cardboard suitable for food products.

Also, depending on the application and intended uses of the taco holder 10, 10A, 100, the material comprising the blanks 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 120, 130 may include appropriate barrier coatings as well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such that the taco holder 10, 10A, 100, 100A may be impermeable or semi-impermeable to liquids, for example, to prevent or minimize juices from the food product held therein from soaking into or passing through the material. The barrier coating may also allow the taco holder 10, 10A, 100, 100A to be suitable for baking, heating, or reheating tacos or other food products and/or capable of being freezer-to-oven ready.

As used herein, the term “embossed pattern” should be understood to include any type of stamping, imprinting, pressing or forming process that creates a series of closely spaced intermittent projections 99 such as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 11 and 12. The embossed pattern may include both intermittent upward projections 99a and intermittent downward projections 99b. Alternatively, the embossed pattern may include only intermittent upward projections 99a or only intermittent downward projections 99b. As used herein, “upward projections” refers to projections that extend upward above a main surface, resulting in an intermittent support surface above the main surface. Likewise, “downward projections” refers to projections that extend below a main surface, resulting in intermittent depressions below the main surface.

The intermittent projections 99 may be any suitable configuration, size and spacing. As an example, the projections 99 may have a diameter of about 3/16 inch, and a height range between about 0.010 to about 0.040 inches, with a center-to-center spacing of about ½ inch. It should be appreciated, however, that the projections 99 need not be round or circular and may have any desired size or shape, including any polygonal shape with widths and lengths or diameters between about ⅛ inch to about ½ inch, and may be spaced at distances ranging from about ⅜ inch to about one inch or more depending on the size of the projections 99.

The projections 99 serve to intermittently support the taco or other food product thereby allowing air circulation below or around the food product so that it does not become soggy due to collection of condensation, drippings or juices. The projections 99 may also provide an air space which may minimize heat transfer via conduction thereby keeping the taco or other food product warmer for a longer period. With an embossed pattern having both upward projections 99a and downward projections 99b, the downward projections 99b may permit additional air circulation and serve as small wells in which condensation, food juices or drippings are collected.

The foregoing description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the embodiments of the apparatus and the general principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Thus, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the scope of the appended claims.

Taco Holder

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)