U.S. patent application number 12/381297 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-01 for food container with heatable insert.
Invention is credited to Jonathan Isserow, Laura Isserow.
Application Number | 20090246329 12/381297 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41117625 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090246329 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Isserow; Jonathan ; et
al. |
October 1, 2009 |
Food container with heatable insert
Abstract
The present invention discloses an article of manufacture
comprising an outer container suitable for containing foodstuffs,
and an inner container removably disposed in the outer container,
wherein the inner container is heatable.
Inventors: |
Isserow; Jonathan; (Basking
Ridge, NJ) ; Isserow; Laura; (Basking Ridge,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GEARHART LAW, LLC
4 FERNDALE ROAD
CHATHAM
NJ
07928
US
|
Family ID: |
41117625 |
Appl. No.: |
12/381297 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61070648 |
Mar 25, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/113 ;
426/394 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3216 20130101;
B65D 81/3453 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/113 ;
426/394 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/34 20060101
B65D081/34 |
Claims
1. An article of manufacture, comprising: an outer container
suitable for containing foodstuffs; and an inner container
removably disposed in the outer container, wherein the inner
container is heatable.
2. The article of claim 1, wherein the inner container contains a
heatable foodstuff.
3. The article of claim 2, wherein the inner container contains
chocolate chips.
4. The article of claim 2, wherein the inner container contains
caramel or frosting.
5. The article of claim 1, wherein the outer container is
spheroidal, and has a diameter, and the inner container has a
diameter, and the diameter of the outer container is at least three
times larger than the diameter of the inner container.
6. The article of claim 1, wherein the inner container is removably
anchored to the outer container.
7. The article of claim 1 wherein the outer container is
spheroidal, and the inner container is cylindrical.
8. The article of claim 1 wherein the inner container has a
removable top.
9. The article of claim 8, wherein the removable top is a foil
top.
10. The article of claim 1, wherein the outer container has a
removable top.
11. The article of claim 1, wherein the outer container is made of
clear plastic.
12. The article of claim 1, where in both containers are
heatable.
13. The article of claim 2, wherein the inner container contains a
foodstuff that melts when exposed to heat.
14. The article of claim one, wherein the foodstuffs are
cookies.
15. The article of claim one, wherein the outer container is
rectangular.
16. A method for preparing a foodstuff comprising the steps of:
opening an outer container, wherein the outer container is suitable
for containing a first foodstuff, and the outer container has a
heatable inner container, the inner container having a meltable
foodstuff disposed therein; removing the inner container from the
outer container and exposing the inner container to heat; and
dipping the first foodstuff in the meltable foodstuff.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the first foodstuff is cookies,
and the heatable foodstuff is chocolate chips, caramel, or
frosting.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/070,648
filed Mar. 25, 2008, which is fully incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to the field of containers for
foodstuffs, particularly the method and containers for packaging
foodstuffs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to the packaging of
foodstuffs, particularly foodstuffs in which portions of the
packaging are heatable.
[0004] Dipping cookies into melted chocolate and then eating them
is a delicious treat for most people, particularly for children.
Melting the chocolate can cause a mess, and having both chocolate
and the appropriate cookies on hand is vital. Some pre-packaged
items are available that contain cookies and a spreadable frosting,
but the frosting must be spread instead of dipped, and the taste is
not the same as melted chocolate and the intention is not to heat
the frosting.
[0005] The present invention provides an integrated package that
has a large outer container which holds both cookies and a smaller
inner container which holds the chocolate which may be in solid or
liquid form, including but not limited to liquid chocolate,
fragments, solid block, chips or wafers. The inner container may be
removed and heated to melt the chocolate, and the cookies used to
dip into the chocolate. This provides a treat at home, where the
chocolate can be heated in the microwave. Children can prepare the
treat themselves, and the messy inner container can be disposed of
when done. The packaging could be made of cardboard box in part.
The packaging may contain a sachet of chocolate or dipping sauce
with instructions, for the purposes of heating the chocolate or
dipping sauce within a separate vessel, for the purposes of
dipping.
[0006] The present invention is also very useful when traveling, as
most hotels have microwaves available. Alternatively, in hot
weather the chocolate could be melted on the car's dashboard and
the treat eaten in the car.
[0007] Of particular use would be to take the invention on a
camping trip, where the inner container could be placed inside a
metal pan which is heated on a campfire or camping stove. Graham
crackers and marshmallows could be distributed in the outer
container and chocolate could be melted to make s'mores.
Alternatively, with fruit in the outer container, chocolate-dipped
bananas, strawberries, other treats could be made using the
invention.
[0008] Drink powders such as cocoa, coffee, or tea could also be
used in the inner container, and could be reconstituted with
boiling water to provide a liquid for dipping cookies such as
biscotti.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention is an article of manufacture comprising an
outer container suitable for containing foodstuffs and an inner
container removably disposed in the outer container, wherein the
inner container is heatable.
