U.S. patent application number 12/815379 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-15 for parfait cup.
This patent application is currently assigned to READY PAC FOODS, INC.. Invention is credited to Loys Larpin, Brian Zomorodi.
Application Number | 20110303678 12/815379 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45095409 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110303678 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zomorodi; Brian ; et
al. |
December 15, 2011 |
Parfait Cup
Abstract
A parfait cup including a cup, an insert, a catch panel lid and
a dome lid such that the parfait cup incorporates at least three
individual containers within a single, compact package. The parfait
cup maintains each of the contents separately from one another
until a consumer desires to combine them. The cup is designed so as
to hold a yogurt or other similar contents. The insert is designed
to separately hold granola, nuts, cereal or other similar contents.
The catch panel lid and dome lid are designed in such a way as to,
together, hold fruit or similar contents while simultaneously
allowing any juices or excess water exuded from the fruit to be
retained in one or more reservoirs in the top of the catch panel
lid.
Inventors: |
Zomorodi; Brian; (La Canada
Flintridge, CA) ; Larpin; Loys; (Monrovia,
CA) |
Assignee: |
READY PAC FOODS, INC.
Irwindale
CA
|
Family ID: |
45095409 |
Appl. No.: |
12/815379 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/574 ;
220/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3205 20130101;
B65D 81/3216 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/574 ;
220/200 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/00 20060101
A47G019/00; B65D 51/00 20060101 B65D051/00 |
Claims
1. A parfait cup, comprising: a cup; an insert, removably placed
atop and within said cup; a catch panel lid, removably affixed over
said insert and to said cup; and a dome lid, removably affixed over
said insert and to said catch panel lid.
2. The parfait cup of claim 1 wherein said dome lid and said catch
panel lid together form a removable unit.
3. The parfait cup of claim 1 wherein said catch panel lid provides
a lid over said cup and said insert, when removably affixed to said
cup, and to retain the contents of said dome lid when removably
affixed to said dome lid.
4. The parfait cup of claim 1 wherein said catch panel lid is
designed in such a way that juices that exude from the contents of
said removable unit are separated from said contents.
5. The parfait cup of claim 4 wherein said catch panel lid uses at
least one concentric reservoir suitable to support said contents of
said catch panel lid while simultaneously providing space for said
juices to separate from said contents.
6. The parfait cup of claim 2 wherein said catch panel lid includes
an indentation such that it fits within a counterpart indentation
in the top of said dome lid so that a plurality of said removable
units, each made up of one catch panel lid and one dome lid
removably affixed to one another, are stackable one upon
another.
7. The parfait cup of claim 1 wherein said insert includes a lip
around the circumference of the top of said insert that allows said
insert to be placed atop and within said cup.
8. The parfait cup of claim 7 wherein said catch panel lid holds
said insert in place atop and within said cup by applying pressure
to the lip when catch panel lid is removably affixed to said
cup.
9. The parfait cup of claim 1 wherein the outer circumference of
said dome lid applies pressure to the outer circumference of said
catch panel lid such that the two form a removeable unit.
10. The parfait cup of claim 9 wherein a circumferential junction
between said dome lid and said catch panel lid is substantially
water-tight.
11. The parfait cup of claim 10 wherein said circumferential
junction is comprises corresponding ridges in the lips of said dome
lid and said catch panel lid such that a seal is created when said
dome lid and said catch panel lid are removably affixed to one
another.
12. The parfait cup of claim 1 wherein said insert includes at
least one denesting lug around its interior base so as to provide
space between a plurality of said inserts when stacked.
13. The parfait cup of claim 4 wherein said at least one
concentric, circular reservoir in said catch panel lid includes at
least one denesting lug so as to provide space between a plurality
of said catch panel lids when stacked.
14. A parfait cup comprising: a cup; an insert, said insert
including a lip around the outer, upper circumference of said
insert suitable for holding the said insert in a position such that
the interior of said insert is maintained within the upper portion
of said cup; a catch panel lid removably affixed to said cup and
suitable for substantially sealing said cup with said insert in a
position such that the interior of said insert is maintained within
the upper portion of said cup when said catch panel lid is
removably affixed to said cup and further including at least one
reservoir suitable for receiving the juices exuded by the solid
contents supported by said catch panel lid; and a dome lid,
removably affixed to said catch panel lid such that said dome lid
and said catch panel lid form a substantially water-tight,
removable unit.
