TAKEOUT FOOD BOX WITH EXTRA FOOD POCKET

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following disclosure relates to a system, apparatus and method for packaging, delivering, and serving an extra food item along with a main food item in a takeout food delivery box that is approximately the same size as an otherwise standard food delivery box.

BACKGROUND

Customers who order take-out pizza or pizza for delivery eventually need to have serving plates on which to serve the pizza slices. Currently such serving plates are either not supplied with the take-out or delivered pizza at all, or are packaged separately, in a manner which is often awkward and difficult to handle with the pizza box.

U.S. patent Application Publication No. 2011/0186621 published to Parker and titled “PIZZA BOX WITH STORAGE COMPARTMENTS” discloses a pizza box with full width storage compartments located on the top and bottom lids of the box for holding paper plates/collapsible cups. These compartments are accessible by removing separate cardboard inserts that are sealed by a peel-off adhesive ring disposed on the top and bottom lids. This requires adhesively binding the inserts to the lids and providing completely separate compartments within the pizza box itself.

For restaurants that provide take-out and delivery service, each food item typically requires a separate box. A food delivery box with a built-in extra food pocket for storing an appetizer or side dish would be more convenient for the restaurant and the consumer. Furthermore, the extra food pocket would provide restaurants with a good tool for promotional and business purposes, facilitating promotion and sale of extra food.

It would be advantageous to provide an improved packaging procedure to make the process of accessing the plates easier for end users (e.g., people receiving the delivery/takeout order) and provide a more environmentally friendly solution that does not waste excess cardboard in forming the pizza box. It also would be advantageous to provide a take-out food box with a built-in extra food pocket for storing an appetizer, side dish, dessert, or extra portion of a main dish.

SUMMARY

Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of existing food delivery boxes, it is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved system, apparatus and method for packaging and delivering an extra food item along with a main food item in a take-out food box, which may have some features of an otherwise standard pizza box.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved system, apparatus and method for packaging and delivering serving plates, napkins, utensils, and the like along with a pizza, calzone, or other food-based product in similar size to an otherwise standard pizza box.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pizza box with a plate pocket formed within the box and having a pocket lid that is formed without necessitating excess cardboard.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for using a box to store plates, napkins, utensils, and the like along with a pizza, calzone, or other food-based product therein.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for making a box for storing plates, napkins, utensils, and the like along with a pizza, calzone, or other food-based product therein.

The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed to a pizza box, comprising a base having sidewalls extending perpendicular from its edges, and a lid having a top surface and a bottom surface connected to one of said sidewalls, such that the lid may swing from an open position exposing the inside of the box to a closed position resting adjacent to the sidewalls. A plate pocket extends downwards from the bottom surface of the box lid a distance that is less than the total depth of the box. This plate pocket is sized to receive at least one plate therein. A plate pocket lid is formed from the box lid top surface via a cut or perforations cut into the box lid. A portion of the plate pocket lid is not cut or perforated to act as a living hinge that allows for the plate pocket lid to swing between an open position exposing the inside of the plate pocket to a closed position resting flush with the box lid top surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pizza box includes a separator disposed within the pizza box to support the pocket when the lid is in the closed position. The plate pocket lid may have dimensions comparable to the plate pocket. A lid tab may be disposed on an end of the plate pocket lid opposite of the living hinge to allow for an easier grip and control of the plate pocket lid when swinging the plate pocket lid about its living hinge. The plate pocket may be formed in a substantially ellipse shape. The plate pocket lid may also be formed in a substantially ellipse shape.

Alternatively, the plate pocket may be formed to substantially cover an inside surface of the box lid, such that connecting flaps of the plate pocket adhere to the bottom surface of the box lid, or to foldable flaps or flanges that extend downwardly from a perimeter of the box lid. The plate pocket lid may be formed into a parallelogram shape.

Exemplary embodiments are further directed to a method of assembling a box useful for takeout food, comprising providing a box blank having a first portion comprising a base portion and sidewall portions hingedly coupled to the base portion by a plurality of first portion folding lines, a second portion hingedly coupled to one of the first portion sidewall portions. The second portion comprises a lid base portion and lid sidewall portions hingedly coupled to the lid base portion by a plurality of second portion folding lines. The second portion further comprises a plate pocket hingedly coupled to an edge of the lid base portions, the plate pocket comprising base portion and plate pocket sidewall portions hingedly coupled to the plate pocket base portion by a plurality of plate pocket folding lines. The method includes folding the first portion sidewall portions towards the first portion base portion along at least one of the plurality of first portion folding lines such that the first portion sidewall portions are approximately perpendicular to the first portion base portion.

The method further comprises folding the second portion lid sidewall portions towards the lid base portion along at least one of plurality of second portion folding lines such that the lid sidewall portions are approximately perpendicular to the lid base portion. The method may comprise folding the plate pocket sidewall portions towards the plate pocket base portion along at least one of the plurality of plate pocket folding lines such that the plate pocket sidewall portions are approximately perpendicular to the plate pocket base portion. The method may then include moving the plate pocket into a position approximately parallel to the lid base portion, and moving the second portion into a position such that the lid sidewall portions are nested into and between the first portion sidewalls.

After assembly, the plate pocket may be movable between a closed position wherein an interior portion of the plate pocket is inaccessible, to an open position wherein the interior of the plate pocket is accessible. The method may further comprise placing plate pocket accessories into an interior portion of the plate pocket for access thereto when the plate pocket is in the open position. The plate pocket may comprise at least one ab member and wherein the first portion base portion further comprises an opening, such that the method may further comprise securing the at least one tab member within the first portion base portion opening.

Further aspects of the present disclosure may be directed to a box useful for takeout food comprising a base having sidewalls extending therefrom. A box may include a box lid having a top surface and a bottom surface. The box lid may be hingedly connected to one of the base sidewalls, and the box lid may further include foldable flaps extending from the box lid. A plate pocket extending from and attached to an edge of the box lid may also be included, comprising a base with sidewalls extending therefrom, the plate pocket sidewalls extending towards the box lid bottom surface when the box is in an assembled position. The plate pocket may be movable between a closed position wherein an interior portion of the plate pocket is inaccessible to an open position wherein the interior of the plate pocket is accessible. The plate pocket may further comprise at least one tab member for connective mating with at least one opening on the box lid. The plate pocket interior portion may also include plate pocket accessories.