[0010] The invention allows a user to carry one integral container
which has an outer section for foodstuffs, such as but not limited
to, cookies, and a removable inner section for foodstuffs, such as
but not limited to, chocolate chips. Each section has its own
removable cover. The inner section packaging is a heat-safe
container for heating the chips so the cookies may be dipped into
the melted chocolate. The outer section may also be heatable. The
outer container may be compartmentalized for the purpose of
separating different products for the purpose of dipping in a
heated sauce such as popcorn, peanut brittle, marsh mellows, nut
clusters, fruit and vegetables. The invention solves the problem of
having to transport liquid or pre-melted dip with the cookies,
which can spill or leak. The invention also solves the problem of
separating and possibly forgetting one container by having the two
containers disposed as one unit that is separated on use. The
invention further solves the problem of heating a dip while keeping
the other foodstuffs in the packaging cool or at room temperature,
while also providing a bowl for dipping. The invention also solves
the problem of having to add chemical stabilizers to keep an
otherwise solid food in a liquid or semi-liquid state.
[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide a heatable
insert inside a larger package as one integral item.
[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide a removable
microwavable insert inside a larger package as one integral
item.
[0013] It is an object of the invention to provide an insert that
can be heated in boiling water, and to removably provide the insert
inside a larger package as one integral item.
[0014] It is an object of the invention to provide packaging to
allow one foodstuff to be heated in a microwave or by other means
while another foodstuff remains at room temperature.
[0015] It is an object of the invention to prevent leaks or spills
from foodstuffs during transport or any other time by providing
packaging for foodstuffs to be heated to the liquid or molten state
when desired.
[0016] It is an object of the invention to provide a convenient
means for purchasing, storing and transporting foodstuffs that are
intended to be eaten in a liquid or molten form with dipping
foodstuffs.
[0017] It is an object of the invention to provide an all-in-one
platter for entertaining. Applications include parties and
functions, college dormitory gatherings. The package may be round,
square, oval amongst the shapes.
[0018] It is an object of the invention to provide two containers
together, one to melt chocolate chips, caramel or other meltable
foodstuffs and a second container to hold cookies for dipping in
the melted candy.
[0019] It is an object of the invention to provide a disposable
container for melting chocolate chips, caramel or other meltable
foodstuffs on camping trips, by immersing the container in water
heated over a campfire.
[0020] It is an object of the invention to provide a container for
holding a powder to mix with liquids and then heat, such as cocoa
mix, which can be used as a dip for cookies.
[0021] It is an object of the invention to provide a bowl or cup to
hold the hot liquid for dipping.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0022] FIG. 1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the
invention, showing the food container with heatable insert.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a cut-away side view showing the heatable insert
in the larger container.
[0024] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the invention, showing the
heatable insert separate from the larger container.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now
be described with reference to FIGS. 1-3.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a top view of the food container with heatable
insert 100. It has an outer container 200, an outer container rim
220, an outer container grasping lip 230, an outer container cover
250, an outer container cover interlocking rim 260, and an outer
container cover raised portion 270. FIG. 1 also shows the inner
container 300, the inner container rim 320, the inner container
cover 350, and the inner container cover interlocking rim 360.
Foodstuffs 280 distributed in the outer container 200 are shown, as
are foodstuffs 380 distributed in the inner container 300.
[0027] Although the inner container 300 is shown near the center of
the outer container 200, it can be anywhere in the outer container
200, and can be anchored to the outer container 200 or can be free
inside the outer container 200. The inner container 300 can be
anchored to the side or bottom of the outer container 200, or in
more than one place if desired.
[0028] The inner container 300 can be anchored by any number of
means, including but not limited to, snapping the bottom of inner
container 300 onto a pre-formed lip on the wall or inside bottom of
outer container 200, having a breakable plastic tab that connects
the inner container 300 to the wall or inside bottom of the outer
container 200, or gluing the inner container 300 to the wall or
inside bottom of the outer container 200.
[0029] The inner container for purposes of packaging could be
affixed to the outer border of the outer container above, below or
on the side to represent the embodiment of the principle of
combining a heatable container and foodstuffs for purposes of
dipping.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a cut-away side view of the food container with
heatable insert 100. Shown are the outer container 200, the outer
container bottom 210, the outer container rim 220, the outer
container cover 250, the outer container cover interlocking rim
260, and the outer container raised portion 270. Also shown is the
inner container 300, the inner container bottom 310, the inner
container rim 320, the inner container cover 350, and the inner
container cover interlocking rim 360. Foodstuffs 280 distributed in
the outer container 200 are also shown.
[0031] FIG. 3 is an exploded view which shows the food container
with heatable insert 100 with the inner container 300 separated
from the outer container 200. FIG. 3 shows the outer container 200
with the cover off, with the outer container bottom 210, the outer
container rim 220, and the foodstuffs 280. Also shown is the inner
container 300 with the cover off, with the inner container rim 320,
foodstuffs 380, the inner container cover 350, and the inner cover
interlocking rim 360.
[0032] As can be seen from the figures, the invention is designed
so that inner container 300 can be removed from the outer container
200 for heating. This allows a foodstuff 380 in the inner container
300 to be melted so that the foodstuff 280 in the outer container
200 can be dipped into the foodstuff 380. In one embodiment, each
container has its own separate cover; in an embodiment not shown in
the drawings, the inner container 300 may not have a separate
cover, and the cover for the outer container 200 may cover both
containers. The inner cover 350 is shown in the figures as being
replaceable, but it may also be a peel-off foil or other
disposable, non-reusable material.
[0033] The inner container 300 may be heated by any number of
methods, including but not limited to, using a microwave,
suspending the inner container 300 in boiling water, putting the
inner container 300 inside a pot which is heated using a flame or
other heat device such as a stove-top, putting the inner container
300 inside an oven for heating, putting the inner container 300 in
a hotspot in a vehicle (for instance, on the dashboard on a hot
day), or putting the inner container 300 on or near a radiant heat
source such as a lamp or radiator.
[0034] While it is preferable in some cases to heat the inner
container 300 and leave the outer container 200 at room
temperature, there may be instances where it is desirable to heat
both containers. The invention can be manufactured to accommodate
either or both instances.
[0035] The outer container 200, inner container 300, outer
container cover 250 and inner container 350 may be made from any
suitable material, including but not limited to, plastics including
but not limited to clear, translucent, colored, or opaque plastics,
plastic films such as plastic wrap, thermoplastics, natural or
synthetic rubbers, foil, glass, ceramics, clay, wood products,
paper, parchment paper, cardboard, wax products, foodstuffs, animal
products, plant products, metals, cloth, or any combination of any
of these products. The individual components of the food container
with heatable insert 100 may be made from the same or differing
materials, and more than one material may be used in any component
of the package.
[0036] The outer container 200 and inner container 300 and their
respective covers may be the same shape or of differing shapes,
including but not limited to, spheroidal, cylindrical, star-shaped,
pyramid-shaped, rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal, with
the preferred shape of the outer container 200 and the outer
container cover 250 being spheroidal, and the preferred shape of
the inner container 300 and inner container cover 350 being
cylindrical. The outer container 200 and outer container cover 250
may be any size, ranging from one inch in diameter to 72 inches in
diameter, with a preferred diameter of 3 inches to 24 inches. The
inner container 300 and inner container cover 350 may be any size
ranging from a diameter of 1/4 inch to 72 inches, with a preferred
diameter of 1 inch to 8 inches. It is preferred that the diameter
of the outer container 200 is at least two times larger than the
diameter of the inner container 300. The depth of the outer
container 200 may be 1 inch to 48 inches, with a preferred depth of
3 inches. The depth of the inner container may be 3/4 inch to 47
inches, with a preferred depth of 21/8 inches. The depth of the
inner container with cover may be 7/8 inches to 477/8 inches, with
a preferred depth of 21/4 inches.
[0037] The individual containers including the inner and outer
containers may be sealed by a variety of methods including but not
limited to interlocking components, adhesive, folding, heat sealing
or tying methods.
[0038] In one embodiment it is preferred that the outer container
cover 250 is made of a material and has a shape and size that
enables it to interlock with the outer container 200, and it is
preferred that the inner container cover 350 is made of a material
and has a shape and size that enables it to interlock with the
inner container 300. In an alternative embodiment, either or both
of the covers 250 or 350 could be manufactured from a pliable
material such as foil or plastic wrap, in which case the cover 250
or 350 would be of a size large enough to fit over the rim of the
container 200 or 300.
[0039] In the embodiment in which the outer cover 250 is made from
a material which interlocks with the outer container 200, the depth
of the outer cover 250 may be 1/64 inch to 24 inches, with a
preferred depth of 13/4 inches. In the embodiment in which the
inner cover 350 is made from a material with interlocks with the
inner container 300, the depth of the inner cover may be 1/64 to 24
inches, with a preferred depth of 1/4 inch.
[0040] The inner container 300 may be removable from the outer
container 200, or the two containers may be molded together as one
piece. The inner container 300 may have an inner container cover
350 as its own separate cover, or it may not have its own cover as
it may rely on the outer container cover 250 to contain the
foodstuffs 380 inside. The containers 200 and 300 may be disposable
or re-usable.
[0041] The foodstuffs 280 in the outer container 200 may be any
foodstuffs, including but not limited to, cookies, cakes, candy,
fruit, vegetables, bread, crackers, chips, pretzels, poultry, meat,
fish, nuts, legumes, cheese, eggs or other dairy products. The
foodstuffs 380 in the inner container 300 may be any meltable
foodstuff, including but not limited to, chocolate chips, chocolate
candy bars, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, caramel, fudge
toppings, frosting, cheese, butter, as well as any powder that can
be mixed with liquids, such as but not limited to, cocoa powder,
coffee powder, or tea.
[0042] Although this invention has been described with a certain
degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present
disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that
numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of
parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *