Salad ware

Abstract

An apparatus for holding various food components separately. The apparatus comprises a container member having each of a predetermined size and a predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material. Such container member having a base portion and at least one side wall extending upwardly from the base portion. A tray member is disposed within the container member, such tray member having a predetermined number of compartments disposed therein. There is a means secured to at least a portion of an inner surface of the at least one side wall for supporting the tray member. Such means is disposed in a predetermined position within the container member; and a lid member engageable with an upper portion of the at least one side wall of the container member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to a container and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a container for keeping components of a salad in separate compartments so to keep them fresh until ready to mix such salad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There is a current wave of popularity in the number of people that are concerned with eating a healthy diet. With this there is an increase in the popularity of salads. Salad lovers would very much enjoy taking a salad for lunch at work or for enjoyment in the park. This is an energizing and cost-effective way to stay healthy. However, there is nothing worse or less appetizing than finding the lettuce for a salad wilted and croutons soggy. It is very difficult to find a way of separating all of the condiments for a salad which could result in carrying six different containers. It could be possible to provide the salad fixings in separate plastic bags but in most cases this is not very convenient.

[0003] Thus, it would be advantageous if there were a single container that could be used to carry all of the ingredients for a salad in which the components were carried in separate compartments so as to not mix with the others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus for holding various food components separately. The apparatus comprises a container member having each of a predetermined size and a predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material. Such container member having a base portion and at least one side wall extending upwardly from the base portion. A tray member is disposed within the container member, such tray member having a predetermined number of compartments disposed therein. There is a means secured to at least a portion of an inner surface of the at least one side wall for supporting the tray member. Such means is disposed in a predetermined position within the container member; and a lid member engageable with an upper portion of the at least one side wall of the container member.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention is to provide a container for carrying the components for making a salad.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a container for carrying a salad component in which the components are kept separate.

[0007] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a container for carrying a salad fixings in which the salad makings are conveniently packed into individual compartments.

[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a container for carrying a salad fixings which can also be used for carrying snacks or other assorted treats.

[0009] These and various other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent after a full reading of the following detailed description, particularly, when read in conjunction with the attached drawings as described below and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the container member according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tray, member that fits inside the container member shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with a lid attached.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a round container member according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an oval container member according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

[0016] The present invention provides a container wherein there is a large compartment which is in the main part of the container which can be used to hold lettuce. The removable tray portion has six compartments for storing croutons, tomatoes, other salad items and salad dressings separately.

[0017] In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for holding various food components separately. The apparatus 10 comprises a container member 2 having each of a predetermined size and a predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material. Such container member 2 having a base portion 4 and at least one side wall 6 extending upwardly from the base portion 4. A tray member 8 is disposed within the container member 2, such tray member 8 having a predetermined number of compartments 12 disposed therein. There is a means, generally designated 20, secured to at least a portion of an inner surface of the at least one side wall 6 for supporting the tray member 8. Such means 20 is disposed in a predetermined position within the container member 2; and a lid member 14 engageable with an upper portion of the at least one side wall 6 of the container member 2.

[0018] The predetermined shape of the container member 2 is one of rectangular (as seen in FIG. 1), circular (as seen in FIG. 4) and oval (as seen in FIG. 5). It is presently preferred that such container member is substantially rectangular. In the case where the container member is substantially rectangular there are four side walls 6.

[0019] The means 20 for supporting the tray member includes at least one ledge member 16 secured to at least one corner of each side wall 6 intermediate the base portion 4 and an upper end 18 of each side wall 6. The upper end 18 of each side wall of the container member 2 has an arcuate shoulder 22 disposed thereon.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention such container member 2 including the base portion 4, the at least one side wall 6, the ledge portion 16 and the arcuate shoulder 22 are formed as a unitary member. It is also preferred that such predetermined number of compartments disposed in the tray member is six.

[0021] The lid member 14 has a lip portion 24 disposed on each end in a lengthwise direction of the lid member 14 for engagement with the arcuate shoulder 22 formed on the at least one side wall 6 for securing the lid 14 to the container 2.