In some aspects, the exemplary embodiments may also be directed to a box useful for takeout food comprising a base having sidewalls extending therefrom, a box lid having a top surface and a bottom surface, the box lid hingedly connected to one of the base sidewalls. The box lid may further include foldable flaps extending from the box lid. A first plate pocket extension member may be hingedly attached to an edge of the box lid, the first plate pocket extension member comprising a first base with sidewalls extending therefrom. A second plate pocket extension member may be hingedly attached to an edge of the box lid opposite the first plate pocket extension member, the second plate pocket extension member comprising a second base with sidewalls extending therefrom.

The first and second plate pocket extension members may be movable between a closed position wherein the first and second plate pocket extension members are approximately parallel to the box lid bottom surface and access to an interior portion of the first and second plate pocket extension members is not permitted, to an open position wherein access to the interior portion of the first and second plate pocket extension members is permitted. The first plate pocket extension member may comprise a male or female connecting portion and the second plate pocket extension member may comprise a female or male connecting portion for complementary connection with the male or female connecting portion of the first plate pocket extension member in the closed position. The interior portion of the first and second plate pocket extension members may include plate pocket accessories.

Still, in other aspects the present disclosure is directed to a method of using a box for holding takeout food comprising providing a box comprising a base having sidewalls extending therefrom, and a box lid having a top surface and a bottom surface. The box lid may be hingedly connected to one of the base sidewalls, and may further include foldable flaps extending therefrom. A plate pocket may be hingedly coupled to an edge of the box lid, the plate pocket including a base with sidewalls extending therefrom, the plate pocket sidewalls extending towards the box lid bottom surface. The method may comprise moving the box from a closed position wherein the lid bottom surface is not accessible to an open position wherein the lid bottom surface, an interior portion of the base, and the plate pocket are exposed, and moving the plate pocket from a closed position wherein an interior portion of the plate pocket including plate pocket accessories is inaccessible to an open position wherein the interior

An exemplary embodiment of a box for takeout food comprises a base, a box lid, and an extra food pocket. The base has sidewalls extending therefrom that are foldable to be perpendicular to the base to form a box interior to store a main food item. The box lid has a top surface and a bottom surface and is connected to one of the base sidewalls. The box lid may further have foldable flaps extending therefrom. The extra food pocket is for storing an extra food item and is separate from the box interior. The extra food pocket extends from and is attached to an edge of the box lid and comprises a pocket base with pocket sidewalls extending therefrom.

The pocket sidewalls extend towards the box lid bottom surface when the box is in an assembled position. The extra food pocket is movable between a closed position wherein an interior portion of the extra food pocket is inaccessible to an open position wherein the interior portion of the extra food pocket is accessible. In exemplary embodiments, the extra food pocket comprises at least one tab member for connectively mating with at least one opening on the box lid. In exemplary embodiments, the main food item is a dessert, a pizza, or other entrée main dish and the extra food item is an appetizer, side dish, dessert, or extra smaller portion of a main dish.

An exemplary embodiment of a box for takeout food comprises a base, a box lid, an extra food pocket, and an extra food pocket lid. The base has sidewalls extending from its edges and is foldable to be perpendicular to the edges to form a box interior facilitating placement of, storage of, and access to a main food item. The box lid has a top surface and a bottom surface connected to one of the base sidewalls, foldable flaps extending from its edges, and at least one projection cut into the foldable flaps such that the at least one projection may be pushed to swivel inwards.

The extra food pocket extends from and is attached to an edge of the box lid via connecting members.

In exemplary embodiments, the extra food pocket is capable of being folded into the box lid. The extra food pocket facilitates placement of, storage of, and access to an extra food item.

The extra food pocket lid may be formed from the box lid top surface via a cut or perforations cut into the box lid, wherein a portion of the extra food pocket lid is not cut or perforated so the uncut or unperforated portion acts as a living hinge to allow for the extra food pocket lid to swing between an open position exposing the inside of the extra food pocket and a closed position resting flush with the box lid top surface. The extra food pocket may be folded into the box lid and held in place by swiveling the at least one projection inward from the box lid foldable flaps such that a base of the extra food pocket is contacted and held in place by said at least one projection.

In exemplary embodiments, the extra food pocket extends downward from the box lid to form a cavity separate from the box interior. In exemplary embodiments, the main food item is a dessert, a pizza, or other entrée or main dish and the extra food item is an appetizer, side dish, dessert, or extra smaller portion of a main dish. The box may further comprise pocket flaps extending from the edges of the extra food pocket. In exemplary embodiments, the extra food pocket lid has dimensions comparable to the extra food pocket.

The box may further comprise a lid tab disposed on an end of the extra food pocket lid opposite the living hinge to allow for easier grip and control of the extra food pocket lid when swinging the extra food pocket lid about its living hinge. In exemplary embodiments, the extra food pocket and extra food pocket lid are formed in a substantially ellipse shape. The extra food pocket may be formed to substantially cover an inside surface of the box lid such that connecting flaps of the extra food pocket adhere to the bottom surface of the box lid, or to foldable flaps or flanges that extend downwardly from a perimeter of the box lid.

An exemplary method of using a box for takeout food comprises providing a box comprising a base having sidewalls extending therefrom and a box lid having a top surface and a bottom surface and folding the sidewalls extending from the base such that the sidewalls are perpendicular to the base to form a box interior to store a main food item. The box lid is connected to one of the base sidewalls and has an extra food pocket coupled to an edge of the box lid. The box lid may further comprise foldable flaps extending therefrom. The method further comprises moving the box from a closed position wherein the lid bottom surface is not accessible to an open position wherein the lid bottom surface and an interior portion of the base are exposed and placing a main food item within the interior portion of the base such that the main food item is surrounded by the base sidewalls.

Exemplary methods further comprise moving the plate pocket from a closed position wherein an interior portion of the extra food pocket is inaccessible to an open position wherein the interior of the extra food pocket is exposed and inserting an extra food item into the interior of the extra food pocket. The extra food pocket may be hingedly coupled to the edge of the box lid and may comprise a pocket base with pocket sidewalls extending therefrom. In exemplary embodiments, the extra food pocket sidewalls extend towards the box lid bottom surface. In exemplary embodiments, the main food item is a dessert, a pizza, or other main dish and the extra food item is an appetizer, side dish, dessert, or extra smaller portion of a main dish.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the pizza box having the plate holder or pocket in the closed lid of the pizza box, with the cover of the plate pocket in phantom view to show the serving plates stored in the plate pocket.

