U.S. patent application number 11/857973 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-01 for pizza pop-ins.
Invention is credited to David T. Miller.
Application Number | 20090245698 11/857973 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41117345 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090245698 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; David T. |
October 1, 2009 |
Pizza Pop-Ins
Abstract
A pre-made, flexible, plastic bag in the shape of a triangle for
the storage of a food product more specifically designed for a
slice of pizza pie or similarly shaped items that have been
leftover. The bag comprises of one triangular, transparent, sheet
plastic type material being placed on top of another identical
piece of the same material. The sides will be attached together
from the vertex to the base. The base will have a resealable
opening similar to a zip-lock type strip where the user will have
access to place the food item into the bag prior to closure. The
bag then can be placed and stored in the refrigerator or freezer
for later consumption. After consumption, the bag should be
disposed of properly.
Inventors: |
Miller; David T.;
(US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David T. Miller
2165 SW Mapp Road
Palm City
FL
34990
US
|
Family ID: |
41117345 |
Appl. No.: |
11/857973 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/106 ;
383/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/2508 20130101;
B65D 31/18 20130101; B65D 2585/366 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/106 ;
383/42 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/04 20060101
B65D033/04; B65D 33/16 20060101 B65D033/16 |
Claims
1. A bag for storage of a slice of pizza comprising in combination:
A bag, isosceles in shape and flexible in composition, with two
opposing plastic sides to prevent reentry of air configured in a
triangle attached together along a portion of the peripheral side
edge. The rectangular base of the bag body has an opening to allow
entry of pizza. A closure element to secure the opening of the
bag.
2. The storage bag of claim 1 is composed of a plastic
material.
3. The storage bag of claim 1 is composed of a transparent
material.
4. The storage bag in claim 1 has two opposing sidewalls that are
attached peripherally.
5. The storage bag in claim 1 has a rectangular base
6. The storage bag in claim 1 has a closure device housed within
rectangular base
7. The storage bag in claim 1 has a resealable closable fastening
structure
8. The storage bag in claim has a defined orifice for ingress and
egress at the base
Description
PATENT OR PUBLICATION NO.
TABLE-US-00001 [0001] U.S. Pat. No. 4,658,433 April 1987 Savicki
U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,846 March 1989 Bottega U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,013
March 1992 France et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,179 December 1989 Volk
U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,607 October 2003 Gibson U.S. Patent
2004/0247208 December 2004 Krohne U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,437 December
1991 Schindler U.S. Pub 2003/0006273 January 2003 Tsern et al. U.S.
Pub 2004/0035863 February 2004 Metcalf et al. U.S. Pub 2005/0286817
December 2005 Hall et al. U.S. Pub 2006/0091189 April 2006 Stier
U.S. Pub 2006/0222271 October 2006 Yoffe U.S. Design Pat. 433,330
November 2000 Hudson U.S Design Pat. 476,883 July 2003 Krohne U.S.
Pub 2007/0080197 April 2007 Bailey et al.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The first plastic bag was introduced in 1957. Presently,
plastic bags come in all shapes, density and forms. The materials
composing the bags may vary in order to accommodate the environment
in which it bag is to be used. Plastics are being utilized more and
more for packaging because of their unique characteristics such as
their light weight, flexibility, density of the plastic and a full
range of chemical resistant properties depending on the food or
product being packaged.
[0003] These bags can be designed for and not limited to the
microwave, freezer and refrigerator. Because of the popularity of
plastic bags, there always is a considerable need to improve or
enhance the functions and usage. Items need to be stored whether it
be pizza, food or articles. This invention is designed with the
consumer and fast food pizza chain in mind. The consumer receives a
pizza pie from the fast food pizza restaurant at various locations
whether it be a home, office or hotel. The leftovers may be stored
in bags provided by the pizza company. This triangular shaped
plastic bag would facilitate the storage of leftover pizza pie.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0004] The subject matter of the invention relates to a pre-made,
flexible, triangular shaped, plastic bag for storage of, but not
limited to, a slice of pizza pie. This bag is designed with the
consumer in mind for use in the home, office or a hotel. It is also
highly desirable for the usage in the fast food pizza industry.
This storage bag designed to facilitate the packaging and storage
of leftover slices of pizza by the consumer.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0005] Pizza-like food products are usually circular and cut into
triangular pieces prior to consumption. If not all of the pizza is
consumed there are "leftover" slices that need to be stored in the
refrigerator or freezer. Traditionally, when storing slices at home
"square/rectangular baggies" have been used to place one or many
slices in a bag depending on the size of the bag. Many times, much
of the bag is unused because of its square/rectangular shape. Also,
sometimes wax paper is placed in between slices to avoid them from
sticking together. The bag would eliminate the need for wax paper
and unused bag. The closure would be one that would be an airtight
seal, completely eliminating the chance of air entering the bag and
contaminating it with bacteria if stored in the refrigerator. If
stored in the freezer, the airtight seal would reduce the
possibility of freezer burn.
[0006] Over the years, typically, the storage of a slice of pizza
pie was either wrapped in aluminum foil, wax paper or cellophane
wrap which can be found as a common item in the household. Many
times, as in prior known art, leftover pizza can be stored in a
rectangular plastic bag placing wax paper between multiple
slices.
[0007] In prior art, many known pizza slice storage inventions that
are triangular in shape, are constructed by various materials and
have different methods for storage and are multi-functional. None
suggest the usage of this invention. There is synergy between the
consumer and the pizza store. The pizza store, which is the point
of sale, and the consumer, who is the end-user, has this invention
in common.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,437 to Schindler provides a container
for storing slices of pizza There is an interior storage
compartment in the main container which is structured to conform to
a slice of pizza. The container housing includes an open end
adapted to receive at least one piece. A removable cap is
structured to fit over the open end which covers and seals the
storage compartment. It is secured by knobs on the cap which snap
into slots. There is a lip that surrounds the upper peripheral edge
of the container.
[0009] The following U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,013 to France, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,629,607 to Gibson and U.S. Publication No. 2003/0006273 to
Tsern, are cartons comprised of paperboard or cardboard.
[0010] It is highly advantageous not to use paperboard or cardboard
for the storage of pizza because the paperboard flavor permeates
the pizza slice making the leftover pizza undesirable for
consumption. If air is not removed when food is put in a package or
container, oxygen can cause fats to develop "bad" flavors and
change the food's color. Also, the afore-mentioned two U.S.
Publication Nos. and the two U.S. Patent Nos. need to be assembled
prior to usage unlike the present invention.
[0011] A problem arises when you need to assemble the storage
carton. In the food service industry, many containers are needed
and they can include one and two-piece boxes which require
assembly. Assembled boxes take up valuable space in a restaurant.
Generally, there is not a lot of extra storage space in kitchens
for storing such empty containers. Also, assembly of these cartons
takes up an employee's valuable time which the employer does not
receive a return on that investment.
[0012] Although, many of the above-referenced patents relate to the
storage of slices of pizza pie, it would be advantageous to use
this present invention for the purpose of storing a slice of pizza,
thus eliminating wasted air space in the bag. The benefit of
removing air from a food package is the increased storage time. The
bags can be stored on top of each other whether it is in the
refrigerator or freezer for the consumer or taking up a small area
of space at a pizza restaurant. The bag may also be made of
polyethylene or a microwavable plastic for reheating of the food
item which is USDA and FDA approved. The closure would be a device
that would create an airtight reclosable seal.
[0013] U.S. Patent Publication No. US200410035863 to Metcalf et al.
disclose an apparatus that needs to be made of pliable and durable
material so as to support the food item such as a slice of pizza.
The tray has to be pre-made prior to usage. The apparatus is
designed for the fast food industry to assist with the
transportation and/or immediate consumption of a food product such
as a slice of pizza.
[0014] As in known prior art, this invention is not made of foam
and not designed for a slice pizza purchased and to be taken out of
the pizza store unlike U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,846 to Bottega. This
patent discloses a pouch designed for take-out pizza from the pizza
store. The pizza pouch consists of a body consisting of
foam/plastic with a tray portion hinged to a cover.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,658,433 to Savicki comprises of a
thermoplastic film bag with leak-free seals that are superior in
strength as in boilable bags. This invention does not require extra
strengthened sides because the pizza slices do not need to be
boiled prior to consumption.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,179 to Volk discloses a reusable
container for a piece of pizza or other food product. It is
composed of a thermoplastic, hard material with two flat sides
attached to a base that meet at a vertex. There is an interlocking
tongue and groove removable top and is capable of stacking multiple
containers. When stacking these containers, a considerable amount
more space is required compared to the present invention.
