U.S. patent application number 12/244088 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-13 for foodware set that includes a multifunction cover-base assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Extron International Limited. Invention is credited to Jean-Pierre F.M. Geelen.
Application Number | 20090200324 12/244088 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40938036 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090200324 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Geelen; Jean-Pierre F.M. |
August 13, 2009 |
Foodware Set That Includes A Multifunction Cover-Base Assembly
Abstract
A foodware set having a covered configuration and a serving
configuration. The foodware set includes a container defining a
cavity for receiving a comestible during use. The foodware set
further includes a cover-base that functions as a cover for the
cavity when the set is in the covered configuration and as a base
for supporting the container in a manner that exposes the cavity
and comestible when the set is in the serving configuration. In one
embodiment, the cover-base includes a plurality of resilient
fittings each having an integral latch for holdingly engaging the
container and an integral foot for providing the set with
slip-resistance when the foodware set is in its serving
configuration and the set is resting on a relatively hard, smooth
surface.
Inventors: |
Geelen; Jean-Pierre F.M.;
(Antwerp, BE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DOWNS RACHLIN MARTIN PLLC
199 MAIN STREET, P O BOX 190
BURLINGTON
VT
05402-0190
US
|
Assignee: |
Extron International
Limited
Tortola
VG
|
Family ID: |
40938036 |
Appl. No.: |
12/244088 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61026800 |
Feb 7, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/780 ;
206/557 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/0074 20130101;
B65D 21/0234 20130101; B65D 1/34 20130101; B65D 2543/00231
20130101; B65D 2543/00638 20130101; B65D 11/20 20130101; B65D
2543/00805 20130101; B65D 43/0212 20130101; B65D 85/36 20130101;
B65D 2543/00194 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/00685
20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/780 ;
206/557 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/16 20060101
B65D041/16; B65D 1/34 20060101 B65D001/34 |
Claims
1. A foodware set having a serving configuration and a covered
configuration, the foodware set comprising: a container for
receiving a comestible during use, said container having a top
opening and at least one catch region located around said top
opening; and a cover-base having an open end and a cavity sized to
receive substantially all of said container when the foodware set
is in the serving configuration, said cover-base covering said top
opening of said container when the foodware set is in the covered
configuration and said cover-base receiving in said cavity
substantially all of the container when the foodware set is in the
serving configuration, said cover-base including: a rim surrounding
a substantially defining said open end; and at least one resilient
latch located proximate said rim and configured to latchingly
engage said at least one catch region when the foodware set is in
each of the serving and covering configurations.
2. A foodware set according to claim 1, wherein said cover-base
includes a plurality of resilient latches spaced from one another
around said rim.
3. A foodware set according to claim 2, wherein said cover-base has
a top-bottom wall confronting a horizontal surface when the
foodware is in the serving configuration, said exterior base
including a plurality of high-friction feet for inhibiting slipping
of the foodware set on the horizontal surface when the foodware set
is in the serving configuration.
4. A foodware set according to claim 3, wherein ones of said
plurality of high-friction feet are integral with corresponding
respective ones of said resilient latches so as to form a plurality
of resilient fittings.
5. A foodware set according to claim 4, wherein each of said
plurality of resilient fittings is a monolithic elastomeric
body.
6. A foodware set according to claim 2, wherein each of said
plurality of latches is part of a corresponding one of a plurality
of resilient fittings and said cover-base includes a plurality of
apertures, said plurality of resilient fittings being secured to
said cover-base via corresponding respective ones of said plurality
of apertures.
7. A foodware set according to claim 6, wherein said cover-base has
a sidewall and each of said plurality of apertures is a vertically
elongated slot formed at least partially in said sidewall, each of
said plurality of resilient fittings including an elongated body
and an integrally molded elongated fastener for mechanically
fastening that one of said plurality of resilient fittings to said
cover-base via said vertically elongated slot, said integrally
molded elongated fastener including a neck portion and a head
portion, said neck portion filling said vertically elongated slot
and said head portion being larger than said aperture so as to
provide a mechanical connection between that one of said plurality
of resilient fittings and said cover-base.
8. A foodware set according to claim 7, wherein said sidewall
includes a plurality of corners, each said vertically elongated
slot located at a corresponding one of said plurality of
corners.