FIG. 2 is a side view, partially in perspective, of the pizza box of FIG. 1 with the pizza box lid partially open, and a side elevational view of the plate pocket extending downward from the pizza box lid, and the plate pocket cover in various stages of opening.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the pizza separator or bumper shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the pizza box and plate pocket of the present invention, with the box lid and pocket lid in the closed positions.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pizza box and plate pocket of FIG. 4, with the lid of the plate pocket in the open position and showing plates disposed within the plate pocket.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pizza box and plate pocket of FIG. 4, with the lid of the empty plate pocket in the open position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the pizza box and plate pocket of FIG. 4, with the lid of the pizza box in the open position.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the pizza box and plate pocket of the present invention, with the box lid and pocket lid in the closed positions.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the pizza box and pocket of FIG. 8, with the lid of the empty plate pocket in the open position.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the pizza box and pocket of FIG. 8, with the lid of the pizza box in the open position.

FIG. 11 is a top-down view of the pizza box and pocket of FIG. 8, with the lid of the pizza box open at a 90° angle such that the view is looking directly down into the opening of the plate pocket.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the pizza box and plate pocket of the present invention, with the box lid and pocket lid in the closed positions.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the pizza box and pocket of FIG. 12, with the lid of the empty plate pocket in the open position.

FIG. 14 is a top-down perspective view of the unassembled pizza box of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the unassembled pizza box of FIG. 12, showing the folding action of the plate pocket as shown by the arrow.

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the opened, assembled pizza box of FIG. 12, showing the plate pocket folded into place and the pocket top flap closed.

FIG. 17 is a partial, top-down view of the unassembled pizza box and pocket of FIG. 12, showing a foldable extension disposed on a top flap of the plate pocket.

FIG. 18 is a partial side view of the unassembled pizza box and pocket of FIG. 12, showing the folding action of the plate pocket top flap foldable extension of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the pizza box and plate pocket of the present invention, with the box lid in the open position.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of an unassembled pizza box and plate pocket of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the pizza box and plate pocket of the present invention, with the box lid in the open position and plate pocket in the unassembled position.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the pizza box and plate pocket of FIG. 21, with optional closure mechanism.

FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the pizza box and plate pocket of FIG. 22, with the plate pocket in the assembled position.

FIG. 24 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the pizza box and plate pocket of FIG. 22, with the plate pocket in the assembled position.

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of an unassembled pizza box and plate pocket of FIGS. 20-24.

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the assembled pizza box and plate pocket of FIG. 19, with the box in the closed position, showing the plate pocket and plate accessories in phantom lines.

FIG. 27 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 26, along lines A-A.

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the assembled pizza box and plate pocket of FIG. 19, with the box in the closed position, showing the plate pocket extension members and plate accessories in phantom lines.

FIG. 29 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 26, along lines B-B.

FIG. 30 is a partial, bottom perspective view of the pizza box of 19, depicting an assembled plate pocket as secured to the box lid.

FIG. 31 is a partial, bottom perspective view of the pizza box of FIG. 21, depicting the extension members of an assembled plate pocket as secured to the box lid.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an exemplary takeout box with an extra food pocket, with the lid of the extra food pocket in the open position showing an extra food item.

FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of an exemplary takeout box with an extra food pocket, with the lid of the extra food pocket in the open position showing an extra food item.

FIG. 34 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary assembled takeout box and extra food pocket, with the box in the closed position, showing the extra food pocket and extra food item.

FIG. 35 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a takeout box and extra food pocket, with the extra food pocket in the assembled position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the embodiment(s) of the present invention, reference will be made herein to FIGS. 1-35 of the drawings in which like numerals refer to like features of the invention.

The embodiment(s) shown of the system, apparatus and method for packaging and delivering serving plates or an extra food item along with a pizza may be constructed of similar cardboard, plastic and otherwise disposable materials in the same dimensions as an otherwise standard pizza box, sized to fit the size of the pizza being delivered. A standard pizza box base is shown throughout each embodiment, but instead of having a normally plain lid, the lid of the pizza box embodiments of the present invention have built-in a pocket for holding the serving plates for the pizza slices. Because serving plates are normally circular, the pocket shown is also circular as seen in a first embodiment in FIGS. 1-7, although other shapes and configurations may be employed to match the serving plates or other contents of the pocket as shown in the alternate embodiments in FIGS. 8-11 and 12-18, respectively. The width or diameter of the plate pocket is sufficient to accommodate the plate size. In addition to serving plates, napkins and utensils such as forks, knives and spoons may also be provided in the plate pocket.

The pizza box and plate pocket of the embodiments described herein may be constructed of materials including cardboard, paper, wood, plastics, hardboard, chipboard, or any other similar material known in the art which may be of rigid or semi-rigid construction. Thus, the present invention may be constructed of any material which provides a foldable and sturdy construction.

A first embodiment of a pizza box 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-7 has a box lid 11 with a top surface 11a and a bottom surface 11b facing the inside of the box 10, and a base 12 having a top surface 12a facing the inside of the box 10. Box lid 11 includes foldable flaps or flanges 14a, 14b, 14c that extend from the perimeter or edge of the lid 11 and can be folded to extend downwardly from the lid edges. Base 12 includes sidewalls 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d extending perpendicular from its edges, with the box lid 11 being connected to sidewall 13d as shown in FIG. 7. Foldable flaps or flanges 14a, 14b, 14c of lid 11 nest into and between sidewalls 13a, 13b and 13c. A plate pocket 20 extends downward from the box lid 11 a distance less than the total depth of the pizza box (i.e., from lid bottom surface 11b to base top surface 12a), so that there is room below a plate pocket bottom or base 20a for a pizza 50. Additionally, the diameter of the plate pocket 20 is less than the width dimensions of the interior of the pizza box 10. The pizza 50 will be able to be disposed between the plate pocket base 20a and the box base top surface 12a.

A plate pocket lid 21 sits flush with the box top surface 11a and is cut or perforated into a substantially ellipse shape, such as that of a circle, or other curved configuration as seen in FIGS. 4-6. At an end of the pocket lid 21 is a lid tab 23 protruding from the pocket lid 21 to provide an end user with an easier grip to open the lid 21. A lid hinge 22 is disposed substantially diametrically opposite from the lid tab 23, and allows the plate pocket lid 21 to be rotatably opened separately from the pizza box lid 11 to provide access to plate pocket accessories 30—which may be plates, utensils, napkins, and the like—that may be disposed within the pocket 20.

The plate pocket 20 extends downward from the pizza box lid a distance less than the total depth of the pizza box 10, so that there is room below the plate pocket bottom or base 20a for the pizza 50. The depth of the plate pocket will determine the number of plates 30 that may be stacked and secured, and may be about 1 inch in depth, for a typical pizza box depth of 2 inches. The diameter of the plate pocket may be, in the instance of a circular plate pocket as shown in FIG. 1, 9 inches for a standard paper plate, comparable to the diameter of the plate pocket lid. The plate pocket lid 21 is hinged so that the lid 21 may be opened separately from the pizza box lid 11 to access the plates 30. The plate pocket lid 21 may be stamped, cut, or perforated into the pizza box lid 11, except for the plate pocket lid hinge 22, so that the lid material (typically cardboard) serves as a living hinge.

The lid tab 23 may be cut into the plate pocket lid 21 substantially opposite the lid hinge 22 so that a user can grasp it to open the pocket lid 21. The sides and bottom that make up the plate pocket body may be made of any suitable material, such as cardboard or plastic, and secured to the bottom surface 11b of the pizza box lid 11 below the plate pocket lid 21, for example, by adhesive or adhesive tape. The plate pocket body extends at its side edges to the bottom surface 11b of the pizza box lid 11. The paper, plastic or otherwise disposable serving plates 30 may be loaded into the plate pocket 20 before the plate pocket 20 is secured to the bottom surface 11b of the pizza box lid 11. Alternatively, the plates 30 may be loaded into the plate pocket 20 by opening the pocket lid 21 and inserting the plates through the opening in the pizza box lid 11a.

A second embodiment of the pizza box 10′ shown in FIGS. 8-11 has a box lid 11′ with a top surface 11a′ and a bottom surface 11b′ facing the inside of the box 10′, and a base 12′ with a top surface 12a′ facing the inside of the box 10′. Box lid 11′ includes foldable flaps or flanges 14a′, 14b′, 14c′ that extend from the perimeter or edge of the lid 11′ and can be folded to extend downwardly from the lid edges. Base 12′ includes sidewalls 13a′, 13b′, 13e, 13d′ extending perpendicular from its edges, with the box lid 11′ being connected to sidewall 13d′ as shown in FIG. 10. Foldable flaps or flanges 14a′, 14b′, 14c′ of lid 11′ nest into and between sidewalls 13a′, 13b′ and 13c′. A plate pocket 20′ extends downward from the lid 11a′ distance less than the total depth of the pizza box (i.e., from lid bottom surface 11b′ to base top surface 12a′), so there is room below a plate pocket bottom or base 20a′ for the pizza. The edges of the plate pocket 20′ extend to the bottom surface 11b′ of the pizza box lid 11′, and connecting flaps 24′ may be provided at the plate pocket edges to adhere the plate pocket to either bottom surface 11b′ (stopping at the flaps or flanges 14b′, 14c′), or to the downwardly extending flaps or flanges 14b′, 14c′ of lid 11′ as shown in FIG. 10. The pizza 50 will be able to be disposed between the plate pocket base 20a′ and the box base top surface 12a′.

A plate pocket lid 21′ sits flush with the box top surface 11a′ and is cut, stamped, or perforated into a parallelogram. At an end of the pocket lid 21′ is a lid tab 23′ protruding from the pocket lid 21′ to provide an end user with an easier grip to open the lid 21′. A lid hinge 22′ is disposed substantially opposite from the lid tab 23′, and allows the plate pocket lid 21′ to be rotatably opened separately from the pizza box lid 11′ to provide access to the plate pocket accessories 30—which may be plates, utensils, napkins, and the like—that may be disposed within the pocket 20′.

The plate pocket base 20a′ may expand to cover substantially the entirety of the box lid bottom surface 11b′, as shown in FIG. 10. Plates 30 may be inserted into the pocket 20′ either by opening the pocket lid 21′ and inserting the plates through the opening created in the box lid 11′, or by opening the box lid 11′ and inserting the plates into the pocket 21′ through the gap between the box lid bottom surface 11b′ and pocket plate base 20a′, as shown in FIG. 11.

The dimensions of the plate pocket lid 21′ may be, for example, a 12 in. by 12 in. square, with the pocket lid tab 23′ extending at about a 3/4 in. length and about a 2 in. width from an edge of the pocket lid 21′. These dimensions are presented merely as examples and should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention as described herein. Other dimensions of the plate pocket 20′ and pocket lid 21′ may be used to accommodate plate pocket accessories 30 of varying dimensions and/or quantities that may be desirable to insert into the pocket 20′.

A third embodiment of the pizza box 10″ shown in FIGS. 12-16 has a box lid 11″ with a top surface 11a″ and a bottom surface 11b′ facing the inside of the box 10″, and a base 12″ with a top surface 12a″ facing the inside of the box 10″. Box lid 11″ includes foldable flaps or flanges 14a″, 14b″, 14c″ that extend from the perimeter or edge of the lid 11″ and can be folded to extend downwardly from the lid edges. Base 12″ includes sidewalk 13a″, 13b″, 13c″, 13d″ extending perpendicularly from its edges, with the box lid 11″ being connected to sidewalls 13d″ as shown in FIGS. 14-16. Foldable flaps or flanges 14a″, 14b″, 14c″ of lid 11″ nest into and between sidewalk 13a″, 13b″, and 13c″. A plate pocket 20″ extends downward from the lid 11a″ a distance less than the total depth of the pizza box (e.g., from lid bottom surface 11b″ to base top surface 12a″) once the box 10″ is assembled, so there is room below a plate pocket bottom or base 20a″ for the pizza. The edges of the plate pocket 20″ may extend to the bottom surface 11b″ of the pizza box lid 11″, and pocket flaps 24″ may rest at the plate pocket edges either at bottom surface 11b″, or to the downwardly extending flaps or flanges 14b″, 14c″, of lid 11″ once the box 10″ is assembled, as shown in FIG. 16. The pizza will be able to be disposed between the plate pocket base 20a″ and the box base top surface 12a″.

A plate pocket lid 21″ sits flush with the box top surface 11a″ and is cut, stamped, or perforated into a parallelogram. At an end of the pocket lid 21″ is a lid tab 23″ protruding from the pocket lid 21″ to provide an end user with an easier grip to open the lid 21″. A lid hinge 22″ is disposed substantially opposite from the lid tab 23″, and allows the plate pocket lid 21″ to be rotatably opened separately from the pizza box lid 11″ to provide access to the plate pocket accessories 30—which may be plates, utensils, napkins, and the like—that may be disposed within the pocket 20″. The shape and dimensions of plate pocket 20″ and pocket lid 21″ should not be interpreted as being limited to the parallelogram shapes depicted in FIGS. 12-16, as they can be formed in any other shape suitable for manufacturing needs (e.g., in an ellipse shape as previously disclosed in FIGS. 1-7).

The plate pocket 20″ is connected to, and acts as an extension of the lid 11″ when the box 10″ is unassembled. Foldable flap 14a″ is cut into the body of pocket 20″ such that flap 14a″ will separate and disconnect from the pocket 20″ when the pocket is folded into the interior (e.g., underneath lid 11″ to contact lid bottom surface 11b″, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 15), but remain attached to the lid 11″. Connecting members 26 extend from pocket 20″ adjacent to pocket flaps 24″ and straddle each side of foldable flap 14a″ so as to keep the plate pocket 20″ connected to the lid 11″ edge. This configuration thus allows the box 10″ of the present invention to be assembled from one continuous and partially cut/perforated sheet of cardboard (or other boxing material).

Lid flaps 14b″ and 14c″ further comprise at least one projection 25 partially cut into each flap, respectively, such that they may be pushed out from the walls of flaps 14b″, 14c″ and rotate or swivel inwards (as shown by the arrows in FIG. 14). Once the pocket 20″ is folded underneath the lid 11″ (such that the pocket base 20a″ and lid bottom surface 11b″ are substantially parallel to each other), projections 25 may then be pushed or popped inwards (e.g., inside of the box 10″) to rest on the base 20a″ of the pocket 20″, forming a detent mechanism to hold the plate pocket 20″ in place, as shown in FIG. 16. This projection structure thus allows for the plate pocket 20″ to be installed within box 10″ without necessitating the need for glue or other adhesives to hold the pocket (and corresponding plates/napkins/utensils disposed therein) within the box, and further prevent it from contacting the pizza.

Pocket flaps 24″ may further be folded inward prior to folding the pocket 20″ into the lid 11″. Doing so will create a barrier within the pocket 20″ such that plates, napkins, and/or utensils may remain secure within the pocket once they are inserted. A top pocket flap 24a″ is also foldable into the pocket to act as a barrier, but may be done so after the pocket 20″ is folded underneath the lid and held in place by the projections 25. Plates, napkins, and/or utensils may be placed within the pocket 20″ through the opening created by the un-folded top pocket flap 24a″,and later secured by folding said flap 24a″ into place (e.g., towards lid bottom surface 11b″). Thus, the pizza box 10″ of the present invention presents two different manners in which plates, napkins, and/or utensils may be loaded into the plate pocket either through the open pocket lid after the box and plate pocket is assembled, or through the plate pocket gap as described above.

In an embodiment, the top pocket flap 24a″ may further include a foldable extension 27 connected to and extending from the top edge of top flap 24a″, as shown in FIGS. 17-18. This foldable extension acts as an extra support to ensure the plates, napkins, and/or utensils stay within the pocket 20″ once they are placed inside the assembled box. As the top flap 24a″ is folded into place, the extension 27 is further folded past the angle of top flap 24a″ (the folding action shown by the arrow in FIG. 18), such that the extension 27 is disposed substantially parallel to the lid bottom surface 11b″ once the pocket 20″ is folded into position. End users may still pull the top pocket flap 24a″ and extension 27 away from the pocket 20″ after it is folded into place, so as to expose the inside of the pocket and use the opening to insert more plates, napkins, and/or utensils as needed.

The dimensions of the pizza box 10″ may present a preferably 14 in.²-22 in.²box (i.e., base top surface 12a″ dimensions), or any other dimensions necessary to fit irregular sized pizzas (e.g., small, medium, large, extra-large, party size, sheet, etc.), with the length and width independently varying between 14 in.-22 in. The base 12″ sidewalls 13a″, 13b″, 13c″, 13d″ may have a height ranging from 1 in.-3 in., or any other height needed to fit irregular sized pizzas (e.g., deep-dish, Chicago style, etc.). The lid 11″ may have dimensions conforming to those of the base dimensions, preferably 14 in.²-22 in.², or any other dimensions necessary to fit irregular sized pizzas. The plate pocket 20″ may share similar dimensions, having a width equivalent to that of the lid 11″ (i.e., 14 in.-22 in.) and a height slightly less than the lid height (i.e., 14 in.-22 in.). The plate pocket dimensions may also vary to fit irregular sized plates, napkins, utensils, etc.

The downwardly extending flaps or flanges 14a″, 14b″, 14c″ of lid 11″ may have a height of 1 in.-3 in., generally conforming to the height of base 12″ sidewalls 13a″, 13b″, 13c″, 13d″. The length of flaps 14b″, 14c″ will be equivalent to that of the lid height (i.e., 14 in.-22 in.), and the length of flap 14a″ will be equivalent to that of the lid width (i.e., 14 in.-22 in.). The at least one projection 25 may be disposed 1 in.-4 in. from the bottom edge of flaps 14a″ and/or 14b″ (measuring from flap bottom edge to closest edge of the at least one projection 25), and 1/2 in.-1½ in. from the flap side edge to the connecting portion of the at least one projection 25 (i.e., the swivel point of the projection 25; where it is connected to the flaps 14a″ and/or 14b″). The at least one projection 25 itself may have a width between 1/2 in.-1½ in. The plate pocket 20″ may have dimensions preferably between 10 in.²-18 in.², or any other dimensions necessary to fit irregular sized plates, napkins, and/or utensils, with the height and width of the plate pocket independently varying between 10 in.-18 in. The dimensions of the plate pocket 20″ will depend on the dimensions of the lid 11″, such that the plate pocket may properly be cut into the lid 11″ without compromising the lid integrity.

The connecting members 26 of the plate pocket may have a width between 1 in.-3 in., measured from the edge of pocket flaps 24″ to the edge of lid flap 14a″. The top pocket flap 24a″ may have a height between 1/2 in.-2 in., or any other measurement as needed to accommodate larger/smaller stacks of plates, napkins, etc.

To keep proper separation of the pizza from the base 20a, 20a′, 20a″ of the plate pocket 20, 20′, 20″, a pizza separator or bumper 40 is employed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the pizza separator or bumper 40 has four curved legs extending outwardly in a cross-pattern and down from an upper connection point. In side view the legs have a downward concave configuration. The bumper 40 is placed in the pizza box after the pizza is inserted into the box 10, 10′, 10″ such that the bumper 40 legs rest on top of the pizza, and the upper point contacts and supports the plate pocket base 20a, 20a′, 20a″. The total height of the pizza separator or bumper is the difference between the depth of the plate pocket 20, 20′, 20″ and the height of the pizza box 10, 10′, 10″, which may be about 1 inch as shown in FIG. 2. The legs may be made of plastic, for example, having a thickness of about ⅛ inch. The pizza box of the present invention may be made with the pizza box lid 11, 11′, 11″ integral with the pizza box base 12, 12′ , 12″, and using the same folded side templates employed in otherwise conventional pizza boxes, and may be shipped to the restaurant unfolded for assembly when needed, in the manner now typically used.

Further embodiments of the present invention can be seen in FIGS. 19-20, 26-27, and 30. As depicted, pizza box 110 has a box lid 111 with a bottom surface 111b facing the inside of the box 110, and a base 112 having a top surface 112a facing the inside of the box 110. Box lid 111 includes foldable flaps or flanges 114 that extend from the perimeter or edge of the lid 111 and can be folded to extend downwardly from the lid edges. Base 112 includes sidewalls 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d extending perpendicular from its edges, with the box lid 111 being connected to sidewall 113d as shown in FIG. 19. Foldable flaps or flanges 114 nest into and between sidewalls 113 when the box lid 111 is in the closed position. A plate pocket 120 extends downward from the box lid 111 to form a cavity separate from the pizza box interior for placement of plate pocket accessories such as plates, napkins, utensils, and the like that may be disposed within the interior cavity 121 of the plate pocket 120. Access to such the plate pocket accessories within the pocket may be achieved in a similar manner to those of any of the previous embodiments described herein.

Plate pocket 120 includes foldable sidewalls 124 which extend towards the inner lid surface 111a when the box is in an assembled position, such as the view seen in FIG. 19. In the unassembled version depicted in FIG. 20, plate pocket 120 may be hingedly coupled to the box lid 111 via forward plate pocket sidewall 116. During assembly, Plate pocket 120 may be folded along upper plate portion 122, subsequently releasing locking extension portions 118, which may be nested into and between sidewalls 113 when the box lid 111 is in the closed position. To provide increased structural stability of the plate pocket 120, a plate pocket connecting portion 126 may include one or more tab members 128 for connective mating with one or more openings 130 in the box lid 111. While the one or more tab members 128 depicted in the exemplary view of

FIG. 20 are shown disposed on connecting portion 126, tab members may be disposed along plate pocket sidewalls 124, and in any amount necessary, and lid openings 130 may be located on the box lid 111a in any position to ensure a complementary mating location between the opening(s) and tab member(s) when the pizza box is in the assembled position such that plate pocket 120 is properly secured.

Optionally, access to plate pocket accessories within the plate pocket cavity 121 may be accomplished without need for perforated cuts on the lid to form the plate pocket lid as described in the aforementioned embodiments. Rather, in some embodiments, a user may hingedly open the pizza box lid when the box is in the closed position, thereby exposing the base top surface 112a, plate pocket 120, and lid bottom surface 111a. Upon separating the connection between the plate pocket to the lid bottom surface such as by releasing tab member 128 from opening 130, removal of an adhesive, tap, or the like, the user may move the plate pocket 120 to an open position, thereby exposing the loaded plate pocket accessories within the plate pocket cavity 121.

Further embodiments of the present invention, like those depicted in FIGS. 21-25, 28-29, and 31, may be utilized incorporating a plate pocket 220 formed by a plurality of extension members 220a, 220b for access to plate pocket accessories such as plates, napkins, utensils, and the like stored within the plate pocket in accordance with the pizza box designs of the previous embodiments. Similar to the pizza box of the previous embodiments, pizza box 210 comprises a box lid 211 with a bottom surface 211b facing the inside of the box 210, and a base 212 having a top surface 212a facing the inside of the box 210. In the unassembled view of FIG. 25, pizza box 210 is depicted having plate extension members 220a, 220b disposed on the sidewall portions 214 of the box lid 211 which may be folded inward towards lid bottom surface 211b. In some embodiments, extension members 220a, 220b may overlap one another upon folding of the plate pocket peripheral wall 225 which is proximate sidewall portions 214 towards the interior portion of bottom surface 211b. In such embodiments, the extension members 220a, 220b may be secured via an adhesive such as glue or tape to form plate pocket 220, which may contain plates or any other utensils/napkins within the plate pocket interior 221 formed by plate pocket sidewalls 224a, 224b which may be folded towards the bottom surface 211b.

After assembly of the pizza box 220, foldable flap portions 214 will remain extending from the perimeter or edge of the lid 211 and can be folded to extend. downwardly from the lid edges, and may be nested into and between sidewalls 213a-d when the box lid 211 is in the closed position. Lid top surface 216, which extends from the perimeter or edge of the lid 211, may also be folded to extend downwardly from the lid edges, nesting within and between the sidewalls of the pizza box 210 in the closed position.

In one or more embodiments, like those seen in FIGS. 22 and 25, extension members 220a, 220b may further comprise either male connecting portion 228 and/or female connecting portion 230 to provide an additional engagement mechanism to form plate pocket 220.

While the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 22 and 25 show a single male/female connecting portion on the extension members 220a, 220b, other configurations are not meant to be precluded, and any number of male/females connecting portions may be utilized on the plate pocket 220 to ensure proper formation of the pizza box 210. Further, each extension member may comprise any combination of male connecting portions 228, female connecting portions 230, or both. During assembly, the extension members 220a, 220b are moved towards the box lid bottom surface 211b such that the male connecting portion(s) 228 are received within the female connecting portion(s) 230 to form the plate pocket 220. After forming the plate pocket 200, additional adhesives such as glue or tape may be applied to the extension members 220a, 220b to further secure the connection and maintain plate pocket accessories within the plate pocket interior cavity 221.

Access to the plate pocket interior 221 may be accomplished by opening the pizza box lid when the box is in the closed position, thereby exposing the base top surface 212a, plate pocket extension members 220a, 220b, and lid bottom surface 211a. Upon separating the male/female connecting portions, glue, tape, or the like securing plate pocket extension members 220a, 220b, the extension members may be moved to an open position, thereby exposing the loaded plate pocket accessories within the cavity created between the plate pocket extension members 220a, 220b and the lid bottom surface 211a.

The method of assembling the embodiments of the pizza box may be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 25. A pizza blank 100, 200 comprising a single piece of material is cut to dimensions which would facilitate the placement of a pizza, calzone, or other food item as well as plate pocket accessories such as utensils, napkins, and/or plates within the assembled box 110, 210. The blank comprises a material such as cardboard, paper, wood, plastics, hardboard, chipboard, or any other similar material known in the art which may be of rigid or semi-rigid construction. To facilitate folding, the pizza blank 100, 200 may include one or more scored lines, perforations, creases, indents, and the like such that the box is capable of being hingedly folded and unfolded without compromising the structural integrity of the box.