[0017] Pub. No. US 2006/0222271 to Yoffe discloses a
cellulosed-based, oven-durable bag pierced with apertures to retain
crispness and warmth to consume immediately after purchase with the
idea of "eating on the run" It is designed with the fast food pizza
industry's take out sector. The present invention is designed for
the storage of leftover pizza from the pizza store after delivery
to the home, office or hotel.
[0018] Pub. No. US 2007/0080197 to Bailey et al. disclose a
triangular shaped bag for the most part with a blunt end instead of
a point. This bag has perforations along the top-middle to gain
access to food. It is also designed for the packaging of pizza
allowing access by way of perforations unlike this invention which
has a reclosable seal.
[0019] The problem with this bag is that the perforations in the
bag do not completely seal the pizza and can allow air
contamination.
[0020] Pub. No. US 2004/0247208 to Krohne disclose a flexible
triangular shaped bag with side pleats for expansion for the
storage of food products like a slice of pizza. It contains a vent
for the cooling of the food item and the opening is linear to
accommodate a portion of pizza and can be closed by a plastic
zipper or tucked over the opening.
[0021] The present invention would not have a vent to let the
heated gases out. The pizza when being stored would be cooled and
then placed in the bag for storage. By not having a vent in the
bag, less air can enter the bag and contaminate it with bacteria
and maintain freshness for a longer period of time.
[0022] Now to explain the benefits of our bag compared to the other
patents and patent publications. Pizza-like food products are
usually circular and cut into triangular pieces prior to
consumption. If not all of the pizza is consumed there are
"leftover" slices that need to be stored in the refrigerator or
freezer. Traditionally, when storing slices at home
"square/rectangular baggies" have been used to place one or many
slices in a bag depending on the size of the bag. Many times, much
of the bag is unused because of its square/rectangular shape. Also,
sometimes wax paper is placed in between slices to avoid them from
sticking together. Our product would resemble a "baggie" and would
be easily dispensed from a box not too dissimilar to the present
shape of a "baggie box". Thus, our bag would eliminate the need for
wax paper and unused bag space.
[0023] Now to explain the benefits of our bag compared to the other
patents and patent publications. Pizza-like food products are
usually circular and cut into triangular pieces prior to
consumption. If not all of the pizza is consumed there are
"leftover" slices that need to be stored in the refrigerator or
freezer. Traditionally, when storing slices at home
"square/rectangular baggies" have been used to place one or many
slices in a bag depending on the size of the bag. Many times, much
of the bag is unused because of its square/rectangular shape. Also,
sometimes wax paper is placed in between slices to avoid them from
sticking together. Our product would resemble a "baggie" and would
be easily dispensed from a box not too dissimilar to the present
shape of a "baggie box". Thus, our bag would eliminate the need for
wax paper and unused bag space.
[0024] Our bag would not have a vent to let the heated gases out.
The pizza when being stored would be cooled and then placed in the
triangular shape bag for storage. By not having a vent in the bag,
less air can enter the bag and contaminate it with bacteria and
maintain freshness for a longer period of time.
[0025] Our bag will not be made of paperboard. Many times food
items retain the flavor of the paperboard when stored.
[0026] Many paperboard containers because of their non-flexibility
and size require much more space in a refrigerator or freezer than
a plastic, flexible bag.
[0027] Our bag will not have to be assembled prior to usage, thus
eliminating the time needed for assembling. In the pizza and hotel
industry, it is highly desirable to accommodate the customer by the
direct usage of this invention. When an individual is delivering a
pizza pie to a home, office, or hotel and provides with the order,
several triangular plastic bags, it is a benefit for the consumer
because it facilitates clean-up. All the customer has to do is to
take one bag at a time and place a left-over slice in it. Then, the
customer can easily store the left-over pizza slices in the
refrigerator or freezer without taking up much space as a
paperboard product. It can also be beneficial to the pizza
restaurant because it can be considered an enhancement to the
experience. This value-added item would be minimal in cost and can
be customized with a personalized logo.