[0022] The base portion 4 of the container member 2 is narrower than is the top portion of the container member 2 and thus the container member 2 is substantially a truncated trapezoid.

[0023] In an alternate embodiment of the invention the predetermined shape of the container member 2 is substantially oval or circular.

[0024] In either of these embodiments such means 20 for supporting tray member 8 includes a plurality of ledge members 16 secured to predetermined locations around an inner surface of the at least one side wall 6 intermediate the base portion 4 and an upper end 18 of at least one side wall 6.

[0025] As with the previous embodiment the upper end 18 of the at least one side wall 6 of the container member has an arcuate shoulder 22 disposed thereon.

[0026] Also it is presently preferred that such container member 2 including the base portion 4, the at least one side wall 6, the ledge portion 16 and the arcuate shoulder 22 are formed as a unitary member.

[0027] Such lid member 14 has a lip portion 24 on an outer periphery of the lid member for engagement with the arcuate shoulder 22 that is formed on the at least one side wall 6.

[0028] Although all of the discussion has been toward the use of the container for carrying the components of a salad it is within the scope of the invention that such container has other applications. Such container 2 can be used for carrying such items as pretzels, chips, crackers or a variety of other snack items in the main compartment while the sectioned containers could be used to hold a variety of dips such as ranch dip, salsa, fruit dips and cheese.

[0029] It is presently preferred that all of the pieces of the apparatus be made of a plastic type material. It is also preferred that such plastic be lightweight, colored in a bright color, and be dishwasher safe.

[0030] While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for holding various food components separately, said apparatus comprising: (a) a container member having each of a predetermined size and a predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material; said container member having a base portion and at least one side wall extending upwardly from said base portion; (b) a tray member disposed within said container member, said tray member having a predetermined number of compartments disposed therein; (c) a means secured to at least a portion of an inner surface of said at least one side wall for supporting said tray member, said means disposed in a predetermined position within said container member; and (d) a lid member engageable with an upper portion of said at least one side wall of said container member.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined shape of said container member is one of rectangular, circular and oval.

3. The apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined shape of said container member is substantially rectangular.

4. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said apparatus has four side walls.

5. The apparatus, according to claim 4, wherein said means for supporting said tray member includes at least one ledge member secured to at least one corner of each side wall intermediate said base portion and an upper end of each side wall.

6. The apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein said upper end of said each side wall of said container member has an arcuate shoulder disposed thereon.

7. The apparatus, according to claim 6, wherein said container member including said base portion, said at least one side wall, said ledge portion and said arcuate shoulder are formed as a unitary member.

8. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined number of compartments disposed in said tray member is six.

9. The apparatus, according to claim 6, wherein said lid member has a lip portion disposed on an outer edge for engagement with said arcuate shoulder formed on said at least one side wall for securing said lid to said container.

10. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said base portion of said container member is narrower than is a top portion of said container member.

11. The apparatus, according to claim 10, wherein said shape of said container member is substantially a truncated trapezoid.

12. The apparatus, according to claim 8, wherein said lid member has a lip portion on each end in a lengthwise direction of said lid member for engagement with said arcuate shoulder formed on said at least one side wall.

13. The apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined shape of said container member is substantially oval.

14. The apparatus, according to claim 13, wherein said means for supporting said tray member includes a plurality of ledge members secured to predetermined locations around an inner surface of said at least one side wall intermediate said base portion and an upper end of said at least one side wall.

15. The apparatus, according to claim 14, wherein said upper end of said at least one side wall of said container member has an arcuate shoulder disposed thereon.

16. The apparatus, according to claim 15, wherein said container member including said base portion, said at least one side wall, said ledge portion and said arcuate shoulder are formed as a unitary member.

17. The apparatus, according to claim 16, wherein said lid member has a lip portion on an outer periphery of said lid member for engagement with said arcuate shoulder formed on said at least one side wall.

18. The apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined shape of said container member is substantially circular.

19. The apparatus, according to claim 18, wherein said means for supporting said tray member includes a plurality of ledge members secured to predetermined locations around an inner surface of said at least one side wall intermediate said base portion and an upper end of said at least one side wall.