During assembly, a user may form the upstanding sidewalls 113, 213 by folding fold lines 113′, 213′ inwardly towards the interior portion of the base top surface 112a, 212a, thereby forming the cavity within the box 110, 210 for placement of a pizza, calzone, or other food item therein. To prevent the sidewalls from unfolding, at least one of sidewalls may include at least one locking projection 150, 250 which may be inserted within complementary locking slot(s) 140, 240 to secure the sidewalls 113, 213 in a position approximately perpendicular to the base 112, 212.

In assembling the pizza box of the embodiments depicted in FIG. 20, the user may fold the blank 100 along lid fold lines 114′, 116′, 118′ to form the lid portion 111 and sidewalls 114, 116. Upon folding fold lines 124′ to form the plate pocket sidewalls 124 approximately perpendicular to the plate pocket, plate pocket 120 may be folded along upper plate portion 122 toward lid bottom surface 111b such that the surface of the plate pocket 120 is substantially parallel to the lid 111. In some embodiment, the user may insert the tab portion(s) 128 within the opening(s) 130, securing the plate pocket 120 to the lid bottom surface 111b, though other forms of attachment, such as in-line glue or tape are not meant to be precluded.

In assembling the pizza box of the embodiments depicted in FIG. 25, the user may fold the blank 200 along lid fold lines 214′, 216′ to form the lid portion 211 and sidewalls 214, 216. Upon folding of fold lines 224′, 225′ plate pocket sidewalls and the peripheral wall may be folded inwardly approximately perpendicular to the plate pocket portions 220a, 220b. Plate portions 220a, 220b may subsequently be folded towards lid bottom surface 211b. After placement of the plate portions 220a, 220b adjacent one another such that the plate portions 220a, 220b form a surface approximately parallel with the lid 211, a user may subsequently secure the plate portions through adhesives such as inline glue or tape, interconnecting the male/female connecting portions 228, 230, or both.

Once assembled, the pizza box of the aforementioned embodiments comprise plate pocket 120, 220, secured to the pizza box lid 111, 211, respectively. Thus, plate pocket accessories such as plates, utensils, napkins, and the like may be placed within the interior 121, 221 of the plate pocket for access after assembly. Due to the modular nature of the embodiments described in FIGS. 19-25, prior to folding the plate pocket into the assembled position, plate pocket accessories may be placed within the plate pocket, lid bottom surface, or both during box assembly, such that the accessories may be loaded within the box blank prior to complete assembly of the pizza box.

Placement of the plate pocket accessories during assembly of the pizza box provides additional efficiency and cost-savings, while simultaneously providing different modalities and methodologies of accessing the plate pocket accessories after assembly of the box. Thus, the present invention provides an improved system, apparatus and method for packaging and delivering serving plates, utensils, napkins, and other accessories along with a pizza, calzone, or other takeout food-based item in the same size as an otherwise standard pizza box. The method of assembly the present invention provides for a more efficient and cost-effective method of assembly. Further, due to the method of assembly, a manufacturer can ensure quality control and proper hygienic loading of the plate pocket accessories.

Turning to FIGS. 32-35, embodiments of a box for take-out food having an extra food pocket will now be described. The embodiment shown in FIG. 32 is the same or similar to the box described with reference to FIGS. 1-7. Instead of a plate pocket 20, the box has an extra food pocket 320 so restaurant personnel can store and deliver an extra food item 329 in addition to the main food item 331 stored in the box interior. Extra food pocket 320 is structurally the same or similar to previously described embodiments of the plate pocket 20, 120, 220 but, instead of storing plates, napkins, cutlery and the like, it is used to store food items in addition to the pizza, dessert, or entree in the box interior, i.e., the main compartment. The extra food item 329 could be an appetizer, side, sauce, or dessert, including but not limited to breadsticks, garlic knots, mozzarella sticks, an extra, smaller portion of the entrée such as a pizza slice, vegetables, salads, cookies, brownies, etc. The takeout box could hold any entrée in the box interior or main compartment and any smaller portion of food in the extra food pocket 320. For example, the food could be an entrée and an appetizer, an entrée and side, an entrée and a dessert, or a large dessert and a small dessert, such as a cake and cookies or brownies.

As in the embodiments described in FIGS. 1-7 the extra food pocket 320 as shown in FIG. 32 is separate from the box interior and extends downward from the box lid 11 a distance less than the total depth of the takeout box (i.e., from lid bottom surface 11b to base top surface 12a), so that there is room below the extra food pocket bottom or base 320a for a pizza 50 or other main dish or large dessert. Additionally, the diameter of the extra food pocket 320 may be less than the width dimensions of the interior of the takeout box 10. The pizza or other main dish 50 may be disposed between the extra food pocket base 320a and the box base top surface 12a.

An extra food pocket lid 321 sits flush with the box top surface 11a and may be cut or perforated into a substantially ellipse shape, such as that of a circle, or other curved configuration as seen in FIGS. 4-6 and 32. At an end of the pocket lid 321 is a lid tab 323 protruding from the pocket lid 321 to provide an end user with an easier grip to open the lid 321. A lid hinge 322 is disposed substantially diametrically opposite from the lid tab 323, and allows the extra food pocket lid 321 to be rotatably opened separately from the pizza box lid 11 to provide access to the extra food item 329 in the extra food pocket 320—which may be an appetizer, side, sauce, or dessert, and the like—that may be disposed within the pocket 320.

In exemplary embodiments, the extra plate pocket 320 extends downward from the takeout food box lid a distance less than the total depth of the takeout food box 10, so that there is room below the plate pocket bottom or base 320a for the pizza or other main food item 50. The depth of the extra food pocket can vary to accommodate various extra food items, and may be about 1 inch in depth, for a typical pizza box depth of 2 inches. The diameter of the extra food pocket may be, in the instance of a circular pocket as shown in FIG. 32, 9-12 inches, comparable to the diameter of the plate pocket lid. In exemplary embodiments, the extra food pocket lid 321 is hinged so that it may be opened separately from the takeout box lid 11 to access the extra food item 329. The extra food pocket lid 321 may be stamped, cut, or perforated into the takeout box lid 11, except for the extra pocket lid hinge 322, so that the lid material (typically cardboard) serves as a living hinge. The lid tab 323 may be cut into the extra food pocket lid 321 substantially opposite the lid hinge 322 so that a user can grasp it to open the pocket lid 321.

The sides and bottom that make up the extra food pocket body may be made of any suitable material, such as cardboard or plastic, and secured to the bottom surface 11b of the takeout box lid 11 below the extra food pocket lid 321, for example, by adhesive or adhesive tape. The extra food pocket body extends at its side edges to the bottom surface 11b of the takeout box lid 11. The extra food item 329 may be loaded into the extra food pocket 320 before the extra food pocket 320 is secured to the bottom surface 11b of the pizza box lid 11. Alternatively, the extra food item 329 may be loaded into the extra food pocket 320 by opening the pocket lid 321 and inserting the extra food item 329 through the opening in the takeout box lid 11a.

Referring to FIG. 33, exemplary embodiments of the pizza/takeout food box 10′ shown in FIGS. 8-11 also may include an extra food pocket 320′ extending downward from the lid 11a′ a distance less than the total depth of the takeout box (i.e., from lid bottom surface 11b′ to base top surface 12a′). The edges of the extra food pocket 320′ extend to the bottom surface 11b′ of the takeout box lid 11′, and connecting flaps 24′ may be provided at the plate pocket edges to adhere the extra food pocket to either bottom surface 11b′ (stopping at the flaps or flanges 14b′, 14c′), or to the downwardly extending flaps or flanges 14b′, 14c′ of lid 11′ as shown in FIG. 10. The pizza or other main food item 50 may be disposed between the plate pocket base 20a′ and the box base top surface 12a′.

In exemplary embodiments, an extra food pocket lid 321′ sits flush with the box top surface 11a′ and is cut, stamped, or perforated into a parallelogram. At an end of the pocket lid 321′ is a lid tab 323′ protruding from the pocket lid 321′ to provide an end user with an easier grip to open the lid 321′. A lid hinge 322′ is disposed substantially opposite from the lid tab 323′, and allows the plate pocket lid 21′ to be rotatably opened separately from the takeout box lid 11′ to provide access to the extra food item 329—which may be an appetizer, side, sauce, or dessert, and the like—that may be disposed within the extra food pocket 320′.

The extra food pocket base 320a′ may expand to cover substantially the entirety of the box lid bottom surface 11b′, as shown with respect to the pocket embodiment in FIG. 10. An extra food item 329 may be inserted into the extra food pocket 320′ either by opening the pocket lid 21′ and inserting the plates through the opening created in the box lid 11′, or by opening the box lid 11′ and inserting the extra food item 329 into the pocket 320′ through the gap between the box lid bottom surface 11b′ and pocket plate base 320a′. The dimensions of the extra food pocket lid 21′ may be, for example, a 12 in. by 12 in. square, with the pocket lid tab 33′ extending at about a 3/4 in. length and about a 2 in. width from an edge of the pocket lid 31′. These dimensions are presented merely as examples and should not be interpreted as limiting disclosed embodiments as described herein. Other dimensions of the extra food pocket 320′ and pocket lid 321′ may be used to accommodate extra food items 329 of varying dimensions and/or quantities that may be desirable to insert into the extra food pocket 320′.

Embodiments of the pizza/takeout box 10″ shown and described in connection with FIGS. 12-16 could also feature an extra food pocket instead of the plate pocket 20″. Thus, the extra food pocket could be connected to, and act as an extension of the lid 11″ when the box 10″ is unassembled. Foldable flap 14a″ is cut into the body of extra food pocket 20″ such that flap 14a″ will separate and disconnect from the extra food pocket 20″ when the pocket is folded into the interior (e.g., underneath lid 11″ to contact lid bottom surface 11b″, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 15), but remain attached to the lid 11″. Connecting members 26 extend from extra food pocket 20″ adjacent to pocket flaps 24″ and straddle each side of foldable flap 14a″ so as to keep the extra food pocket 20″ connected to the lid 11″ edge. This configuration thus allows the box 10″ to be assembled from one continuous and partially cut/perforated sheet of cardboard (or other boxing material).

As shown in FIGS. 17-18, the top pocket flap 24a″ may include a foldable extension 27 connected to and extending from the top edge of top flap 24a″. In embodiments having an extra food pocket 320, 320′, 320″, 320′″ the foldable extension acts as an extra support to ensure the extra food item 329 stay within the pocket 320, 320′ once it is placed inside the assembled box. To keep proper separation of the pizza or other main food item from the base 320a, 320a′ of the extra food pocket 320, 320′, 320″, 320′″ a pizza separator or bumper 40 may be employed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the pizza separator or bumper 40 has four curved legs extending outwardly in a cross-pattern and down from an upper connection point.

Further embodiments as seen and described with reference to FIGS. 19-20, 26-27, and 30 can include an extra food pocket 320″, as shown in FIG. 34. The pizza/takeout food box 110 has a box lid 111 with a bottom surface 111b facing the inside of the box 110, and a base 112 having a top surface 112a facing the inside of the box 110. Box lid 111 includes foldable flaps or flanges 114 that extend from the perimeter or edge of the lid 111 and can be folded to extend downwardly from the lid edges. Base 112 includes sidewalls 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d extending perpendicular from its edges, with the box lid 111 being connected to sidewall 113d as shown in FIG. 19. Foldable flaps or flanges 114 nest into and between sidewalls 113 when the box lid 111 is in the closed position. An extra food pocket 320″ extends downward from the box lid 111 to form a cavity separate from the takeout box interior for placement of an extra food item 329 such as an appetizer, side, sauce, or dessert, and the like that may be disposed within the interior cavity 321 of the extra food pocket 320″.

Access to the extra food item within the extra food pocket 320″ may be achieved in a similar manner to those of any of the previous embodiments described herein.

Turning to FIG. 35, further embodiments, like those depicted and described in connection with FIGS. 21-25, 28-29, and 31, may be utilized incorporating an extra food pocket 320″ formed by a plurality of extension members 220a, 220b for access to an extra food item 329 such as an appetizer, side, sauce, or dessert, and the like stored within the extra food pocket 320″ in accordance with the pizza/takeout food box designs of the previous embodiments.

While embodiments of the present disclosure have been particularly described, in conjunction with one or more specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	17991433	Nov 2022	US
Child	18611961		US
Parent	17000803	Aug 2020	US
Child	17991433		US
Parent	16930806	Jul 2020	US
Child	17000803		US

TAKEOUT FOOD BOX WITH EXTRA FOOD POCKET

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Abstract

Description

Claims

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)

Continuation in Parts (3)