Portable Compartmentalized Thermal Food Container

Abstract

A portable thermal food storage system that separately stores a variety of food types in a variety of sizes. The device partitions the internal space to allow multiple food items to be separately stored without contacting one another. One or more partitions may be removed or added to accommodate different types of food. The thermal food storage system also has an irregular interior surface of which provides air channels under the food items to prevent the food items from becoming soggy.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates in general to a thermal container for storage of hot or cold food items, and more particularly it relates to a thermal container which has removable and/or adjustable compartments which provide compartmentalized storage for separately storing multiple food items, and which provides airflow around the bottom of the food items to prevent food items from becoming soggy.

[0003] 2. Background of the Invention

[0004] Many individuals carry hot or cold food to other locations for a variety of purposes. For example, many students and working people carry lunch to their schools and work places on a regular basis. Many other individuals carry foods for recreational purposes, such as picnicking, boating, going to the beach, etc. Unfortunately, they often are unable to maintain food items at desirable temperatures, and as a result, they carry items which can be enjoyed at ambient temperatures, such as sandwiches. While these items are enjoyable, the inability to maintain particular food items at desirable temperatures greatly limits the types of food that individuals may enjoy. It would be desirable to have a method of transporting and maintaining a wide variety of food types at their optimal temperatures.

[0005] One attempt to address this problem has been the development of thermoses and coolers. However, these devices have their own drawbacks in that they generally provide a single storage area, such as a thermos for holding coffee or soup, or a cooler with a large internal bulk storage area for stacking a variety of items one on top of another. It would be desirable to have a device capable of separately storing a plurality of food items such that they are maintained in proper condition without being crushed or damaged.

[0006] Another problem associated with the storage of food in portable containers is that when foods are placed against flat surfaces, the surface of the food in contact with the flat surface may become soggy. This significantly decreases the enjoyment of most individuals when they finally begin their meal. In addition to the need to prevent unnecessary impact damage to food prior to consumption, the prior art has also failed to provide a method of protecting solid food from becoming soggy when stored in a container. It would be desirable to have a method of keeping food fresher and avoiding sogginess which occurs due to the way the food is stored.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention provides a thermal food storage system configured to hold a variety of food types in a variety of sizes. In addition, it also partitions the internal storage space to allow multiple food items to be separately stored without the food items contacting one another. One or more partitions may be removed or added to accommodate different types of food. Further, the thermal food storage system has an irregular interior surface of which provides air channels under the food items to prevent the food items from becoming soggy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system in the closed configuration.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system in the closed configuration.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system in the open configuration.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a side cutaway view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system illustrating multiple food items stored separately within.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a side cutaway view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system, with the food partitions removed, and a single large food item stored within.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system in the closed configuration.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system in the closed configuration.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a bottom edge view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system in the closed configuration.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a top edge view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system in the closed configuration.

[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system in the open configuration.

[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system in the open configuration with the condiment container removed.

[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system in the open configuration with the condiment container and food storage shelf removed.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the condiment container.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the condiment container with the lid detached.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the food storage shelf.

[0023] FIG. 16 is an edge view of a preferred embodiment of the food storage shelf.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0024] Prior to a discussion of the figures, an overview of the invention will be presented. The invention is a thermal food storage system capable of holding multiple hot or cold food items. The thermal food storage system has a large internal cavity capable of holding a single large food item, or separately holding multiple food items through the use of one or more partitions.

[0025] Another feature of the invention is a plurality of air channels which are provided by an irregular interior surface of the thermal food storage system. The air channels are designed to provide a path for airflow under the bottom of the food item when it is placed in the internal cavity of the thermal food storage system. The purpose of allowing airflow over the bottom of the food item is to prevent it from becoming soggy, which would occur when many types of foods such as pizza or certain sandwiches are stored on a flat surface. By keeping the lower surface of the food crisp and dry, it will be more enjoyable when eaten.

[0026] Another feature of the invention provides a hinged lid with a peripheral seal designed to prevent air from escaping the internal cavity of the thermal food storage system when it is in the closed position. Purpose of this is to prevent temperature changes which would occur if airflow was possible between the internal cavity and the external environment.

[0027] An advantage of the invention is that the thermal food storage system provides a single storage device that can transport a variety of food types and sizes. In addition, it provides a single device that can transport solid and/or liquid foods.