9. A foodware set according to claim 8, wherein said sidewall of
said cover-base has an exterior and an interior and includes at
each of said plurality of corners: a recess on said exterior that
receives said head of a corresponding respective one of said
plurality of resilient fittings so as to make said head flush with
said exterior; and a recess on said interior that receives said
elongated body of a corresponding respective one of said plurality
of resilient fittings so as to make said elongated body flush with
said interior.
10. A foodware set according to claim 8, wherein said sidewall of
said cover base is thickened substantially only at each of said
plurality of corners so as to form a plurality of shoulders for
holdingly engaging the pan in concert with said plurality of
latches when the foodware set is in each of the covered and serving
configurations.
11. A foodware set according to claim 7, wherein said cover-base
has a top-bottom wall attached to said sidewall, each said
vertically elongated slot extending onto said top-bottom wall, each
said head of said integrally molded elongated fastener extending
onto said top-bottom wall and configured to provide a corresponding
one of said plurality of high-friction feet.
12. A foodware set according to claim 2, wherein said container has
an outwardly turned peripheral flange circumscribing said top
opening and said plurality of catch regions are corresponding
respective portions of said outwardly turned peripheral flange.
13. A foodware set according to claim 12, wherein said outwardly
turned peripheral flange has an upper surface and a lower surface
spaced from said upper surface, said cover-base having a sidewall
that includes an interior shoulder adjacent said rim, said shelf
engaging said upper surface of said outwardly turned flange of said
container when the foodware set is in the cover configuration and
said shelf engaging said lower surface of said outwardly turned
flange of said container when the foodware set is in the serving
configuration.
14. A foodware set according to claim 1, wherein said rim includes
a notch receiving a portion of one of said at least one resilient
latch.
15. A foodware set according to claim 14, wherein each of said
plurality of resilient latches is pivotably mounted in said
notch.
16. A bakeware set having a serving configuration and a covered
configuration, comprising: a baking pan including: a first cavity
having a top opening; and an outwardly turned flange surrounding
said top opening and having an upper surface and a lower surface
spaced from said upper surface; and a cover-base assembly having a
sidewall and a top-bottom wall together defining a second cavity
for receiving substantially all of said baking pan when the
bakeware set is in the serving configuration, said cover-base
assembly including: at least one shoulder formed in said sidewall,
said at least one shoulder engaging said upper surface of said
outwardly turned flange when the bakeware set is in the covered
configuration and engaging said lower surface when the bakeware set
is in the serving configuration; a rim formed on said sidewall and
spaced from said at least one shoulder opposite said top-bottom
wall; and a plurality of resilient latches secured to at least said
sidewall and located and configured to latchingly engage said
outwardly turned flange when the bakeware set is in each of its
covered and serving configurations so as to retain said outwardly
turned flange in engagement with said at least one shoulder.
17. A bakeware set according to claim 16, wherein said top-bottom
wall of cover-base assembly has an exterior surface, said
cover-base assembly further including a plurality of high-friction
feet raised relative to said exterior surface of said top-bottom
wall, said plurality of high-friction feet being formed integrally
with corresponding respective ones of said plurality of resilient
latches so as to form a plurality of resilient fittings.
18. A bakeware set according to claim 17, wherein each of said
plurality of resilient fittings is a monolithic elastomeric
body.
19. A bakeware set according to claim 18, wherein said cover-base
assembly has an exterior and an interior, each said monolithic
elastomeric body including an exterior portion exposed to said
exterior of said cover-base assembly, and an interior portion
exposed to said interior of said cover-base assembly, said exterior
and interior portions connected to one another by a neck portion
that extends through said cover-base assembly.
20. A bakeware set according to claim 19, wherein a bottom portion
of said exterior portion of said monolithic elastomeric body
provides a corresponding one of said plurality of high-friction
feet.
21. A bakeware set according to claim 17, wherein each said
plurality of resilient latches is integral with said interior
portion of a corresponding respective one of said plurality of
resilient fittings.
22. A bakeware set according to claim 17, wherein said top opening
of said baking pan defines a plurality of first corners and
sidewall of said cover-base assembly forms a plurality of second
corners with itself that correspond respectively to said plurality
of first corners of said baking pan, said plurality of resilient
fittings being located at corresponding respective ones of said
plurality of second corners.
23. A bakeware set according to claim 22, wherein said rim includes
a plurality of notches located at corresponding respective ones of
said plurality of second corners, said plurality of notches
receiving corresponding respective portions of ones of said
plurality of resilient latches.
24. A bakeware set according to claim 16, wherein said sidewall of
said cover-base assembly has a plurality of corners and includes a
plurality of shoulders substantially only at said plurality of
corners.
25. A bakeware set according to claim 24, wherein said plurality of
shoulders are formed by thickened regions of said sidewall.
26. A cover-base assembly for use with a container to provide the
container with a covered configuration and a serving configuration,
the container including a first cavity having a top opening and
further including an outwardly turned flange surrounding the top
opening and having an upper surface and a lower surface spaced from
the upper surface, the cover-base assembly comprising: a cover-base
member that includes: a sidewall and a top-bottom wall together
defining a second cavity for receiving substantially all of the
container when the cover-base assembly and the container are in the
serving configuration; at least one shoulder formed in said
sidewall, said sidewall engaging the upper surface of the outwardly
turned flange when the cover-base assembly and the container are in
the covered configuration and engaging the lower surface when the
cover-base assembly and the container are in the serving
configuration; and a rim formed on said sidewall and spaced from
said at least one shoulder opposite said top-bottom wall; and a
plurality of resilient latches secured to at least said sidewall
and located and configured to latchingly engage the outwardly
turned flange when the cover-base assembly and the container are in
each of their covered and serving configurations so as to retain
the outwardly turned flange in engagement with said at least one
shoulder.
27. A cover-base assembly according to claim 26, wherein said
top-bottom wall of said cover-base member has an exterior surface,
the cover-base assembly further including a plurality of
high-friction feet raised relative to said exterior surface of said
top-bottom wall, said plurality of high-friction feet being formed
integrally with corresponding respective ones of said plurality of
resilient latches so as to form a plurality of resilient
fittings.
28. A cover-base assembly according to claim 27, wherein each of
said plurality of resilient fittings is a monolithic elastomeric
body.
29. A cover-base assembly according to claim 28, wherein the
cover-base assembly has an exterior and an interior, each said
monolithic elastomeric body including an exterior portion exposed
to said exterior of said cover-base assembly, and an interior
portion exposed to said interior of said cover-base assembly, said
exterior and interior portions connected to one another by a neck
portion that extends through said cover-base member.
30. A cover-base assembly according to claim 29, wherein a bottom
portion of said exterior portion of said monolithic elastomeric
body provides a corresponding one of said plurality of
high-friction feet.
31. A cover-base assembly according to claim 27, wherein each said
plurality of resilient latches is integral with said interior
portion of a corresponding respective one of said plurality of
resilient fittings.
32. A cover-base assembly according to claim 27, wherein the top
opening of the container defines a plurality of first corners and
said sidewall of said cover-base assembly forms a plurality of
second corners with itself that correspond respectively to the
plurality of first corners of the container, said plurality of
resilient fittings being located at corresponding respective ones
of said plurality of second corners.
33. A cover-base assembly according to claim 32, wherein said rim
includes a plurality of notches located at corresponding respective
ones of said plurality of second corners, said plurality of notches
receiving corresponding respective portions of ones of said
plurality of resilient latches.
34. A cover-base assembly according to claim 26, wherein each of
said plurality of resilient latches is part of a corresponding one
of a plurality of resilient fittings and said cover-base member
includes a plurality of apertures, said plurality of resilient
fittings being secured to said cover-base member via corresponding
respective ones of said plurality of apertures.
35. A foodware set according to claim 34, wherein each of said
plurality of apertures is a vertically elongated slot, each of said
plurality of resilient fittings including an elongated body and an
integrally molded elongated fastener for mechanically fastening
that one of said plurality of resilient fittings to said cover-base
member via said vertically elongated slot, said integrally molded
elongated fastener including a neck portion and a head portion,
said neck portion filling said vertically elongated slot and said
head portion being larger than said aperture so as to provide a
mechanical connection between that one of said plurality of
resilient fittings and said cover-base.
36. A cover-base assembly according to claim 35, wherein said
sidewall of said cover-base member has a plurality of corners, an
exterior and an interior, and includes at each of said plurality of
corners: a recess on said exterior that receives said head of a
corresponding respective one of said plurality of resilient
fittings so as to make said head flush with said exterior; and a
recess on said interior that receives said elongated body of a
corresponding respective one of said plurality of resilient
fittings so as to make said elongated body flush with said
interior.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/026,800, filed on Feb.
7, 2008, and titled "Bakeware System Including A Dual-Function
Cover/Serving Base," which is incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of food
apparatus. In particular, the present invention is directed to a
foodware set that includes a multifunction cover-serving base
assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Normally, bakeware, such as a metal baking pan, does not
come with a cover or serving base. Consumers are expected to
transfer the goods baked in the bakeware into a different container
for storage/transporting or a serving tray for serving. There are
some bakeware sets on the market that have specially designed
shallow (relative to the depth of the bakeware) polypropylene
covers that can be clipped onto the bakeware with living-hinge
polypropylene clips. These covers function only to cover the
interior of the bakeware and any contents that may be present in
the bakeware. There are other bakeware sets on the market that have
similar shallow covers that engage the bakeware simply by friction
fit. These covers, too, function only to cover the interior and any
contents of the bakeware.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In one implementation, the present disclosure is directed to
a foodware set having a serving configuration and a covered
configuration. The foodware set includes: a container for receiving
a comestible during use, the container having a top opening and at
least one catch region located around the top opening; and a
cover-base having an open end and a cavity sized to receive
substantially all of the container when the foodware set is in the
serving configuration, the cover-base covering the top opening of
the container when the foodware set is in the covered configuration
and the cover-base receiving in the cavity substantially all of the
container when the foodware set is in the serving configuration,
the cover-base including: a rim surrounding a substantially
defining the open end; and at least one resilient latch located
proximate the rim and configured to latchingly engage the at least
one catch region when the foodware set is in each of the serving
and covering configurations.
[0005] In another implementation, the present disclosure is
directed to a bakeware set having a serving configuration and a
covered configuration. The bakeware set includes a baking pan
including: a first cavity having a top opening; and an outwardly
turned flange surrounding the top opening and having an upper
surface and a lower surface spaced from the upper surface; and a
cover-base assembly having a sidewall and a top-bottom wall
together defining a second cavity for receiving substantially all
of the baking pan when the bakeware set is in the serving
configuration, the cover-base assembly including: at least one
shoulder formed in the sidewall, the at least one shoulder engaging
the upper surface of the outwardly turned flange when the bakeware
set is in the covered configuration and engaging the lower surface
when the bakeware set is in the serving configuration; a rim formed
on the sidewall and spaced from the at least one shoulder opposite
the top-bottom wall; and a plurality of resilient latches secured
to at least the sidewall and located and configured to latchingly
engage the outwardly turned flange when the bakeware set is in each
of its covered and serving configurations so as to retain the
outwardly turned flange in engagement with the at least one
shoulder.
[0006] In still another implementation, the present disclosure is
directed to a cover-base assembly for use with a container to
provide the container with a covered configuration and a serving
configuration, the container including a first cavity having a top
opening and further including an outwardly turned flange
surrounding the top opening and having an upper surface and a lower
surface spaced from the upper surface. The cover-base assembly
includes a cover-base member that includes: a sidewall and a
top-bottom wall together defining a second cavity for receiving
substantially all of the container when the cover-base assembly and
the container are in the serving configuration; at least one
shoulder formed in the sidewall, the sidewall engaging the upper
surface of the outwardly turned flange when the cover-base assembly
and the container are in the covered configuration and engaging the
lower surface when the cover-base assembly and the container are in
the serving configuration; and a rim formed on the sidewall and
spaced from the at least one shoulder opposite the top-bottom wall;
and a plurality of resilient latches secured to at least the
sidewall and located and configured to latchingly engage the
outwardly turned flange when the cover-base assembly and the
container are in each of their covered and serving configurations
so as to retain the outwardly turned flange in engagement with the
at least one shoulder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings
show aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However,
it should be understood that the present invention is not limited
to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the
drawings, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example foodware set that
includes a pan and a multi-function cover-base assembly made in
accordance with broad concepts disclosed herein;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the example
foodware set of FIG. 1 showing the cover-base assembly engaging the
pan in its covering position;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevational view of the example
foodware set of FIG. 1 showing the cover-base assembly engaging the
pan in its base position;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the example foodware set
of FIG. 1 in the configuration of FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a reduced perspective view of the cover-base
member of FIGS. 1-4 with the multifunction fittings removed to
reveal the engagement slots in the cover-base member that receive
corresponding respective ones of the multifunction fittings;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the
multifunction fittings of the cover-base assembly of FIGS. 1-4;
[0014] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cover-base
assembly of the example foodware set as taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cover-base
assembly of the example foodware set as taken along line 8-8 of
FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 9 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the
example foodware set in the configuration of FIG. 1 as taken along
line 9-9 of FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 10 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the
example foodware set in the configuration of FIG. 2 as taken along
line 10-10 of FIG. 3; and
[0018] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective partial view of the
cover-base assembly of the example foodware set showing one of the
corners of the assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The present disclosure pertains to a foodware set that
includes a multifunction cover-base made largely of a relatively
rigid material, but which includes specially designed fittings made
of a relatively soft/flexible material. These fittings allow the
cover-base to be used, for example, as a lid, or cover, for a pan
(such as a bakepan), or other similarly shaped container, and also
as a base that can be attached underneath the pan for times when
contents of the pan is desired to be accessible, such as during
serving. When used underneath the pan, in some embodiments
(including the embodiment shown in the drawings herein) the
specially designed soft-material fittings also double as feet that
inhibit sliding of the base on smooth surfaces and inhibit
scratching of the surfaces and the cover-base assembly itself.
[0020] The soft-material fittings are of a special shape to perform
the above functions. In the example shown in the accompanying
drawings, the fittings are secured to the cover-base via specially
shaped openings in the cover-base that are designed to hold these
fittings. The material used for the fittings can be an elastomeric
material, such as silicone rubber, or one or more other materials,
such as one or more other materials having resilient and/or
anti-slip qualities similar to silicone rubber. The cover-base
itself can be made of, for example, melamine, polycarbonate, ABS
plastic, acrylic or a polypropylene with a desired
stiffness/rigidity, and combinations thereof.
[0021] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-11 illustrate one
example of a foodware set 100 made in accordance with broad
concepts presented in this disclosure. FIG. 1, in particular, shows
foodware set 100 as including a pan 104 and a cover-base assembly
108 for engaging the pan in both a cover position 200 and a base
position 300 as shown, respectively, in FIGS. 2 and 3. As seen in
FIG. 1, pan 104 has a bottom wall 112 and a sidewall 116 that
together define an interior space 120, or cavity, for holding one
or more comestibles (not shown) during use. Sidewall 116 includes
an outwardly turned peripheral lip 124 that interacts with
cover-base assembly 108 in each of cover and base positions 200,
300 (FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively), as further described below. As
those skilled in the art will appreciate and as will be further
understood by reading this entire disclosure, in alternative
embodiments outwardly turned lip 124 may be replaced by one or more
other structures that provide catch regions for being holdingly
engaged by cover-base assembly 108, such as strategically placed
lateral ridges or lips, which may optionally be used in conjunction
with one or more corresponding respective depressions formed in the
sidewall, among others.
[0022] In this example, pan 104 is a relatively shallow pan having
a rectangular shape. However, as those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate, a pan (or other similarly shaped body) for use
in a set of the present disclosure may be virtually any other shape
desired, such as circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc. and
may have other characteristics. For example, pan 104 may be a
muffin or other similar pan having multiple depressions for holding
and/or baking muffins and other similar items. Pan 104 may be made
of any suitable material such as metal (shown), ceramic, glass and
high temperature plastic, and combinations thereof. Of course, pan
104 may be treated with a non-stick or other coating, for example
on the surfaces of bottom wall 112 and sidewall 116 facing interior
space 120. Pan 104 may be any suitable pan (or similar body), such
as a conventional pan having suitable characteristics for being
holdingly engaged by cover-base assembly 108 and any newly
developed pan having such characteristics.
[0023] Referring still to FIG. 1, in this example cover-base
assembly 108 includes a relatively rigid cover-base member 128 and
one or more (here, four) relatively soft multifunction resilient
fittings 132A-D. A function of each resilient fitting 132A-D is to
holdingly engage pan 104 when cover-base assembly 108 is in each of
its cover and base positions 200, 300 (FIGS. 2 and 3,
respectively). In this example, each resilient fitting 132A-D
engages outwardly turned lip 124 in a manner that secures pan 104
relatively firmly to cover-base assembly 108. The details of this
engagement are described below in more detail. In this example,
another function of resilient fittings 132A-D when cover-base
assembly 108 is in its base position 300 (FIG. 3) is to provide set
100 with integral feet 304A-D that slightly elevate cover-base
member 128 off of a surface 304 (FIG. 3) on which the set is
resting. When fittings 132A-D, more particularly feet 304A-D (FIGS.
3 and 4), are made of silicone rubber or other soft material(s),
the feet can also provide a slippage inhibiting function,
especially if surface 308 is such that lower-friction feet would
tend to slide thereon. This is helpful, for example, when set 100
is in a serving configuration with cover-base assembly 108 in base
position 300 of FIG. 3, surface 308 is relatively low friction and
a user (not shown) is attempting to take a serving of a comestible
from pan 104 and is applying horizontal forces to the set, for
example, with a serving spoon (not shown). In this case,
low-friction feet 304A-D inhibit set 100 from sliding on surface
308 in response to those horizontal forces.
[0024] As mentioned above, a foodware set made in accordance with
broad concepts of the present disclosure, such as foodware set 100
of FIGS. 1-11, may include one or more resilient fittings that may
be the same as or similar to fittings 132A-D of foodware set 100.
FIGS. 1-11 illustrate a situation in which multiple fittings 132A-D
are used, in that case to hold each of the four corners of pan 104
in proper relation to cover-base assembly 108 in either its cover
or base position 200, 300 (FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively). As another
example, in which the pan (not shown) is circular in shape and the
inserts are provided with feet in a manner similar to feet 304A-D
of fittings 132A-D (see, e.g., FIG. 3), the corresponding
cover-base assembly (not shown) may be provided with three inserts
located, for example, 120.degree. from each adjacent insert around
the periphery of the assembly. In this example, a minimum of three
inserts is required (assuming no other feet are provided on the
cover-base assembly) to provide stability to the assembly when the
foodware set is in its base configuration (similar to the
configuration shown in FIG. 3).
[0025] If the inserts for a circular pan are not provided with
feet, the corresponding foodware set may have fewer than three
inserts. For example, in the context of a circular pan and
cover-base assembly (not shown), the assembly may include two
flexible inserts located, for example, diametrically opposite one
another. In another example, a foodware assembly made in accordance
with broad concepts of the present disclosure may have a single
flexible insert. For example, a square pan and corresponding square
cover-base assembly (not shown) may be provided with fixed features
on one side of the square and/or at the corners on that side that
engage one another so as to hold the pan and cover-base assembly
together along that side in both of the cover and base
configurations (similar to the configurations shown in FIGS. 2 and
3, respectively). Then, the side of the square set opposite the
side held by the fixed features can be provided with a flexible
insert in the general manner of resilient fittings 132A-D of
foodware set 100 of FIGS. 1-11. To use such an embodiment, the
fixed features may provide a hinge of sorts, and once the fixed
features are engaged with one another, the opposing end of the pan
or cover-base assembly can be pivoted so that the flexible insert
on the cover-base assembly holdingly engages the pan.
[0026] As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, many
configurations of foodware sets are possible using broad concepts
of the present disclosure. That said, skilled artisans will also
readily understand that the various configurations are within their
grasp without the need for undue experimentation such that the
appended claims need not be limited in scope whatsoever by the
limited number of examples explicitly presented herein.
[0027] Looking now at further details of resilient fittings 132A-D
of FIGS. 1-4 in more detail, attention is directed to FIGS. 5-11.
FIG. 5 shows cover-base member 128 without inserts 132A-D (see,
e.g., FIG. 1) so as to illustrate features of the cover-base member
that interact directly with the inserts. Like pan 104 (FIG. 1),
cover-base member 128 includes a top-bottom wall 500 (top or bottom
depending on whether the cover-base member is in its cover or base
position 200, 300 (FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively) and a sidewall 504
having four generally vertical corners 508A-D. In this example,
each generally vertical corner 508A-D of cover-base member 128 is
provided with a corresponding aperture 512A-D and notch 516A-D for
receiving corresponding respective parts of corresponding
respective ones of resilient fittings 132A-D (see, e.g., FIG.
1).
[0028] With continuing reference to FIG. 5, and also referring to
FIGS. 6 and 7, it can be seen that in this embodiment sidewall 504
at each vertical corner 508A-D (although FIG. 7 corresponds
explicitly to only corner 508A, for convenience various components
in FIG. 7 are labeled to represent all four corners 508A-D since
corners 508B-D are essentially identical to corner 508A) is
thickened so that exposed surfaces of each insert 132A-D proximate
the inner and outer surfaces of sidewall 504 are flush with those
surfaces so as to make the finished cover-base assembly 108 (see,
e.g., FIG. 1) with not only a high-quality appearance and
attractiveness, but also easy to clean. In this connection, the
interior side of sidewall 504 at each corner 508A-D may be
considered to have an interior recess 520A-D, and the exterior side
of the sidewall at each corner may be considered to have an
exterior recess 524A-D, with the corresponding aperture 512A-D
extending between these recesses.
[0029] As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, each resilient fitting 132A-D
of this example includes an interior portion 600A-D, an exterior
portion 604A-D and a neck portion 608A-D extending between the
interior and exterior portions. As seen in FIG. 7, each of these
portions 600A-D, 604A-D, 608A-D substantially conformally engages,
respectively, a corresponding one of interior recess 520A-D,
exterior recess 524A-D and aperture 512A-D. In this example, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that each neck portion
608A-D and corresponding exterior portion 604A-D (which acts like
the head of a rivet or like fastener) in effect function as an
elongate fastener securing the corresponding resilient fitting
132A-D to cover-base member 128. These elongate fasteners can be
engaged with cover-base member 128 by forcing exterior portions
604A-D through corresponding respective apertures 512A-D from the
interior of the base member and, taking advantage of the high
flexibility/resiliency of resilient fittings 132A-D, manipulating
the exterior portion and interior portions 600A-D so that they
properly fill the corresponding respective ones of exterior and
interior recesses 524A-D, 520A-D, respectively.
[0030] The "length" of neck portion 608A-D in a direction extending
between interior portion 600A-D and exterior portion 604A-D in a
relaxed state, such as the state shown in FIG. 6, may be made
slightly less than the thickness, t.sub.aperture, of sidewall 504
at aperture 512A-D so that when each resilient fitting 132A-D is
installed into cover-base member 128 at corresponding respective
ones of corners 508A-D, the corresponding neck portion remains in
tension so as to enhance the engagement of that fitting with the
cover-base member. This can provide a relatively very firm
engagement of resilient fittings 132A-D with cover-base member 128.
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section of sidewall 504 at corner 508A
(though FIG. 8 is labeled to generalize this figure to all four
corners 508A-D for the same reason mentioned above relative to FIG.
7) showing not only the thickening of the sidewall at the corners,
but also the configuration of interior recesses 520A-D at a
location outside of the region of both apertures 512A-D and
exterior recess 524A-D. Again, in this example the thickening of
sidewall 504 in concert with the depth of interior recesses 520A-D
at corners 508A-D not only increases the aesthetics of cover-base
assembly 108, but also makes the assembly easy to clean.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 9-11, each resilient fitting 132A-D
further includes a flexible latch 612A-D for conformally engaging
outwardly turned peripheral lip 124 (FIGS. 9 and 10) of pan 104 so
as to holdingly engage the pan with cover-base assembly 108 in both
its cover and base positions 200, 300 (FIGS. 2 and 9 & FIGS. 3
and 10, respectively). In this example, each flexible latch 612A-D
includes a head 616A-D and a neck 620A-D that joins the head to the
rest of the corresponding resilient fitting 132A-D. Each neck
620A-D is configured to define a corresponding groove 1100A-D (FIG.
11) sized and shaped to substantially conformally receive outwardly
turned peripheral lip 124. Each neck 620A-D is also configured to
flex so as to allow a user to pivot the corresponding head 616A-D
in a direction generally away from the interior of cover-base
assembly 108 when disengaging and/or engaging pan 104 with the
corresponding groove 1100A-D. This pivoting movement is represented
by arrows 900, 1000 in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively. It is noted
that the size/configuration of each groove 1100A-D may be designed
so that when outwardly turned peripheral lip 124 of pan 104 is
engaged with each groove 1100A-D and each head 616A-D is in its
holding position, specifically, either cover holding position 904
of FIG. 9 or base holding position 1004 of FIG. 10, the
corresponding neck 620A-D remains slightly flexed so as to apply a
continuous holding force to the outwardly turned peripheral
lip.
[0032] As best seen in FIG. 11, in this example the thickened
portion (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8) of sidewall 504 at each corner
508A-D defines a pair of shoulders 1104A-D, 1108A-D on opposing
lateral sides of interior recess 520A-D. When pan 104 (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 2 and 3) is properly engaged with cover-base assembly 108 in
each of cover configuration (FIGS. 2 and 9) and base configuration
(FIGS. 3 and 10), shoulders 1104A-D, 1108A-D provide firm surfaces
on the cover-base assembly for outwardly turned peripheral lip 124
to engage in these configurations. With this arrangement of
shoulders 1104A-D, 1108A-D, when cover-base assembly 108 is in its
cover position 200 (FIGS. 2 and 9), a seal is effected between the
cover-base assembly and pan 104 at locations other than the corners
by the close proximity and/or contacting engagement of the lateral
margins of outwardly turned peripheral flange 124 with sidewall 504
of cover-base member 128. A similar seal can be effected with
cover-base assembly 108 in its base position 300 (FIGS. 3 and 10),
as well. It is noted that in other embodiments, the cover-base
member may be provided with one or more shoulders (not shown)
around substantially the entire interior of the sidewall of the
cover-base member such that a suitable seal between the pan and
cover-base assembly is effected by the engagement of such
shoulder(s) by the upper or lower surface of the outwardly turned
peripheral flange. In yet other embodiments, any shoulders provided
may be provided intermittently around the interior surface of the
sidewall of the cover-base member. In still further embodiments,
virtually the entire upper edge of the cover-base member may be
configured to engage each of the upper and lower surfaces of an
outwardly turned flange of a corresponding pan. In that case, any
lateral stability may be provided either by the resilient fittings
or rigid structures secured to (including integrally molded with)
the cover-base member, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in
the art will readily appreciate that other variations not
explicitly described above are likewise possible and within the
broad scope of the concepts disclosed herein.
[0033] In this example, head 620A-D of each resilient fitting
132A-D is partially located in a corresponding one of notches
516A-D (FIG. 5). This arrangement contributes to allowing head
620A-D of each latch 612A-D to pivot about an axis at a desired
location (here, at an axis that generally lies in a plane that
contains the curved horizontal centerline of the corresponding
groove 1100A-D). It is noted that in alternative embodiments, for
example those wherein the lower-upper edge of the cover-base member
provides the support/sealing surfaces for engaging the pan, notches
(such as notches 516A-D of FIG. 5) need not be provided since the
pivot point could be located above (below) the lower-upper edge of
the cover-base member.
[0034] Also in the present example, each head 616A-D includes a
contoured user-engagement surface 908A-D (FIGS. 9-11) that a user
may use to pivot corresponding latch 612A-D to disengage and/or
engage pan 104. Specifically, this example has each user-engagement
surface 908A-D partially defined by a projecting ridge 912A-D
located distally from the interior of cover-base assembly 108. In
this embodiment, to pivot each latch 612A-D away from the interior
of cover-base assembly 108, a user (not shown) engages the
corresponding user-engagement surface 908A-D with, for example, a
thumb or finger and pushes or pulls against the user-engagement
surface in a direction generally away from the interior of the
cover-base assembly. In other embodiments, the head of each latch
could be configured so as to have a laterally outwardly projecting
(relative to the cover-base assembly) extension that would allow a
user to pivot the latch by pushing or pulling on the extension in a
more vertical direction. Those skilled in the art will readily
understand how to implement this and other modifications that fall
within the broad scope of the present disclosure.
[0035] As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, in
other embodiments each resilient fitting 132A-D can differ in any
of one or more ways from the illustrative example shown in the
accompanying FIGS. 1-11. For example, in some alternative
embodiments, the corresponding cover-base member may include more
than one aperture at each corner. Correspondingly, each resilient
fitting may include multiple neck and exterior portions
corresponding to the number of apertures at each corner. In other
embodiments, each resilient fitting may be present only on the
exterior of the cover-base member. In this case, the resilient
fitting may be secured to the cover-base member by adhesive
bonding, mechanical engagement of one or more portions of the
fitting with one or more corresponding recesses in the exterior of
the cover-base member that have undercut sides, or a combination
thereof. In yet other embodiments, each fitting could be secured
only to the interior of cover-base member, for example, in any of
the manners just mentioned for the exterior mounting. In this case,
there would not be any integral exterior foot. In still further
embodiments, in which the cover-base members do not include either
interior or exterior recesses but do include one or more apertures,
the interior and exterior portions of each fitting may taper toward
their peripheral edges so that these edges are relatively very thin
and provide a nearly smooth transition between the interior and
exterior portions and the immediately surrounding interior and
exterior surfaces of the side and/or bottom walls of the cover-base
members. Other modifications to resilient fittings that are within
the scope of the broad concepts of the present disclosure will
likely be recognized by those skilled in the art.
[0036] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by
those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and
additions may be made to that which is specifically disclosed
herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *