U.S. patent application number 13/101715 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-10 for pizza box.
Invention is credited to Scott SANDERS, Glenn WHITE.
Application Number | 20110272411 13/101715 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44901271 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110272411 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SANDERS; Scott ; et
al. |
November 10, 2011 |
PIZZA BOX
Abstract
An improved food packaging having a plurality of
compartments.
Inventors: |
SANDERS; Scott; (Moreland
Hills, OH) ; WHITE; Glenn; (Louisville, KY) |
Family ID: |
44901271 |
Appl. No.: |
13/101715 |
Filed: |
May 5, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61331475 |
May 5, 2010 |
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61394892 |
Oct 20, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/503 ;
220/524; 229/120.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/48018 20130101;
B65D 2585/366 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/503 ;
220/524; 229/120.24 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/484 20060101
B65D005/484; B65D 5/4805 20060101 B65D005/4805 |
Claims
1. A food container comprising a base, a lid, a side wall and an
intermediate shelf partition positioned between the base and lid
when said lid is in the closed position, said side wall extending
fully between said base and lid when said lid is in the closed
position, said intermediate shelf partition forming a first and
second food compartment, said first food compartment at least
partially formed by an upper surface of said base, a lower surface
of said intermediate shelf partition, and at least a portion of
said side wall, said second food compartment at least partially
formed by a lower surface of said lid, an upper surface of said
intermediate shelf partition, and at least a portion of said side
wall.
2. The food container as defined in claim 1, wherein a majority of
said base, said lid, said side wall and said intermediate shelf
partition are formed of a single piece of foldable material.
3. The food container as defined in claim 2, wherein said base,
said lid, said side wall and said intermediate shelf partition are
formed of a single piece of foldable material.
4. The food container as defined in claim 1, wherein a majority of
said base, said lid, said side wall and said intermediate shelf
partition are formed of a material selected from the group
consisting of paper, cardboard, corrugated paper and corrugated
cardboard.
5. The food container as defined in claim 3, wherein a majority of
said base, said lid, said side wall and said intermediate shelf
partition are formed of a material selected from the group
consisting of paper, cardboard, corrugated paper and corrugated
cardboard.
6. The food container as defined in claim 1, wherein said
intermediate shelf partition is foldable over said base and said
lid is foldable over said intermediate shelf partition after said
intermediate shelf partition has been folded over said base, said
intermediate shelf partition spaced above said base when said
intermediate shelf partition is folded over said base, said
intermediate shelf partition spaced below said lid when said lid is
folded over said intermediate shelf partition.
7. The food container as defined in claim 5, wherein said
intermediate shelf partition is foldable over said base and said
lid is foldable over said intermediate shelf partition after said
intermediate shelf partition has been folded over said base, said
intermediate shelf partition spaced above said base when said
intermediate shelf partition is folded over said base, said
intermediate shelf partition spaced below said lid when said lid is
folded over said intermediate shelf partition.
8. The food container as defined in claim 1, wherein said food
container includes two of said side walls, a front wall and a back
wall, said two side walls foldably connected to said lid.
9. The food container as defined in claim 7, wherein said food
container includes two of said side walls, a front wall and a back
wall, said two side walls foldably connected to said lid.
10. The food container as defined in claim 1, wherein said food
container includes two of said side walls, a front wall and a back
wall, said two side walls foldably connected to said base.
11. The food container as defined in claim 7, wherein said food
container includes two of said side walls, a front wall and a back
wall, said two side walls foldably connected to said base.
12. The food container as defined in claim 8, wherein at least a
portion of said front walls is foldably connected to both said lid
and said base.
13. The food container as defined in claim 10, wherein at least a
portion of said front wall is foldably connected to both said lid
and said base.
14. The food container as defined in claim 8, wherein said base and
said intermediate shelf partition include a plurality of foldable
side flanges, at least one of said foldable side flanges connected
to both said base and said intermediate shelf partition.
15. The food container as defined in claim 10, wherein at least one
side wall of said base includes a foldable side tab, said foldable
side tab designed to be folded over a portion of said intermediate
shelf partition after said intermediate shelf partition has been
folded over said base, said foldable side tab designed to maintain
said intermediate shelf partition in position over said base.
16. The food container as defined in claim 8, wherein said lid
includes a portion of said front wall and a securing tab from said
front wall, said securing tab designed to fit into a tab slot
positioned in the front wall portion that is foldably connected to
said base or said intermediate shelf partition.
17. The food container as defined in claim 10, wherein said lid
includes a portion of said front wall and a securing tab from said
front wall, said securing tab designed to fit into a tab slot
positioned in the front wall portion that is foldably connected to
said base or said intermediate shelf partition.
18. The food container as defined in claim 1, wherein said
intermediate shelf partition is equally spaced from said base and
said lid when said food container is fully assembled and said lid
is in a closed position.
19. The food container as defined in claim 1, wherein said first
and second food compartments have generally the same volume when
said food container is fully assembled and said lid is in a closed
position, each of said first and second food compartments having a
shape and volume to contain a full pizza.
20. The food container as defined in claim 1, wherein said first
and second food compartments have generally the same volume when
said food container is fully assembled and said lid is in a closed
position, each of said first and second food compartments having a
shape and volume to contain less than 75% of a full pizza.
Description
[0001] The present invention claims priority on U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. Nos. 61/331,475 filed May 5, 2010, and 61/394,892
filed Oct. 20, 2010 both of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0002] The present invention also claims priority on U.S. Design
patent application Ser. No. 29/391,150 filed May 4, 2011.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is directed to containers, more
particularly to food packaging containers, even more particularly
to foldable food packaging containers, still even more particularly
to a foldable food packaging container that includes a plurality of
levels, and yet still more particularly to a foldable one-piece
paper board and/or corrugated paper board food packaging container
that includes a plurality of levels. The present invention will be
particularly described with reference to the packaging of pizza;
however, it will be appreciated that many other and additional
types of foods can be packaged by the same or similar container as
described and illustrated herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The pizza business makes and sell millions of pizzas for
delivery and carryout. The success of these business depends in
part on the cost and functionality of the pizza container utilized
in the packaging the pizza. These pizza container should be cost
economical, easy to use, stackable, rigid and generally
crush-resistant. Pizza containers generally constitute a
substantially by a box-like body which has a base, side walls and a
closure lid. The pizza container is also designed to contain a
single pizza.
[0005] The pizza containers can have a variety of configurations.
For example, some of the pizza containers employ inward-slanting
wall constructions in an effort to conserve manufacturing costs and
to attain maximum stacking strength. Some pizza containers include
rigid cover structures and avoid the use of any tabs projecting
above lid so as to allow stacking of multiple cartons one on top of
the other. Some pizza containers are formed from foldable blanks
capable of being manufactured in nested and inverted configuration
in order to minimize materials.
[0006] Most prior art folded pizza containers are intended to be
used in a manner which requires several steps. These steps include
pre-erecting the carton, stacking empty pre-erected cartons on the
shelf, removing a pre-erected carton from the shelf and opening a
pre-erected carton, placing a cooked and cut pizza into the pizza
container, and then closing the pizza container. However, only one
pizza can be placed into a pizza container at a time. Connectable
pizza containers such as disclosed in US 2005/0199687 have been
developed; however, each one of the stackable and connectable pizza
containers is designed to only contain a single pizza.
[0007] It is common that pizza establishments have multi-pizza
promotions. Two for one deals for pizzas are common promotions.
Currently, each purchased pizza is placed in its own container.
Delivery of multiple pizza containers to a single purchaser can
result in delivery mistakes and is wasteful of materials. Pizza
establishments are also offering half pizzas and other items such a
breadsticks, wings, calzones, and the like. These items are all
currently packaged in separate containers.
[0008] In view of the prior art, there is a need for a food
container that can be used to package multiple pizzas, or a pizza
and other food items, and which is material-saving, can be quickly
and simply erected, is cost effective and stackable with other
pizza container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to food packaging
containers that address the past problems associated with prior art
pizza containers. The pizza box of the present invention is a
foldable food packaging container that includes a plurality of
levels. Generally, the pizza box includes two levels when fully
assembled; however, it can be appreciated that the pizza box can
include more than two levels (e.g., three levels, four levels,
etc.) when fully assembled. A majority of the pizza box is
generally formed of a single piece of foldable material (e.g.,
plastic, paper board, cardboard, corrugated paper board, corrugated
cardboard, foam, metal, etc.). In one non-limiting embodiment, over
75% of the pizza box is generally formed of a single piece of
foldable material. In another non-limiting embodiment, over 80% of
the pizza box is generally formed of a single piece of foldable
material. In still another non-limiting embodiment, over 85% of the
pizza box is generally formed of a single piece of foldable
material. In yet another non-limiting embodiment, over 90% of the
pizza box is generally formed of a single piece of foldable
material. In still yet another non-limiting embodiment, over 95% of
the pizza box is generally formed of a single piece of foldable
material. In another non-limiting embodiment, 100% of the pizza box
is formed of a single piece of foldable material. The size and
thickness of the foldable material is non-limiting. Generally, the
thickness and type of material is selected so that it is generally
light weight (e.g., less than 16 oz., less than 10 oz., less than 8
oz., etc.) and can be easy folded by hand. Paper board and
cardboard materials (corrugated or non-corrugated) having a
thickness of less than 0.75 inches (e.g., 0.5 inches or less, 0.375
inches or less, 0.25 inches or less, etc.) can be used to form in
the pizza box of the present invention. Although the pizza box of
the present invention will be particularly described with reference
to the packaging of pizza, it will be appreciated that many other
and additional types of foods can be packaged by the pizza box
(e.g., full pizza, half pizza, calzone, sandwiches, wings, bread
sticks, etc.).
[0010] Several of the non-limiting features and benefits of the
pizza box of the present invention are as follows:
[0011] Features: [0012] Innovative new material saving design.
[0013] Multiple compartments (i.e., separated compartment levels).
[0014] Easy to set up. [0015] Stronger side-walls and stacking
strength. [0016] Unique to the pizza industry. [0017] Designed to
enable pizza to be cut on both top and bottom levels.
[0018] Economic Benefits: [0019] Saves over 20% on material costs.
[0020] Allows lighter (less expensive) materials due to increased
stacking strength. [0021] Less print area (less ink). [0022] Less
time setting up. [0023] Allows for more space in store or storage
area.
[0024] Marketing Benefits: [0025] Unique brand image container.
[0026] Allows two item pizzas to be separated by partition (e.g.,
pepperoni pizza in bottom and cheese pizza in top, supreme pizza in
bottom and cheese pizza in top, etc.). [0027] Flexibility--Allows
the retailer to mix and/or match meal and side items in the top and
bottom compartments (e.g. wings, bread sticks, calzone, pizza,
cheese sticks, sandwiches, salads, pastas, etc.).
[0028] Environmental Benefits: [0029] Less material used and less
to discard. [0030] Less space in the trash (as opposed to the large
bulky standard pizza box). [0031] Use of environmentally advantaged
recycled papers and/or other materials. [0032] Naturally grease
resistant.
[0033] As can be appreciated, the novel pizza box of the present
invention can have additional features and/or benefits.
[0034] One non-limiting object of the present invention is to
provide a foldable pizza box that is highly efficient in structure
and use.
[0035] Another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that has enhance
strength and is stackable.
[0036] Still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that is efficient
in packaging a food product such as pizza.
[0037] Yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that includes
multiple levels.
[0038] Still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of
the present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that is easy
to set up.
[0039] Another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that is strong
side-walls and stacking strength.
[0040] Still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that is designed
to enable pizza to be cut on each level of the pizza box.
[0041] Yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that reduces that
amount of materials required to package multiple pizzas.
[0042] Still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of
the present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that allows
for the use of lighter (less expensive) materials due to increased
stacking strength of the pizza box.
[0043] Another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that has less
print area, thus uses less when packaging multiple pizzas.
[0044] Still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that is simple
and quick to setup and assemble.
[0045] Yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that is formed of
one piece of foldable material.
[0046] Still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of
the present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that allows
for more space in stores or in a storage area as compared to single
pizza box that only can contain a single pizza.
[0047] Another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that allows for
two different pizzas to be separated by partition or level.
[0048] Still another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that allows a
retailer to mix and/or match meal and side items in the different
levels of the pizza box.
[0049] Yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that can be fully
or partially formed of recycled materials.
[0050] Still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting object of
the present invention to provide a foldable pizza box that is
grease resistant.
[0051] These and other objects and advantages will become apparent
from the following description taken together with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0052] Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate
several non-limiting embodiments that the invention may take in
physical form and in certain parts and arrangements of parts
wherein:
[0053] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the pizza box of the present
invention in a fully opened position;
[0054] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the pizza box of FIG. 1
in a partially open view;
[0055] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the pizza box of FIG. 1 in a
closed position;
[0056] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view along lines 4-4 of FIG.
3;
[0057] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view along lines 5-5 of FIG.
3;
[0058] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the pizza box of FIG. 1 in the
fully open position;
[0059] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of
the pizza box in the fully open position;
[0060] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the pizza box of FIG. 7
in the partially open position;
[0061] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the pizza box of FIG. 7
in a fully closed position;
[0062] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view along lines 10-10 in FIG.
9;
[0063] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view along lines 11-11 of FIG.
9;
[0064] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the pizza box of FIG. 7 in a
fully opened position;
[0065] FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of
the pizza box in the fully opened position;
[0066] FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of the pizza box of FIG.
13 in a partially closed position;
[0067] FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of the pizza box of FIG.
13 in a fully closed position;
[0068] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view along lines 16-16 of FIG.
15;
[0069] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view along lines 17-17 of FIG.
15;
[0070] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the pizza box of FIG. 13 in a
fully open position;
[0071] FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of
the pizza box in accordance with the present invention;
[0072] FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of the pizza box of FIG.
19 in a partially closed position;
[0073] FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of the pizza box of FIG.
19 in a fully closed position;
[0074] FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view along lines 22-22 of FIG.
21;
[0075] FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view along lines 23-23 of FIG.
21; and,
[0076] FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the pizza box of FIG. 19 in
the fully open position.
DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0077] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
the purpose of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the
invention only and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIGS. 1-24
illustrate four non-limiting embodiments of a pizza box in
accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate one
non-limiting configuration of the pizza box of the present
invention. FIGS. 7-12 illustrate another one non-limiting
configuration of the pizza box of the present invention that is
similar to the pizza box illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 except for the
shape and size of the food compartments. FIGS. 13-18 illustrate
still another non-limiting configuration of the pizza box of the
present invention. FIGS. 19-24 illustrate yet another one
non-limiting configuration of the pizza box of the present
invention that is similar to the pizza box illustrated in FIGS.
13-18 except for the shape and size of the food compartments.
[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, there is illustrated a pizza box
100. The pizza box includes a base 110, a lid 150, an intermediate
shelf partition 200 and a plurality of walls 260, 270, 280, 290,
300. The pizza box 100 will be described with particular reference
for use with pizzas; however, it will be appreciated that the pizza
box can be used to package other or additional food items. The
material used to form the pizza box is non-limiting. Generally, the
material used is a foldable material that can be easily folded by
the hands of a user. Common non-limiting materials that can be used
include paper board, cardboard, corrugated paper board and
corrugated cardboard. The pizza box is illustrated as being formed
of a single piece of material. The material can be stamped or
otherwise cut from a blank of material. The stamped or cut material
can include grooves, depressions, notches, serrations, or the like
to facilitate in the bending or folding of one or more portion of
the stamped or cut material so that the material can be more easily
formed into the pizza box; however, this is not required. The
thickness of the foldable material is generally no more than about
0.25 inches and generally at least about 0.05 inches; however, this
is not required. The thickness of the material is generally
uniform; however, this is not required. The foldable material can
be an ovenable material to enable a food item such as a pizza to be
cooked inside the pizza box; however, this is not required. One
non-limiting types of ovenable foldable material is disclosed in
United States Patent Publication No. US 2010/0193578, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0079] The upper surface 112 of base 110 is designed to support a
food item such as a pizza P. The shape and surface area of upper
surface 112 is selected to support a particular sized and shaped
food item. As such, the size and shape of the upper surface is
non-limiting. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the upper surface has a
generally square or rectangular shape. The base 110 includes two
side flanges 120, 122 and two end flaps 130, 132. The side flanges
are foldably connected to the base. The end flaps are foldably
connected to the side flanges. As illustrated in FIG. 1, when the
side flanges and end flaps are folded up into position, the side
flanges and end flaps form an outer boundary for the food item
positioned on the upper surface 112 of base 110 so as to facilitate
in maintaining the food item on the upper surface of base 110.
[0080] The intermediate shelf partition 200 includes a bottom
surface 210 and a top surface 220. The intermediate shelf partition
200 includes three side flanges 230, 240, 250. The side flanges are
foldably connected to the intermediate shelf partition. Side
flanges 230 and 240 include a single end tab 232, 242,
respectively. Side flange 250 includes two end tabs 252, 254. The
three side flanges are designed to be foldable so as to extend
upwardly from the bottom surface of the intermediate shelf
partition as illustrated in FIG. 1. The height of the top edge of
each of the side flanges from the upper surface of the intermediate
shelf partition when I the folded position as illustrated in FIG. 1
is generally the same. The end tabs 232 and 242 are designed to be
bent so as to be positioned over the bottom surface 210 of the
intermediate shelf partition. Thereafter, the end tabs 252 and 254
are bend inwardly such that the front edge of the end tabs engages
end tabs 232 and 242 as illustrated in FIG. 1. This novel tab
arrangement on the side flanges results in of the end tabs being in
engagement with one another and being maintained in position as
illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, end tabs 252 and
254 are bent at over a 110.degree. angle and end tabs 232 and 242
are bent at less than a 90.degree. angle. As will be explained
below, the configuration of the end tabs as illustrated in FIG. 1
will provide additional structural support to the intermediate
shelf partition when it is folded into its final position to so as
to enable a user to cut a pizza that lies on the top surface 220 of
the intermediate shelf partition without causing the intermediate
shelf partition to collapse downward onto the upper surface 112 of
base 110.
[0081] A portion of a front wall 280 is foldably connected between
base 110 and intermediate shelf partition 200. The front wall 280
includes a tab slot 282 that is designed to receive tab 292 on the
other portion of front wall 290.
[0082] Back wall 270 is foldably connected between lid 150 and base
110. The width of back wall 270 is generally the same as the width
of side walls 260, 300 that are foldably connected to lid 150.
Front wall portion 290 is also foldably connected to lid 150. The
width of front wall portions 280, 290 is each generally less than
the width of walls 260, 270, 300; however, this is not required.
Each of side walls 260, 300 include two side flaps 262, 264, 302,
304, respectively. The width of side flaps 262, 302 is generally
the same. The width of side flaps 264, 304 is generally the same.
The width of side flaps 262, 302 is less than the width of side
flaps 264, 304; however, this is not required.
[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, once the pizza box is folded
as illustrated in FIG. 1 and a pizza P is placed on the upper
surface 112 of base 110 as illustrated in FIG. 1, the intermediate
shelf partition 200 is then folded over the base as indicated by
the arrows in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 2, intermediate shelf
partition 200 is folded over the base and is now in its final
folded position. The top surface 220 of intermediate shelf
partition 200 can now receive a second pizza SP. The second pizza
is positioned above the first pizza P that is resting on the upper
surface of base 110. The side flanges 230, 240 are illustrated as
being on the interior of side flanges 120, 122 of base 110. The top
edges of side flanges 230, 240, 250 and the top edges of side flaps
232, 242, 252, 254 rest upon the upper surface 112 of base 110 to
thereby support intermediate shelf partition 200 above the upper
surface of base 110. When the intermediate shelf partition 200 is
in the final flooded position, a first food compartment FC1 is
formed between the bottom surface of intermediate shelf partition
200 and the upper surface of base 110. Within the first food
compartment is container pizza P.
[0084] Once the second food item SP is placed on the top surface of
intermediate shelf partition 200, lid 150 is folded into the fully
closed position as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2. Prior to
folding the lid into the closed position, side flaps 262, 264, 302,
304 are folded inwardly. FIG. 3 illustrates the pizza box in the
fully folded and closed position and containing two food items P
and SP. The lid is maintained in the closed position by inserting
tab 292 into tab slot 282. As can be appreciated, other or
additional arrangements can be used to maintain lid 150 in the
closed position (e.g., adhesive, friction, hook and loop fasteners,
etc.). Once the lid is positioned in the fully closed position, a
second food compartment FC2 is form between the top surface of
intermediate shelf partition 200 and the bottom surface 152 of lid
150. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the two food compartments
have generally the same height; however, this is not required. The
height of the food compartments is selected so that the bottom
surface of intermediate shelf partition 200 is positioned above the
food item P that is positioned in the first food compartment FC1
and the bottom surface 152 of lid 150 is positioned above the food
item SP that is positioned in the first food compartment FC2. As
illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the food compartment FC2 is
positioned above and separated from food compartment FC1 to form a
novel packaging arrangement for multiple food items. As such, food
compartments FC1 and FC2 enable different food items to be
positioned in the respective food compartments so that the food
items in each food compartment do not interact or mix with one
another. The volume of the two food compartments is generally the
same; however, do to the side tab arrangement used to support the
intermediate shelf partition 200, food compartment FC1 can have a
smaller volume than food compartment FC2. The side tabs and side
flanges on the intermediate shelf partition 200 are designed to
provide rigidity and support to the intermediate shelf partition
200 to enable a user to cut food items such as a pizza while the
pizza lies on the top surface of the intermediate shelf partition
200. As such, when a user or a pizza maker cuts a pizza while on
the top surface of the intermediate shelf partition 200, the side
tabs and side flanges on the intermediate shelf partition 200
inhibit or prevent the bottom surface of the intermediate shelf
partition 200 from bending or collapsing onto a food item that is
positioned on the upper surface of base 110 in food compartment
FC1.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 6, a cut blank of the pizza box in a fully
unfolded position is illustrated. Generally the pizza box is
stamped out of a foldable material and shipped to a user in an
unfolded form; however, this is not required. The dashed lines
illustrate the locations that the pizza box is to be folded and/or
allow separation of one or more components from another.
Depression, serration, notches, etc. can be located on or along the
dashed lines to facilitate in the folding of the pizza box and/or
separation of components; however, this is not required.
[0086] Referring now to FIGS. 7-12, another pizza box in accordance
with the present invention is illustrated. The components and
operation of the pizza box illustrated in FIGS. 6-12 are similar to
the pizza box illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, thus the same numbering
will be used. Also, a discussion of the components of the pizza box
and how it is folded and formed will not be repeated. The shape of
the two food compartments FC1 and FC2 are different from the food
compartments illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. As illustrated in FIGS.
7-11, the two food compartments FC1 and FC2 are configured to hold
half a pizza. It is common for individuals to over two halves of a
pizza with different ingredients or half of a pizza and some other
item such as breadsticks, wings, salad, pasta, calzone, cheese
sticks, ribs, chicken, etc. The pizza box illustrated in FIGS. 7-12
is configured to package half a pizza so as to not have to use a
full pizza box and waste materials. Likewise, this pizza box
arrangement can be used to package other non-pizza items.
[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 13-18, there is illustrated another
non-limiting multilevel pizza box 400 that has the same or similar
advantages to the pizza boxes illustrated in FIGS. 1-12. The pizza
box illustrated in FIGS. 13-18 can be formed of the same or similar
materials as used for the pizza boxes of FIGS. 1-12. Similar to the
pizza box of FIGS. 1-7, the pizza box illustrated in FIGS. 13-18 is
configured to hold two full pizzas P and SP; however, this is not
required. The pizza box 400 includes a base 410, a lid 450, an
intermediate shelf partition 500 and a plurality of walls 560, 570,
580, 590, 600, 610.
[0088] The upper surface 412 of base 410 is designed to support a
food item such as a pizza P. The shape and surface area of upper
surface 412 is selected to support a particular sized and shaped
food item. As such, the size and shape of the upper surface is
non-limiting. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the upper surface has a
generally square or rectangular shape.
[0089] Side walls 560 and 570 are foldably connected to base 410. A
portion of back wall 580 is also foldably connected to base 410. A
portion of front wall 590 is also foldably connected to base 410.
The width of front wall portion 590 and back wall portion 580 are
generally the same. Likewise, the width of side walls 560 and 570
are generally the same. The width of side walls 560 and 570 is
generally greater than the width of front wall portion 590 and back
wall portion 580; however, this is not required.
[0090] The two side walls 560 and 570 each include four foldable
side tabs 562, 563, 566, 568, 572, 574, 576, 578, respectively.
Side tabs 564, 568, 574, 578 have generally the same width. Side
tabs 562, 566, 572, 576 have generally the same width. Side tabs
564, 568, 574, 578 can have the same width as side tabs 562, 566,
572, 576; however, this is not required. Side tabs 564, 574 are
designed to be inserted into back wall portion 580 as illustrated
in FIG. 13. This can be accomplished in several ways. On
non-limiting way is to fold back wall portion 580 upwardly, then
fold side tabs 564, 574 inwardly, and then fold the top section of
the back wall portion over the folded side tabs to thereby capture
the side tabs within the back wall portion. The two connection tabs
582, 584 positioned on the end edge of the back wall portion can be
inserted into tab slots 414, 416 in base 410 to thereby secure the
back wall portion in place. The securing of side tabs 564, 574
within back wall portion 580 facilitates in maintaining the side
walls 560, 570 in the folded upright position as illustrated in
FIG. 13. As can be appreciated, the back wall portion can be
maintained in position in other arrangements (e.g., friction,
adhesive connection to one or both side tabs, etc.).
[0091] Once the side tabs are secured to and/or within the back
wall portion 580, a food item P such as a pizza can be positioned
in the upper surface 412 of the base as illustrated in FIG. 13.
After the food item has been positioned on the upper surface of the
base, side tabs 568, 578 are folded inward, if not already done, as
illustrated in FIG. 13. Side tabs 568, 578, side walls 560, 570 and
back wall portion 580 facilitate in maintaining the food item P on
the upper surface of the base as illustrated in FIG. 13. The
intermediate shelf partition 500 is then folded over the upper
surface of the base as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 13. The
bottom surface 502 of the intermediate shelf partition 500 is
designed to be supported on the top edges of side tabs 568, 578 and
the folded top edge of back wall portion 580. A portion of the
front wall 590 is foldably connected between the intermediate shelf
partition 500 and base 410. The front wall portion 590 is includes
a tab slot 592.
[0092] Referring now to FIG. 14, the intermediate shelf partition
500 is positioned in its final position such that the bottom
surface 502 overlies the upper surface 412 of the base. A first
food compartment FC1 is formed between the bottom surface of
intermediate shelf partition 500 and the upper surface 412 of the
base. After the intermediate shelf partition 500 is positioned in
its final position, side tabs 562, 572 are folded inwardly an over
a portion of intermediate shelf partition 500 as illustrated in
FIG. 14 so as to secure the intermediate shelf partition in place.
The top surface of the intermediate shelf partition 500 can then be
used to support a second food item SP such as a second pizza as
illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0093] Once the intermediate shelf partition 500 is secured in
position by side tabs 562, 572, the other portion of back wall 600
is folded upwardly as partially illustrated in FIG. 14. Back wall
portion 600 is foldably connected between lid 450 and intermediate
shelf partition 500. Once back wall portion 600 is folded upwardly,
lid 450 can be folded over the top surface 504 of intermediate
shelf partition 500 to thereby cover the second food item SP. Prior
to lid 450 be fully closed, side tabs 566, 576 are folded inwardly.
The lid is secured in the closed position by inserting tab 612 on
the other front wall portion 610 into tab slot 592. Front wall
portion 610 is foldably connected to lid 450. As can be
appreciated, lid 450 can be secured in the closed position by other
or additional arrangements (e.g., adhesive, friction, hook and loop
fasteners, etc.).
[0094] FIG. 15 illustrates the pizza box in the fully folded and
closed position and containing two food items P and SP. Once lid
450 is positioned in the fully closed position, a second food
compartment FC2 is formed between the top surface of intermediate
shelf partition and the bottom surface 452 of lid 450. As
illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the two food compartments have
generally the same height; however, this is not required. The
height of the food compartments is selected so that the bottom
surface of intermediate shelf partition 500 is positioned above the
food item P that is positioned in the first food compartment FC1
and the bottom surface 452 of lid 450 is positioned above the food
item SP that is positioned in the first food compartment FC2. As
illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the food compartment FC2 is
positioned above and separated from food compartment FC1 to form a
novel packaging arrangement for multiple food items. As such, food
compartments FC1 and FC2 enable different food items to be
positioned in the respective food compartments so that the food
items in each food compartment do not interact or mix with one
another. The volume of the two food compartments is generally the
same; however, this is not required. The side tabs on the side
walls and back wall portion 580 and front wall portion 590 are
designed to provide rigidity and support to the intermediate shelf
partition 500 to enable a user to cut food items such as a pizza
while the pizza lies on the top surface of the intermediate shelf
partition 500. As such, when a user or a pizza maker cuts a pizza
while on the top surface of the intermediate shelf partition 500,
the side tabs on the side walls and back wall portion 580 and front
wall portion 590 inhibit or prevent the bottom surface of the
intermediate shelf partition 500 from bending or collapsing onto a
food item that is positioned on the upper surface of base 410 in
food compartment FC1.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 18, a cut blank of the pizza box is a
fully unfolded position is illustrated. Generally the pizza box is
stamped out of a foldable material and shipped to a user in an
unfolded form; however, this is not required. The dashed lines
illustrate the locations that the pizza box is to be folded and/or
allow separation of one or more components from another.
Depression, serration, notches, etc. can be located on or along the
dashed lines to facilitate in the folding of the pizza box and/or
separation of components; however, this is not required.
[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 19-24, another pizza box in
accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The
components and operation of the pizza box illustrated in FIGS.
19-24 are similar to the pizza box illustrated in FIGS. 13-18, thus
the same numbering will be used. Also, a discussion of the
components of the pizza box and how it is folded and formed will
not be repeated. The shape of the two food compartments FC1 and FC2
are different from the food compartments illustrated in FIGS.
13-17. As illustrated in FIGS. 19-24, the two food compartments FC1
and FC2 are configured to hold half a pizza. Such an arrangement is
similar to the pizza box arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 7-12, and
the advantages of such an arrangement will not be repeated
herein.
[0097] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among
those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently
attained, and since certain changes may be made in the
constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the
above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The
invention has been described with reference to preferred and
alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding
the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein. This
invention is intended to include all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present
invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims
are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of
the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of
the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to
fall therebetween.
* * * * *