[0028] Having discussed the invention in general, we turn now to a detailed discussion of the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system 1 in the closed configuration. In this view, the upper portion 2 of the thermal food storage system 1 is shown. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shape of the thermal food storage system 1 is arbitrary, and can take any suitable form. Likewise, the size can vary based on its intended use.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system 1 in the closed configuration. The external body of the thermal food storage system 1 has an upper portion 2 and a lower portion 3. In the preferred embodiment, the upper portion 2 and the lower portion 3 form a clamshell structure and fit securely together in the closed position as shown. Also shown in this figure is lock assembly 21. In this figure, the lock assembly 21 is shown as a conventional slide lock. However, any type of suitable locking mechanism may be used to secure the upper portion 2 and the lower portion 3 together.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system 1 in the open configuration. The upper portion 2 is shown attached to the lower portion of 3 by hinge 4. Of course, the location of the hinge can vary based on design choices. Also shown in this figure is peripheral seal 5 which extends around the periphery of the lower portion 3. When upper portion 2 and lower portion 3 are in the closed position, peripheral seal 5 forms an airtight secure seal which prevents airflow from the external environment which would affect the internal temperature. As a result, the thermal food storage system 1 can maintain the internal temperature for longer periods of time.

[0032] Also shown in this figure are optional food containers 6-7. Food containers 6-7 are used to hold foods, such as soups, vegetables, etc., in separate compartments. This provides the ability for an individual to carry a complete meal without contaminating one type of food with another. In the preferred embodiment, food containers 6-7 are equipped with sealable lids 16-17 (shown below in regard to FIG. 4).

[0033] Also shown in this figure is food partition 8. Food partition 8 provides a raised platform which separates the internal storage space of the thermal food storage system 1. By partitioning the internal space, multiple food items can be stored separately from one another. Also shown are ventilation apertures 9 which are intended to provide airflow to the bottom of the food resting on top of food partition 8. The airflow prevents food resting on food partition 8 from becoming soggy. By preventing the food from becoming soggy, a more enjoyable meal is provided to the user. Also shown in this figure are optional partition lifts 10. Partition lifts 10 provide a convenient place to grasp food partition 8 to remove it when desired.

[0034] Food partition 8 is intended to be removable so that larger items can be stored within thermal food storage system 1. Likewise, food containers 6-7 are also intended to be removable for the same reason. Food containers 6-7, food partition 8, peripheral seal 5, upper portion 2, lower portion 3, and hinge 4 can all be fabricated from any suitable material. Likewise, their size and shape can vary to suit design goals.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a side cutaway view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system 1 illustrating multiple food items 12-15 stored separately within the thermal food storage system 1. A sandwich 12 is illustrated in the lower storage cavity beneath food partition 8. The internal surface of lower portion 3 has an irregular surface 11, which can be formed from ridges, bumps, projections, etc. for the purpose of providing airflow under food items such as sandwich 12. These projections serve to form an irregular surface 11 that has the same function as ventilation apertures 9 in food partition 8.

[0036] Food containers 6-7 are shown containing liquid foods 13 (which may be soup, a beverage, etc.), or granular foods 14 (which may be vegetables, etc.). Food containers 6-7 are also shown with sealable lids 16-17, respectively. Sealable lids 16-17 allow foods in storage containers 6-7 to be safely contained without spillage while the thermal food storage system 1 is transported.

[0037] Also shown in this figure is another item, pizza 15, which is stored in the upper storage cavity on top of food partition 8. Again, food such as this would benefit from ventilation apertures 9 which would serve to keep the food in a fresher state. As can be seen from this figure, the invention provides a single device which can conveniently transport and store an entire meal in a thermally protected environment.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a side cutaway view of a preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system 1, with the food partition 8 and storage containers 6-7 removed. This allows the separate food cavities created by partition 8 to be combined into a single large storage cavity. At times, an individual may desire to transport larger food items which would not normally fit within the thermal food storage system 1 if the food containers 6-7 in the food partition 8 were present. Having a single large storage cavity provides the ability for a single large food item, such as a submarine sandwich 18, to be stored within the thermal food storage system 1. In a preferred embodiment, the internal components are removable to allow larger food items, such as the submarine sandwich 18 illustrated herein, to be conveniently stored when desired.

[0039] In addition to the foregoing embodiments, it is also possible to have different thermal zones inside the thermal food storage system 1. In particular, food containers 6-7 can be fabricated such that they are each thermally insulated. This would allow both cold and hot items to be simultaneously and conveniently stored within the thermal food storage system 1. As a result, a wider variety of meals can be stored for convenient transport. Food containers 6-7 can even have internal compartments to hold conventional cold packs to keep items stored within them at colder temperatures than the rest of the items stored in the thermal food storage system 1.

[0040] Regarding the food platform 8, it should be noted that in the structure used throughout the embodiments discussed above, a particular shape was used. However, since the internal components of the thermal food storage system 1 are all removable, a variety of food platform structures can be used and substituted for one another. In particular, a food platform 8 can be designed which holds multiple items having one or more different shapes. In addition, all of the internal structures used by the system may be secured so that they are immobile once inserted into the thermal food storage system 1.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system 1 in the closed configuration. In this embodiment, the shape was selected with no sharp corners to avoid accidental injury to children using the thermal food storage system 1 at school or elsewhere. In addition, the top 22 of the device has a minimum number of parts to reduce manufacturing costs. Also shown in this figure is locking mechanism 23 on the top edge of the thermal food storage system 1. Those skilled in the art will recognize that while the shape in this embodiment provides particular advantages, a wide variety of shapes can be used to suit particular design choices.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system 1 in the closed configuration. This figure also illustrates molded footpads 24 on the bottom 25 of the thermal food storage system 1. As was the case above, sharp corners are eliminated to avoid injury.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a bottom edge view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system 1 in the closed configuration. In this embodiment, a hinge 26 was selected which is flush with the bottom surface of the thermal food storage system 1. As a result, the hinge 26 will not inadvertently snag clothing, etc. The seam 27 between the top 22 and the bottom 25 of the thermal food storage system 1 is also shown.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a top edge view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system 1 in the closed configuration. The locking mechanism 23 is illustrated on the top edge. During transport, the thermal food storage system 1 remains sealed to protect the contents. When the user desires to eat, the device is unlocked via the locking mechanism 23 and opened.

[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system 1 in the open configuration. In this figure, a removable internal shelf 28 is shown which divides the food compartment into two sections. This allows multiple food types to be separately stored in the same container. Finger apertures 30 allow the removable internal shelf 28 to be easily removed if the user wishes to carry a larger item. Also illustrated is a condiment container 29 which is used to store food items such as grapes, ketchup, mustard, coleslaw, etc. Of course, multiple condiment containers 29 could be used in place of the one illustrated.

[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system 1 in the open configuration with the condiment container 29 removed. Also shown are ventilation apertures 31 to allow airflow. Apertures 31 prevent some food items from becoming soggy.

[0047] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of the thermal food storage system 1 in the open configuration with the condiment container 29 and food storage shelf 28 removed. In this configuration larger food items can be stored within the thermal food storage system 1.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the condiment container 29 with its lid 32 secured in place.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the condiment container 29 with the lid 32 detached.

[0050] FIG. 15 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the removable internal shelf 28. Ventilation apertures 31 are shown. In addition, elevation ridges 33 are also shown. Elevation ridges 33 provide an irregular surface that in combination with ventilation apertures 31, allow airflow under food items to prevent them from getting soggy.

[0051] FIG. 16 is an edge view of a preferred embodiment of the removable internal shelf 28.

[0052] In all of the embodiments, it is envisioned that the material used to fabricate the thermal food storage system 1 has suitable thermal insulation properties to maintain, as long as possible, the temperature of the food while stored within. The top and bottom of the device are designed to seal to aide in maintained internal temperature. Likewise, the internal storage shelf 28 divides the internal compartment into separate segments. As a result, this provides an internal compartment that can also be used to store a cooling device, such as commercially available "blue ice" packages that are frozen prior to use. In addition, the unique design of the internal shelf 28 also facilitates airflow to prevent food from becoming soggy while stored.

[0053] While specific embodiments have been discussed to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations in the embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the material used to fabricate the device can be any suitable material. The size and shape of the device can vary, the size, shape, the number of food containers can vary, and the number, size, and shape of food partitions can vary, etc. Therefore, the invention shall be limited solely by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A portable thermal food storage system, comprising: an external case having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper and lower portions each having a proximal end and a distal end; at least one food container removably secured to the proximal end and at least one food container secured to the distal end; and a food partition removably secured to the lower portion, between the proximal and distal ends of the lower portion, such that, when secured to the lower portion, a first food storage cavity is formed under the food partition and a second food storage cavity is formed above the food partition; whereby multiple food items can be stored in the portable thermal food storage system.