[0028] When traveling and staying in a hotel, many times pizza is
ordered If the hotel provides the triangular plastic bags on their
service tray, the customer can put the unfinished slices in plastic
bags and save the slices for several hours later or store it in a
mini-refrigerator or on ice in a ice bucket, thus not having to
dispose of it right away.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0029] What is provided is an isosceles shaped bag which is
comprised of a pre-made, flexible thin film plastic. It may be
constructed of a polyethylene material for storage or a
microwavable material for the ease of reheating the slice of pizza
or food similar in shape but not limited to the above materials.
The rectangular end receives the triangular shaped piece of pizza.
The resealable closure will tightly seal the opening of the
bag.
[0030] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
convenient measure for the storage of pizza for the consumer.
[0031] It is also an object of the invention to take up less
storage space in the consumer's refrigerator or freezer. It is an
object of the invention to utilize less space, when placing the
pizza in the bag, to eliminate more air for bacteria to grow.
[0032] It is an object of the invention to have a tight closure
device at the rectangular base of the bag to insure the bag is
tightly sealed to eliminate bacteria and retain freshness and
storage life.
[0033] It is an object of the invention to accommodate the pizza
industry with a bag that is provides a cost effective yet
operationally efficient way to enhance the consumer's pizza
delivery experience.
[0034] Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide a
plastic bag which incorporates all of the afore-mentioned
objects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The above-mentioned and other attributes of this invention
and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and
understood by reference to the following description of an
embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of the
instant invention.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the storage bag.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional peripheral view of the inside of
the storage bag.
[0039] FIG. 4 is the perspective view of the invention illustrating
the placement of the pizza within the plastic means.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0040] The invention will be described with drawings to depict the
various embodiments and features of same.
[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention, a resealable, flexible, triangular, transparent,
plastic bag 20 for the storage of pizza 19. The storage bag 20
generally includes two opposing sidewalls 11, 12 that are attached
along the periphery. The sidewalls 11, 12 comprise of sheets of
plastic such as polyethylene with different densities based on the
environment of the usage. A lateral seam is formed 13, 14 extending
from the vertex 15 of the bag 20 to the rectangular base 17 which
is an orifice 21 to receive the pizza 19. The bag 20 is sealed with
a resealable closure 18 at the base of the bag 17. The rectangular
base 17 houses a reclosable device 18 that is may comprise of an
interlocking type of seal 18. The seam 13, 14 can be formed by a
heat sealing process or other conventional methods along the edges
13, 14 of the opposing sidewalls 11, 12. The triangular portion of
the bag which is comprised of the opposing sidewalls 13, 14
contains the leftover pizza 19.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the periphery of the
sidewalls 11, 12 of the bag 20 where the sidewalls 11, 12 are
sealed.
[0043] FIG. 3 is the peripheral inside view of 11,
12,13,14,15,16,17,18 of the bag 20. 11, 12 are the sidewalls of the
bag 20. It shows the sealed lateral seam 13, 14 of the sidewalls
11, 12. Each sidewall 11, 12 is attached to one half of the
rectangular base 17. Each sidewall 11, 12 houses one part of the
interlocking closure 18.
[0044] FIG. 4 is the perspective view of the present invention 20
receiving the slice of pizza 19 through the orifice 21 of the base
17 and sealed with the closure 18.
[0045] The storage bag described is advantageous for the consumer.
It is also highly desirable for the pizza store to utilize these
bags. The pizza restaurant is creating an environment that is
accommodating to the consumer. Delivering a pizza and also
including the bags with the order, a complete dining experience is
created. The consumer will see the pizza delivery person wearing
the company's logo at the door. The company's logo can be placed on
the bags with an adhering sticker which will be seen when placing
the leftover pizza into them. Every time the customized pizza
storage bag is seen, a subliminal message is sent reminding the
individual about the pizza restaurant. This storage bag is a
constant inexpensive advertisement for a pizza restaurant. This
enhancement will make the consumer desire pizza from the same
restaurant again. While some the above embodiments have been
described and illustrated for the principals of the invention.
[0046] The present invention can be modified and have different
variations and adaptations with alternative and equivalent
solutions that are within the scope of those skilled in the art
falling within the spirit or scope of the invention.
* * * * *