U.S. patent application number 11/272374 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for food containers with hinged handles.
Invention is credited to Dmitriy Faktorovich, Jeffrey Plantz, Erin Q. Riddell.
Application Number | 20060118562 11/272374 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36573058 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060118562 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Plantz; Jeffrey ; et
al. |
June 8, 2006 |
Food containers with hinged handles
Abstract
A food container comprises a base member having at least one
handle hingedly coupled thereto and a lid coupled to the base
member for movement between an open position and a closed position.
The base member and the lid cooperatively define a first receptacle
therebetween when the lid is in a closed position. The lid has a
cavity defined in an upper surface thereof to hold contents
separate from the first receptacle. A second compartment can be
provided that defines a second receptacle, where the cavity is
configured to receive the second compartment.
Inventors: |
Plantz; Jeffrey; (Sherrill,
NY) ; Faktorovich; Dmitriy; (Naperville, IL) ;
Riddell; Erin Q.; (Bay Village, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WINSTON & STRAWN LLP
1700 K STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
36573058 |
Appl. No.: |
11/272374 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60626364 |
Nov 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/521 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/0486 20130101;
B65D 1/34 20130101; B65D 71/0007 20130101; B65D 25/2841 20130101;
B65D 77/245 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/521 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/24 20060101
B65D001/24 |
Claims
1. A food container comprising: a base member having at least one
handle hingedly coupled thereto; and a lid coupled to the base
member for movement between an open position and a closed position,
the base member and the lid cooperatively defining a first
receptacle therebetween when the lid is in a closed position, the
lid having a cavity defined in an upper surface thereof to hold
contents separate from the first receptacle.
2. The food container of claim 1, further comprising: a second
compartment defining a second receptacle therein, the cavity being
configured to receive the second compartment.
3. The food container of claim 2, wherein the second compartment
includes an upper member and lower member coupled together for
movement between an open position and a closed position to form a
clam-shell configuration.
4. The food container of claim 2, wherein a third receptacle is
defined between an upper surface of the lid and a lower surface of
the second compartment.
5. The food container of claim 1, wherein the lid is separable from
the base member.
6. The food container of claim 1, wherein the handle is moveable
between a first position to allow the lid to be removable from the
base member to an open position and a second position to secure the
lid in the closed position.
7. The food container of claim 6, wherein the handle is further
configured to hold contents within the cavity when in the second
position.
8. The food container of claim 1, wherein the handle is hingedly
coupled to the base member by a first hinge, the handle further
including a second hinge between a first portion of the handle and
a second portion of the handle.
9. The food container of claim 1, wherein the handle includes at
least one surface feature to enhance gripping.
10. The food container of claim 1, further comprising a second
handle hingedly coupled to the base member, the first and second
handles being engageable together.
11. The food container of claim 1, wherein the base member and the
handle are a single-piece construction.
12. The food container of claim 11, wherein the handle is defined
by a line of weakness formed in a portion of the base member.
13. A food container comprising: a base member having a bottom
surface, sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom surface, the
bottom surface having a plurality of cavities defined therein, at
least one cavity configured to hold a corresponding vessel; and at
least one handle hingedly coupled to the base member.
14. The food container of claim 13, wherein the handle is moveable
between a first position to allow the vessel to be removable from
the corresponding cavity of base member and a second position to
secure the vessel in the corresponding cavity.
15. The food container of claim 13, wherein the handle includes at
least one surface feature to enhance gripping.
16. The food container of claim 13, further comprising a second
handle hingedly coupled to the base member, the first and second
handles being engageable together.
17. The food container of claim 13, wherein the base member and the
handle are a single-piece construction.
18. The food container of claim 13, wherein the corresponding
cavity has a surface feature to enhance engagement of the vessel
therein.
19. A food container comprising: a base member; a first lid portion
hingedly coupled to one side of the base member; a second lid
portion hingedly coupled to a second side of the base member
opposite the first side, the base member and the first and second
lid portions cooperatively defining a first receptacle therebetween
when the first and second lid portions are in a closed position;
and at least one handle hingedly coupled to at least one of the
first and second lid portions, the handle being moveable between a
first position to allow the first and second lid portions to be
moved to an open position and a second position to secure the first
and second lid portions in the closed position.
20. The food container of claim 19, wherein the other of the first
and second lid portions has an opening defined therein to receive
the handle therethrough when in the second position.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/626,364, filed Nov. 9, 2004, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to containers for carrying
food items.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A wide variety of specialty packaging configurations exist
for various food items in grocery stores and restaurants.
Generally, such packaging is configured to accommodate food items
that are to be pre-packaged in a specific arrangement, without
opportunity for selection or variation by the user. Furthermore,
such packaging generally is not configured to accommodate separate
associated items, such as condiments or utensils, as may be desired
by the user. Indeed, such items are often placed in a bag or on a
tray with the specialty packaging for carrying by the user. Such
bags or trays facilitate relatively easy carrying of all of the
necessary items, but can be awkward and wasteful.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a versatile and economical
container that is capable of overcoming these drawbacks of
conventional packaging and containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be
set forth in and apparent from the description that follows, as
well as will be learned by practice of the invention. Additional
advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the
devices particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.
[0008] The present invention relates to containers with hinged
handles to facilitate carrying by a user. In accordance with one
aspect of the invention, a food container is provided that
comprises a base member having at least one handle hingedly coupled
thereto and a lid coupled to the base member for movement between
an open position and a closed position. The base member and the lid
cooperatively define a first receptacle therebetween when the lid
is in a closed position. The lid has a cavity defined in an upper
surface thereof to hold contents separate from the first
receptacle.
[0009] Further, the food container can include a second compartment
that defines a second receptacle therein, in this case the cavity
can be configured to receive the second compartment, which,
in-turn, can include an upper member and lower member coupled
together for movement between an open position and a closed
position to form a clam-shell configuration. A third receptacle can
be defined between an upper surface of the lid and a lower surface
of the second compartment. The lid can be separable from the base
member or hingedly attached thereto.
[0010] The handle can be configured to be moveable between a first
position to allow the lid to be removable from the base member to
an open position and a second position to secure the lid in the
closed position, and can be further configured to hold contents
within the cavity when in the second position. Further, the handle
can be hingedly coupled to the base member by a first hinge, and
can include a second hinge between a first portion of the handle
and a second portion of the handle. Also, the handle can include at
least one surface feature to enhance gripping. Further, a second
handle can be hingedly coupled to the base member, and the first
and second handles can be mutually engageable.
[0011] The base member and the handle can be of a single-piece
construction, in which case the handle can be defined by a line of
weakness formed in a portion of the base member.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a food
container is provided that comprises a base member having a bottom
surface, sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom surface, the
bottom surface having a plurality of cavities defined therein, at
least one cavity configured to hold a corresponding vessel and at
least one handle hingedly coupled to the base member. Additional
features of this aspect of the invention can include those of the
first aspect, described above.
[0013] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a food
container is provided that comprises a base member, a first lid
portion hingedly coupled to one side of the base member, a second
lid portion hingedly coupled to a second side of the base member
opposite the first side, and at least one handle hingedly coupled
to at least one of the first and second lid portions. The base
member and the first and second lid portions cooperatively define a
first receptacle therebetween when the first and second lid
portions are in a closed position. The handle is moveable between a
first position to allow the first and second lid portions to be
moved to an open position and a second position to secure the first
and second lid portions in the closed position. Additional features
of this aspect of the invention can also include those of the first
aspect, described above.
[0014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention
claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate
and provide a further understanding of the invention. Together with
the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of
the invention. The drawings are not drawn to scale, but show only
relative dimensions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a food
container assembly with hinged handles;
[0016] FIGS. 2-7 are left side, right side, top, bottom, front, and
rear views of the food container assembly shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the food container
assembly shown in FIG. 1 depicting a closed configuration of a
clam-shell compartment included in the food container assembly;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the food container
shown in FIG. 1 depicting an open configuration of a clam-shell
compartment included in the food container assembly;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
food container with hinged handles;
[0020] FIG. 10A illustrates an exploded perspective view of the
food container shown in FIG. 10;
[0021] FIGS. 11-14 are side, top, bottom, and front views of the
food container shown in FIG. 10;
[0022] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary use of the food container
shown in FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
food container with hinged handles;
[0024] FIGS. 17 and 18 are front and side views of the food
container shown in FIG. 16.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
food container with hinged handles depicting fluid-carrying vessels
disposed in the food container;
[0026] FIG. 20 is a top view of the food container shown in FIG. 19
depicting the hinged handles in a rest configuration;
[0027] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
food container with hinged handles depicting the handles in a rest
configuration;
[0028] FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the food container
shown in FIG. 21 depicting food items disposed in the food
container and the handles in an operative configuration;
[0029] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
food container with hinged handles depicting items disposed in a
top portion of the food container;
[0030] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the food container
shown in FIG. 23;
[0031] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary use of the food container
shown in FIG. 23;
[0032] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
food container with a hinged handle depicting the handle in a
operative configuration;
[0033] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the food container shown in
FIG. 26 depicting the handle in a rest configuration;
[0034] FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary use of the food container
shown in FIG. 26; and
[0035] FIG. 29 illustrates a stacking of two of the food containers
shown in FIG. 26.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0037] The present invention is directed to a food container with
hinged handles comprising a base member having at least one handle
hingedly coupled thereto and a lid coupled to the base member for
movement between an open and a closed position. The base member and
the lid cooperatively define a first receptacle therebetween when
the lid is in a closed position. The lid has a cavity defined in an
upper surface thereof to hold contents separate from the first
receptacle. For the purpose of explanation and illustration, and
not limitation, an exemplary embodiment of the container in
accordance with the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-9 and is
designated generally by reference character 100.
[0038] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that each
disclosed food container can be adapted and modified to provide
alternative embodiments of food containers for other applications,
and that other additions and modifications can be made to the
disclosed food containers without departing from the scope of the
present disclosure. For example, features of the illustrative
embodiments can be combined, separated, interchanged, and/or
rearranged to generate other embodiments. Such modifications and
variations are intended to be included within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0039] FIGS. 1-9 are views of an embodiment of a food container
assembly having hinged handles. As shown in FIGS. 1-9, the food
container assembly 100 includes a tray container or base 110, a lid
120 removably and replaceably attached to the tray container 110,
and a clam-shell compartment 130 removably and replaceably attached
to the lid 120. The tray container 110 includes a tray sidewall 135
having upper and lower tray-sidewall edges, a tray bottom surface
140 adjacent the lower tray-sidewall edge, a tray top surface 145
adjacent the upper tray-sidewall edge, and a pair of handles 150
hingedly attached to opposite ends of the tray top surface 145. The
lid 120 includes a lid sidewall having upper and lower lid-sidewall
edges and a lid top surface 155 that is adjacent to the upper
lid-sidewall edge. The clam-shell compartment 130 includes upper
and lower clam shells 165 and 160 that are hingedly attached to
each other at a first end 170 and releaseably attached to each
other at a second opposite end 175 (e.g., via a clasp). The tray
top surface 145 preferably defines a groove 180 therein that
surrounds the upper tray-sidewall edge and that is sized and shaped
to releasably engage the lower lid-sidewall edge 190. The lid top
surface 155 is recessed or otherwise offset from the upper
lid-sidewall edge so as to form a cavity that is sized and shaped
to receive and support the clam-shell compartment 130. The upper
lid-sidewall edge defines a first notch 195 therein for receiving
and supporting a lower part of the clasp of the clam-shell
compartment 130 and a second notch therein for receiving and
support the hinge of the clam-shell compartment 130. Alternatively,
in some embodiments, the clasp and/or the hinge of the compartment
130 is sized and shaped so as to fit snugly into the cavity. In
such embodiments, the upper lid-sidewall edge does not include
first and/or second notches. Preferably, each of the tray container
110, lid 120, and clam-shell compartment 130 has a unitary or
one-piece construction. If desired, the tray container 110 and lid
120 can be hingedly connected together to form a clam-shell
configuration.
[0040] The tray container 110 and the lid 120, e.g., the tray
sidewall, tray bottom surface, lid sidewall, and lid top surface,
cooperatively define a receptacle therebetween for storing one or
more items therein. Such items can include, but are not limited to,
one or more food items, such as one or more breakfast food items
(e.g., biscuits; breakfast meats, such as bacon, ham and sausages;
eggs; pancakes; and potatoes, such as hash browns), one or more
salad items (e.g., bread items, such as breadcrumbs or croutons;
and vegetables, such as tomatoes and lettuces), one or more lunch
or dinner food items (e.g., sandwiches, hamburgers, steaks, and
potatoes), and/or one or more dessert items (such as cakes, ice
creams, pastries, and pies).
[0041] Similarly, the lid 120 and the clam-shell compartment 130,
i.e., the lid top surface and the lower shell, define a chamber for
storing one or more items. Such items can include, but are not
limited to, condiment packages, eating utensils, and napkins.
[0042] Alternatively and/or in combination, one or more items can
be placed inside the clam-shell compartment 130 in an open
configuration.
[0043] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-9, the food container 100
includes three separate components, specifically, the tray
container 110, the lid 120, and the clam-shell compartment 130.
Alternatively, in some embodiments, the food container 100 can
include only two separate components, e.g., the tray container 110
and the lid 120, or the tray and lid 120 combined as one component
and clam-shell compartment 130 as another component. FIGS. 10-14
and 30 show views of an embodiment of a food container 300 that
includes only a tray container or base 310 with a pair of hinged
handles 350 and a lid 320. In some of such embodiments, one or more
items can be placed on a cavity defined by the lid top surface 325
without the need for a clam-shell compartment.
[0044] Each of the handles 150 is hingedly attached to the tray top
surface 145 at a hinge line 113. Each of the handles 150 is
preferably formed from the material of the tray container 110, and
each of the hinge lines 113 is preferably formed by scoring or
otherwise weakening portions of the tray container material between
the handle 150 and the tray top surface 145 so as to form a living
hinge. A line of weakness can include, for example, a compressed
region, a region of thinned material thickness, a perforation line
or a score line. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 1-9, each handle 150 includes one or more dimples 115
defined therein to extend outwards from the handle 150 towards the
receptacle and that are sized and shaped for receiving fingers of a
hand so as to facilitate gripping of the handle 150. Alternatively
and/or in combination, in some embodiments, each handle 150 can
include one or more raised portions 117 (e.g., raised lines or
raised cross-hatch surfaces) formed on one or both sides of the
handle 150 to facilitate gripping of the handle or engagement of
the lid to secure the tray container and lid in a closed
configuration.
[0045] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary and non-limiting use of the
food container shown in FIG. 1. One or more food items can be
placed into the tray container or base 110, and the lid 120 can be
attached to the tray container 110 based on engaging the lower
lid-sidewall edge 190 into the groove 180 (e.g., by press fitting
or otherwise releasably engaging the lower lid-sidewall edge into
the groove) so as to enclose the one or more food items in the
resulting receptacle. One or more additional items can be placed in
the clam-shell compartment 130 when in an open configuration, and
then the clam-shell compartment 130 can be closed (e.g., via a
clasp). The clam-shell compartment 130 can then be placed onto the
cavity defined by the lid top surface 155 so that the lower part of
the clasp rests in the first notch 195 defined by the upper
lid-sidewall edge and the hinge of the clam-shell compartment 130
rests in the second notch. Alternatively and/or in combination, in
some embodiments, one or more items can be placed onto the cavity
defined by the lid top surface 155 before placing the clam-shell
compartment 130 thereon, or without including the clam-shell
compartment 130. The pair of hinged handles 150 can be lifted
upwards from the tray top surface 145 and used to transport the
food container 100 in a desired orientation (e.g., an upright
orientation), thus inhibiting and/or preventing re-arrangement of
the items (e.g., food items) stored therein. For example, the
hinged handles 150 can be used to transport the food container 100
in an up-right orientation for placement in a bag or other article
for carrying the food container. Also for example, the hinged
handles 150 can be used to stack one or more of the food containers
100 in a desired orientation (e.g., an up-right orientation) in the
bag or other article for carrying the food containers. Also for
example, the hinged handles 150 can be used to remove the one or
more food containers from the bag or other article in a desired
orientation (e.g., an upright orientation).
[0046] As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art,
the disclosed food containers can be modified to include one or
more different and/or additional features than shown and described
with respect to FIGS. 1-9. For example, the lid 120 can be
removably and replaceably attached to the tray container 110 based
on attachment methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
In one such embodiment, the lid 120 can be hingedly attached to the
tray container 110 at or along a first end and releasably attached
to the tray container at or along a second end. Also for example,
the shells 160 and 165 of the clam-shell compartment 130 can be
removably and replaceably attached to each other in any manner
known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0047] FIGS. 16-18 are views of another embodiment of a food
container 500 with hinged handles. As shown in FIGS. 16-18, the
food container 500 includes a base 510 and a lid 520 removably and
replaceably attached to the base 520. The base 510 includes a base
sidewall having upper and lower base-sidewall edges, a base top
surface adjacent the upper base-sidewall edge, a base bottom
surface adjacent the lower base-sidewall edge, and a handle 550
hingedly connected to the base top surface. The lid 520 includes a
lid sidewall having upper and lower lid-sidewall edges and a lid
top surface that is adjacent to the upper lid-sidewall edge. The
base 510 and the lid 520, e.g., the base sidewall, base bottom, lid
sidewall, and lid top surface, cooperatively define a receptacle
therebetween for storing one or more items therein, such as, but
not limited to, the food items previously described herein. The lid
top surface also defines a cavity or chamber 517 for receiving one
or more items, such as, but not limited to, the items previously
described herein. The base top surface defines a groove therein
that surrounds the upper base-sidewall edge and that is sized and
shaped for releaseably engaging the lower lid-sidewall edge.
Alternatively, the lid can be otherwise removably and replaceably
attached to the base based on one or more different attachment
methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably,
each of the base 510 and the lid 520 has a unitary or one-piece
construction or can be connected together as a single piece, if
desired.
[0048] The handle 550 is preferably formed from the material of the
base 510. Inmost embodiments, the handle 550 is defined by forming
one or more perforations and a first pair of hinge lines 513 in the
base top surface. Upon initial separation of the handle 550 from
the base top surface (e.g., by separation along the perforations in
the base top surface), the base top surface includes non-contiguous
first and second portions 503 and 505, and the handle 550 is
connected to opposite ends of the second portion 505 via the first
pair of hinge lines. The first pair of hinge lines 513 allows the
handle 550 to be rotated upwards from and downwards toward a rest
position adjacent to or co-planar with the base top surface.
Preferably, the perforations are arranged in a pattern for
producing a handle having a shape configured for being gripped by
fingers of a hand and more preferably including one or more
pressure-exerting protrusions 563, i.e., one or more portions
capable of applying pressure to the one or more items stored in the
chamber 517 in an operative state of the handle. Additionally, in
some embodiments, the perforations are arranged in a pattern so as
to produce a handle 550 with a shape suitable for gripping by
fingers of a hand for enhanced ergonomics, as well as for
aesthetics. While an M-shaped handle is shown in FIG. 16, other
shapes for the handle are possible. In some embodiments, the handle
550 includes a second pair of hinge lines 519 disposed between the
first pair of hinge lines 513 and the outermost extent of the
handle 550 from the first pair of hinge lines 513. The second pair
of hinge lines 519 allows the portion of the handle 550 between the
second pair of hinge lines 519 and the outermost extent of the
handle 550 to be rotated upwards from and downwards towards an
intermediate rest position, such as a rest position adjacent the
lid top surface, as shown in FIG. 18. When fully deployed, the
handle is in a locking position to secure the lid in position on
the base as well as any items within the cavity 517.
[0049] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16-18, the food containers
500 include a single handle 550. Alternatively, in some
embodiments, the food containers 500 can include a second handle
that is similar to the first handle 550 in both construction and
operation.
[0050] An exemplary and non-limiting use of the food container
shown in FIG. 16 will now be described. One or more food items are
placed in the base, and the lid is attached to the base based on
engaging the lower lid-sidewall edge into the groove (e.g., by
press fitting or otherwise releaseably engaging the lower
lid-sidewall edge into the groove) so as to enclose the one or more
food items in the resulting receptacle. One or more additional
items are placed into the cavity of the lid. The handle is lifted
upwards from the base top surface to the fully deployed position so
that the handle protrusion extends downwards toward the cavity and
exerts pressure on the items stored therein, thereby inhibiting
and/or preventing movement of the items or the lid. As shown in
FIG. 17, for example, the handle protrusion can apply pressure to a
condiment package stored in the chamber, causing the package to
expand outwards from the chamber in the region of the protrusion.
Preferably, the items define shapes that are complementary to the
shape of the chamber, so as to enhance the securing of the items in
the chamber. As shown in FIG. 18, the items in the chamber can be
accessed by rotating the handle downwards about the second pair of
hinge lines to a rest position on the lid top surface.
[0051] FIGS. 19 and 20 are views of another embodiment of a food
container with hinged handles. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the
food container 1000 includes a base 1010 having an undulating or
contoured sidewall with upper and lower sidewall edges, a bottom
surface adjacent the lower sidewall edge, a top surface 1030
adjacent the upper sidewall edge, and a pair of handles 1050, 1055
hingedly connected to the top surface. The undulating or contoured
sidewall is sized and shaped to form one or more separate cavities
1060 for receiving one or more vessels (e.g., cups) carrying fluids
or other items. Such fluids can include, but are not limited to,
coffees, dairy beverages, juices, sodas, teas, soup and waters.
Preferably, the food container has a unitary or one-piece
construction. Any other items can be carried by the vessels sized
to fit within the cavities.
[0052] FIG. 19 shows the handles 1050, 1055 in a rest
configuration, and FIG. 20 shows the handles 1050, 1055 in an
operative or deployed configuration. Each of the handles is
preferably formed from the material of the base. In most
embodiments, each handle is defined by forming one or more
perforations and a pair of hinge lines in the base top surface. The
pair of hinge lines allows the handle to be rotated upwards from
and downwards toward a rest position adjacent the base top surface.
Preferably, the perforations are arranged in a pattern for
producing a handle having a shape configured for being gripped by
fingers of a hand for enhanced ergonomics as well as for
aesthetics. While M-shaped handles 1050, 1055 are shown in FIG. 19,
otherwise shaped handles are possible. For example, the handles
1050, 1055 can have a shape similar to that of the handles in FIG.
22. When deployed, the handles can secure one or more vessels
within the cavities, if desired, as shown in FIG. 19.
[0053] In some embodiments of the food containers shown in FIGS. 19
and 20, the bottom surface and/or the lower sidewall edge that is
adjacent a cavity can include a feature known by those of ordinary
skill in the art to facilitate securing of a vessel into the
chamber and inhibit and/or prevent movement of the vessel. For
example, in some of such embodiments, the bottom surface and/or the
lower sidewall edge can include a sleeve, a groove, a stepped
portion, a textured surface and/or another feature formed thereon
or therein to facilitate securing of the vessel.
[0054] In some embodiments of the food container shown in FIGS. 19
and 20 include multiple (i.e., two or more) cavities, wherein two
or more of the multiple cavities can include different
cross-dimensions or shapes so as to receive corresponding vessels
having different cross-dimensions or shapes (e.g., so as to receive
small, medium, and large fluid-carrying vessels).
[0055] FIGS. 21 and 22 are perspective views of another embodiment
of a food container 1200 with hinged handles. As shown in FIGS. 21
and 22, the food container 1200 includes a base 1210 having a
sidewall with upper and lower sidewall edges, a bottom surface
adjacent the lower sidewall edge, a top surface adjacent the upper
sidewall edge, and a pair of handles 1250, 1255 hingedly connected
to the top surface 1230 and formed based on the aspects described
herein. The bottom surface of the base 1210 defines one or more
cavity portions 1219 therein that are sized and shaped to receive
one or more respective food items having different shapes. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the bottom surface of the
basket defines a substantially circular cavity portion 1219a for
receiving a fluid-carrying vessel (e.g., a cup), a
polygonally-shaped cavity portion 1219b for receiving an article
for carrying fried potatoes, and an oval cavity portion 1219c
(obstructed by the base 1210 in the view of FIGS. 21 and 22) for
receiving a sandwich. The bottom surface of the base 1210 can
define one or more cavity portions with desired sizes and shapes
for transporting one or more food items. Preferably, the food
container has a unitary or one-piece construction.
[0056] An exemplary and non-limiting use of the food container
shown in FIG. 21 will now be described. One or more food items are
placed in the base 1210 in the corresponding cavity 1219 portions
and the handles 1250, 1255 are lifted upwards from the top surface
of the base. Upon lifting of the basket, the movement and force of
gravity causes the food items to settle into and otherwise be
releaseably engaged by the corresponding cutout portions 1219.
[0057] FIGS. 23 and 24 are views of another embodiment of a food
container 1500 having hinged handles. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24,
the food container includes a tray container or base 1510 and a lid
1520 removably and replaceably attached to the tray container 1510.
The tray container 1510 and the lid 1520 cooperatively define a
receptacle therebetween for storing one or more food therein (e.g.,
the food items previously described herein). The lid 1520 includes
a lid lower edge and a lid top surface that defines a recessed
chamber or cavity 1535 therein, preferably sized and shaped for
receiving one or more items. The tray container 1510 includes a
tray top surface that defines a groove therein sized and shaped for
receiving the lid lower edge. Preferably, the tray container also
includes two locking tabs 1543 that are disposed at opposite ends
of the tray top surface and that extend inwards from the tray top
surface towards the interior of the tray container 1510 for
releaseably securing the lid 1520 to the tray container 1510.
Alternatively, the lid 1520 can be removably and replaceably
attached to the tray container 1510 based on methods known to those
of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, each of the tray
container 1510 and the lid 1520 has a unitary or one-piece
construction, or can be combined together as a single piece
clam-shell configuration.
[0058] Each of the handles 1550 is hingedly attached to the tray
top surface at a pair of hinge lines 1551. Each of the handles 1550
is preferably formed from the material of the tray container 1510.
Each of the handles 1550 can be formed from the top surface of the
tray container 1510 based on the aspects described herein, such as
to lock the lid and contents of the cavity in position. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 23, each handle 1550 includes an
undulating or contoured lower edge that can facilitate gripping of
the handle by fingers of a hand. Alternatively, each handle 1550
includes a smooth (i.e., non-undulating) lower edge, so that the
tray top surface from which the handle 1550 is formed (e.g., by
destruction of perforations in the tray top surface) includes a
similarly smooth outer edge.
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 23, the recessed chamber or cavity 1535
can include one or more separate compartments or regions 1561
formed therein, and/or one or more cavities can be provided, each
of which is sized and shaped to receive one or more items having
different sizes. For example, the compartments 1561 can be sized
and shaped to receive one or more condiment packages (e.g., salt,
pepper, ketchup, mustard, relish, and syrup packages).
Additionally, one or more items can be placed on top of the one or
more compartments. For example, as suggested in FIG. 23, eating
utensils and/or napkins can be placed on top of the filled
compartments.
[0060] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary use of the food container
shown in FIG. 23. As suggested in FIG. 25, one or more food items
can be placed in the tray container, the lid can be removably and
replaceably attached to the tray container, and the handles can be
lifted upwards from the top surface and grabbed with the fingers of
a hand to secure the lid and contents of the container in position,
and to transport the food container in a desired orientation (e.g.,
an upright orientation). The handles can also be used to place a
food container into, remove a food container from, and/or stack one
or more of the food containers in a desired orientation in a bag or
other article for carrying the food containers. The pairs of hinged
handles can be removably and replaceably attached to each other
based on aspects known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In
some embodiments, the first and second handles of a pair of handles
can include one or more mating surfaces to facilitate attachment
together. For example, as schematically shown in FIG. 25 at 1591,
the first handle 1550 can include one or more male protrusions, and
the second handle 1550 can include one or more mated female
depressions to engage each other.
[0061] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
food container with a hinged handle depicting the handle in a
operative configuration and FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the
food container of FIG. 26 depicting the handle in a rest
configuration. The food container 2000 includes a tray container or
base 2010, first and second lid portions 2020 and 2030 that are
each hingedly attached to the tray container 2010, and a handle
2050 that is hingedly attached to an upper surface 2018 of the
first lid portion 2020. The tray container 2010 and the first and
second lid portions 2020 and 2030 cooperatively define a receptacle
that is sized and shaped for storing one or more items (e.g., one
or more food items) therein.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 26, the first and second lid portions 2020
and 2030 can be disposed in a closed configuration, in which both
lid portions 2020 and 2030 contact the tray container 2010 to
define the receptacle therewithin. The first and second lid
portions 2020 and 2030 can also be disposed in one or more open
configurations, in which either or both lid portions 2020 and 2030
are rotated away from the tray container 2010 so to provide access
to items stored therein. For example, with the handle 2050 of the
food container 2000 in its rest configuration, the first and second
lid portions 2020 and 2030 can be rotated outwards from the tray
container 2010 into an open configuration so as to provide access
to one or more food items stored in the food container 2000. In
some embodiments, the first lid portion 2020 includes a groove
adjacent the rear of the handle 2050 sized and shaped for receiving
an outer edge 2090 of the second lid portion 2030 for flush
alignment.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 26, the second lid upper surface 2038
defines an access opening 2057 to receive and access the handle
2050. A female compartment 2061 also can be provided that is
recessed or otherwise offset from the second lid upper surface
2038. The female compartment 2061 is sized and shaped to
releaseably engage a male protrusion 2069 extending outwards from
the handle 2050.
[0064] FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary and non-limiting use of the
food container shown in FIG. 26. As suggested in FIG. 28, one or
more food items can be placed in the tray container. The first and
second lid portions can be rotated to closed configuration, and the
handle can be lifted upwards from the second lid portion top
surface. Lifting of the handle into its operative configuration
secures the first and second lid portions together, thereby
inhibiting and/or preventing the release of the items stored in the
food container. In some embodiments, the handle defines a cutout
portion that is sized and shaped for receiving a finger of a hand
to facilitate gripping of the handle. In its operative state, the
handle can be used to transport one or more items stored in the
container in a desired orientation (e.g., an upright orientation).
The handle can also be used to place a food container into, remove
a food container from, and/or stack one or more of the food
containers in a desired orientation in a bag or other article for
carrying the food containers.
[0065] FIG. 29 illustrates a stacking of two of the food containers
2000a, 2000b shown in FIG. 26. As shown FIG. 26, the top and bottom
surfaces of each food container can include one or more mated
surfaces to facilitate stacking and/or close packing of the food
containers. In some embodiments, the top surface of each food
container can include one or more male protrusions 2077 formed
thereon and the bottom surface can define one or more mated female
depressions therein. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the male
protrusions can be formed on the bottom surface, and the female
depressions can be defined by the top surface. In some of such
embodiments, the food containers can be securely stacked upon one
another by fitting the female depressions in the bottom surface of
one food container around the male protrusions in the top surface
of another food container. In some of such embodiments, the food
containers can be stacked so as to oppositely orient the lid
portions in each successive pair of stacked food containers.
[0066] The food containers shown and described herein can be
fabricated using materials and processes known to those of ordinary
skill in the art such as, but not limited to, the materials and the
processes described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,257,401 and 6,349,847, the
contents of which patents are expressly incorporated by reference
herein in their entireties. For example, the food containers can be
formed from one or more insulating foams, one or more plastics, one
or more paper stocks, and/or one or more other materials known by
those of ordinary skill in the art to be suitable for storage of
food items. Also for example, the food containers can be
thermoformed, vacuum-formed, molded, and/or otherwise formed using
one or more processes known by those of ordinary skill in the art
to be suitable for the fabrication of food containers.
[0067] The food containers shown and described herein can include
one or more additional features known by those of ordinary skill in
the art to enhance the stacking and/or close packing of the food
containers. For example, the surfaces of the food containers can
include one or more mated surfaces, e.g., surfaces with one or more
male protrusions and one or more mated female depressions, to
facilitate stacking and/or close packing.
[0068] The pairs of hinged handles of each food container shown and
described herein can be removably and replaceably attached to each
other based on aspects known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
In some embodiments, the first and second handles of a pair can
include one or more mating surfaces to facilitate attachment. For
example, as shown in FIG. 21, the first handle can include one or
more male protrusions, and the second handle can include one or
more mated female depressions.
[0069] While the disclosed food containers have been shown and
described with reference to the illustrated embodiments, those of
ordinary skill in the art will recognize and/or be able to
ascertain many equivalents to those embodiments. Such equivalents
are encompassed by the scope of the present disclosure and the
appended claims.
[0070] Unless otherwise provided, when the articles "a" or "an" are
used herein to modify a noun, they can be understood to include one
or more than one of the modified noun.
* * * * *