15. The parfait cup of claim 14 wherein the reservoir is a
channel.
16. The parfait cup of claim 14 wherein said catch panel lid
includes a series or reservoirs made up of a series of
channels.
17. The parfait cup of claim 16 wherein said catch panel lid
includes a platform, separated from said reservoirs, such that said
solid panel contents are separated from said juices.
18. The parfait cup of claim 14 wherein said reservoir is a series
of concentric channels.
19. The parfait cup of claim 18 wherein said series of concentric
channels have a width between 1/9 millimeter and 1/3 millimeter per
millimeter of radius of said catch panel lid.
20. The parfait cup of claim 19 wherein said series of concentric
channels have a volume, relative to the surface area of said catch
panel lid, of between 0.26 and 0.88 ml/cm.sup.2.
21. The parfait cup of claim 14 wherein said catch panel lid
includes an indentation such that said indentation fits within a
counterpart indentation in the top of said dome lid.
22. The parfait cup of claim 14 wherein said catch panel lid
includes a separating member suitable for removing said
substantially water-tight removable unit from said cup and said
insert while said substantially water-tight removable unit remains
substantially water-tight.
23. The parfait cup of claim 22 wherein said dome lid incorporates
an outward indentation such that it fits within a counter part
indentation in the bottom of said cup in such a way that a
plurality of such parfait cups, each made up of at least one said
dome lid and at least one cup removably affixed to one another, are
stackable one upon another.
24. The parfait cup of claim 14 wherein the junction between said
catch panel lid and said dome lid is made substantially water-tight
through the use of corresponding ridges in the lips of each of said
dome lid and said catch panel lid such that a seal is created when
said dome lid and said catch panel lid are removably affixed to one
another.
25. The parfait cup of claim 14 wherein said insert includes at
least one denesting lug around its interior base so as to provide
space between a plurality of said inserts when stacked.
26. The parfait cup of claim 25 wherein said at least one
concentric, circular indentation in said catch panel lid includes
at least one denesting lug.
27. A dome lid and catch panel assembly for a parfait cup
comprising: a catch panel lid suitable for substantially sealing a
cup when said catch panel lid is removably affixed to said cup; a
dome lid, removably affixed to said catch panel lid such that said
dome lid and said catch panel lid form a substantially water-tight
removable unit; and wherein said catch panel lid includes at least
one reservoir suitable for supporting the contents retained within
the cavity formed by said catch panel lid and said dome lid while
simultaneously providing space for excess juices to separate from
said contents.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The field of the present invention is disposable storage
containers and more specifically disposable, combination fruit and
yogurt containers.
[0002] The public has become increasingly health-conscious. Yet,
individuals are on-the-go more than ever and have fewer healthy
dining options. As a result, many restaurants and convenience
stores have begun providing healthy eating alternatives in their
retail establishments.
[0003] A fruit parfait is one example of a healthy food for the
person on-the-go. Parfaits typically consist of fresh fruit and
yogurt. They may be accompanied by granola, nuts, cereal or other
similar food. A parfait may also include dried fruits, berries or
other sweetener. Consumers typically prefer that these ingredients
remain separate from one another until such time as they are to be
consumed, and for good reason. If granola or nuts are combined with
yogurt in the package, the granola or nuts become soft and mushy.
Likewise, the premature combination of fruit and yogurt causes the
yogurt to react to and separate from the fruit's juices, and the
fruit becomes soft and mushy or otherwise undesirable. Further, the
shelf life of the parfait is reduced because the undesirable
effects of mixing worsen over time.
[0004] In order to address these and other issues with parfait
packaging, many prior art parfait cups separate the granola, cereal
or nuts from the yogurt and fruit. In some cases, the fruit is put
into a cup and then yogurt is added on top, though this method
creates an undesirable result at the point of contact. Further, the
prior art more often than not mixes the yogurt and fruit in the
package. In these cases, the fruit and yogurt interact to an even
greater extent drastically reducing product (fruit) sensory,
quality and shelf life.
[0005] Other solutions separate the fruit from the yogurt using an
insert. In these insert solutions, the fruit is placed in a
separate container above the yogurt cup. Typically, the granola or
nuts are then placed in a small bag removably affixed to the side
of the yogurt cup. Of necessity, the side bags are made from a
different material. Thus, the prior solutions require separate
machines to manufacture a container, and separate processes to fill
and recycle the container.
SUMMARY
[0006] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in prior art
parfait cups, the Applicants disclose an improved and integrated
parfait cup that provides a separate container for each of the
yogurt, fruit and granola, cereal or nuts.
[0007] In a first aspect, the parfait cup is designed in such a way
as to allow the consumer easy access to the granola, cereal or nuts
and the fruit without any of the individual components being
combined with the yogurt. This allows each of the individual
components to maintain its freshness and character until the
consumer wishes to combine the elements for consumption.
[0008] In a second aspect, all parts of the parfait cup are made
from the same material, thereby simplifying manufacturing, filling
and recycling the parfait cup.
[0009] In a third aspect, Applicants' parfait cup incorporates a
catch-panel lid under the dome lid in order to maintain the fruit
in a separate container, above the granola, cereal or nuts and the
yogurt. This maintains the desirable characteristics of the fruit
and yogurt and provides extended shelf life to both.
[0010] This catch panel lid may incorporate several other useful
characteristics to keep the various components separate from one
another. In particular, the catch panel lid may incorporate a
series of reservoirs suitable for supporting the fruit while
simultaneously allowing excess water (from cleaning) and juices
from the fruit to separate from the fruit itself. Thus, when the
fruit is subsequently combined with the yogurt, less water and
juices are introduced into the combination.
[0011] In a fourth aspect, the catch panel lid operates as a
removable lid for the insert which contains granola, cereal or
nuts. When the catch panel lid is removed, it separates along with
the dome lid through the use of reciprocating lips that are
designed to be substantially water-tight. As a result, the catch
panel lid and dome lid separate as an individual unit providing
easy access to the yogurt and granola while maintaining the fruit
in an easy-to-use, separate container.
[0012] The foregoing description, objects, and advantages of the
present invention are not meant to be an exhaustive summary,
inasmuch as additional pertinent aspects of this invention will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description, taken independently or in conjunction with
the annexed sheets of drawings, in which one or more embodiments of
the invention are described and shown. Further, each aspect may be
used in permutation and combination with one another. The following
detailed description and annexed drawings are provided only for
purposes of illustration of certain specific embodiments of the
present invention, and not for purposes of limitation of the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The following detailed description of the invention can be
better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front, exploded view of the parfait cup in
accordance with the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2A is a top view of the cup portion of a parfait cup in
accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2B is a side view of the cup portion of a parfait cup
in accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2C is a side, cross-sectional view of the cup portion
of a parfait cup in accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3A is a top view of the insert of a parfait cup in
accordance with the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3B is a side view of the insert of a parfait cup in
accordance with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3C is a side, cross-sectional view of the insert of a
parfait cup in accordance with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4A is a top view of the catch panel lid of a parfait
cup in accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4B is a side view of the catch panel lid of a parfait
cup in accordance with the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4C is a side, cross-sectional view of the catch panel
lid of a parfait cup in accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5A is a top view of the dome lid of a parfait cup in
accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5B is a side view of the dome lid of a parfait cup in
accordance with the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5C is a side, cross-sectional view of the dome lid of a
parfait cup in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a side, cross-sectional view of a parfait cup in
accordance with the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 6A is a detail view of a portion of the side,
cross-sectional view of a parfait cup in accordance with the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 6B is a detail view of a portion of the side,
cross-sectional view of a parfait cup in accordance with the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 7A is a side view of two dome lid and catch-panel
portion combinations sitting atop one another in accordance with
the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 7B is a side, cross-sectional view of two dome lid and
catch-panel portion combinations sitting atop one another in
accordance with the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 8A is a side view of two inserts sitting atop one
another in accordance with the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 8B is a side, cross-sectional view of two inserts
sitting atop one another in accordance with the present
invention.
[0034] In the drawings, similar reference characters denote similar
elements throughout the several views, as well as within the
detailed description below.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0035] As noted above, the following detailed description is not
meant to limit the present claimed invention, inasmuch as alternate
embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, an exploded view of the parfait cup in
accordance with the present invention, comprising a dome lid 100,
catch panel lid 106, insert 114 and cup 122. The dome lid 100
includes a dome portion 102 and a lip 104, suitable for removably
affixing the dome lid to the cup 122. The catch panel lid 106
includes a series of circular reservoirs 108, 110 and a raised
center portion 112. The insert 114 includes a lip 114, a line 118
and a number of denesting lugs 120. Finally, the cup 122 includes a
lip 124 and a base 126. Each of these elements and additional
elements for each of the dome lid 100, catch panel lid 106, insert
114 and cup 122 will be described in greater detail below with
reference to the remaining figures.
[0037] In the preferred embodiment, each of the cup 122, insert
114, catch panel lid 106 and dome lid 100 are made of the same
clear, plastic material. In the preferred embodiment, the
individual components are injection molded. As a result, the entire
parfait cup may be disposed of in a recycling receptacle once the
contents of the parfait cup are consumed. In addition, the clear
material allows for easy viewing of the contents of the parfait cup
by a consumer or a retailer inspecting the contents for freshness
and desirability. The use of a single material for all components
makes the parfait cup easier and less-costly to manufacture and
assemble. It should be noted that alternative materials may be used
dependant upon the desired characteristics of the parfait cup.
[0038] Turning now to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, the top, side and side,
cross-section views of cup 122 in accordance with the present
invention are shown. As seen in previous figures, the cup 122
includes a lip 124 and a base 126. The cup 122 also incorporates a
side 128. In the preferred embodiment, the side is angled such that
the cup 122 is larger at the top than the bottom. This aids in
filling the cup 122 and allows a user to more easily grasp and hold
the cup 122.
[0039] The base 126 of the cup 122 also includes an indentation
130. In the preferred embodiment, the cup 122 is circular in top,
cross section. As a result, the indentation 130 is also circular.
In alternative embodiments, the cross section may be square,
rectangular or any other shape. As a result, the corresponding
indentation 130 in these alternative embodiments may take on
different or corresponding shapes as well. This indentation is
useful in stacking one or more parfait cups one upon another. In
particular, the dome lid 100 incorporates a corresponding outward
indentation such that the base 126 of the cup 122 and the top of
the dome lid 100 may stack one upon another.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, the top, side and
side, cross-section views of insert 114 in accordance with the
present invention are shown. The insert 114 includes a lip 116, a
line 118 and denesting lugs 120. The insert 114 also includes a
sealing spacer 134, a side 136, a sloping side 138 and a base 140.
The line 118 denotes the beginning of the sloping side 138. Because
of the sloping side 138, the base 140 is of a smaller diameter than
the insert 114 at the lip 116. In alternative embodiments in which
the top, cross section is not circular, the base may also take on
different shapes.
[0041] The lip 116 and sealing spacer 134 are of particular
relevance to the present design. The lip 116 serves to allow the
insert 114 to sit atop and within the cup 122. The sealing spacer
134 provides means by which the insert substantially seals the cup
122 when the catch panel lid 106 is removably affixed to the cup
122. When the catch panel lid 106 is removably affixed to the cup
122, the sealing spacer 134 creates a seal that is substantially
water-tight around the circumference of interior of the lip 124 of
the cup 122. In this way, the contents of the insert 114 (in the
preferred embodiment, granola, nuts or cereal) are maintained
separate and substantially sealed from the contents of the cup 122
(in the preferred embodiment, yogurt). The seal is primarily
created by the downward pressure of the catch panel lid 106 when
removably affixed to the cup 122.
[0042] The denesting lugs 120 of the insert 114 also serve a useful
function. However, this function will be described in more detail
below with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.
[0043] Turning now to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, the top, side and side,
cross-section views of catch panel lid 106 in accordance with the
present invention are shown. The catch panel lid 106 includes a lip
142 that is used to removably affix the catch panel lid 106 to the
lip 124 of the cup 122. The lip 124 of the cup 122 incorporates a
rounded top edge and the lip 142 of the catch panel lid 106
incorporates an indentation designed in such a way so as to accept
the rounded top edge of the lip 124 of the cup 122. The lip 142
also incorporates a series of ridges 148 and 150 (See FIG. 4B) that
serve to make the circumference of the lip 142 narrower immediately
below the indentation designed to incorporate the lip 124 of the
cup 122. As a result, when downward pressure is applied to the
catch panel lid 106 and countervailing upward pressure is applied
to the cup 122, the two will become removably affixed one to
another. The insert 114 may be placed between them without
substantially impeding the removable affixation.
[0044] The catch panel lid 106 also incorporates a series of
reservoirs 108 and 144 (See FIGS. 4A and 4C). These reservoirs 108,
144 serve to allow the juices of the fruit that is stored in the
dome lid 100 and catch panel lid 106 combination to separate
themselves from the fruit during upright storage. As described
above, the catch panel lid 106 of the preferred embodiment is
circular in top, cross section. However, the catch panel lid 106
and indeed the entire parfait cup may take an alternative top,
cross section. If so, the catch panel lid 106 and the reservoirs
108, 144 will take on similar top, cross sections.
[0045] The reservoirs 108, 144 are designed in such a way that they
are narrow enough that substantial portions of fruit placed above
them will not slip into them. They are, however, deep and wide
enough to accept a reasonable amount of water (from cleaning of the
fruit) and excess juice from the fruit stored in the catch panel
lid 106 and dome lid 100 combination. During storage, the catch
panel lid 106 acts, using gravity, to separate those juices from
the stored fruit. As a result, when a consumer purchases the
product and subsequently combines the fruit with the yogurt, less
excess water or juice is introduced to the yogurt.
[0046] The preferred embodiment utilizes two reservoirs 108, 144.
However, it should be noted that fewer or more reservoirs may be
used while still conforming to the overall scope and spirit of the
present invention. Particularly in instances in which a larger dome
lid 100 and catch panel lid 106 are used, a larger number of
reservoirs 108, 144 may be used in order to accept the amount of
water and excess juice from the fruit stored in the dome lid 100
and catch panel lid 106 combination.
[0047] The catch panel lid 106 also incorporates a separating
member 146. The operation of the separating member 146 will be
discussed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B
and 5C in conjunction with FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. In addition, the
catch panel lid 106 also incorporates an upward indentation 112
(See FIGS. 4A and 4C). This indentation 112 will be discussed in
additional detail below with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.
[0048] Turning now to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, the top, side and side,
cross-section views of dome lid 100 in accordance with the present
invention are shown. The dome lid 100 includes a dome portion 102,
a lip 104, a ridge 152 and an outward indentation 154. The outward
indentation 154 of the dome lid 100 is designed in such a way as to
fit inside the indentation 130 of the cup 122. In this way, the
dome lid 100 and cup 122 may be stacked, when combined as a
unit.
[0049] The lip 104 includes ridges 156, 158 that operate to create
a seal with the lip 124 of the cup 122 and that fit into the lip
142 if the catch panel lid 106. As a result, the lip 104 may form a
similar connection to the lip 124 of the cup 122 with the catch
panel lid 106 and its lip 142 in-between the two.
[0050] The separating member 146, a part of the catch panel lid 106
(See FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C), may be operated by a user to separate
the combination of the catch panel lid 106 and the dome lid 100
from the insert 114 and cup 122 without disturbing the contents of
the cup 122, the insert 114 or the catch panel lid 106 and dome lid
100 combination. The application of upward pressure, relative to
the cup 122, on the separating member 146 allows the catch panel
lid 106 and dome lid 100 combination to be separated from the cup
122 and insert 114. The lip 104 of the dome lid 100 and the lip 142
of the catch panel lid 106 join in such a way as to maintain the
contents of the combination thereof in a substantially water-tight
compartment before and after separation from the cup 122.
[0051] In particular, the lip 104 of the dome lid 100 and the lip
142 of the catch panel lid 106 incorporate corresponding ridges
along their outer edges that, when joined, create a substantially
water-tight seal. As a result, the contents of the dome lid 100 and
catch panel lid 106 are maintained in a substantially water-tight
state until opened by the consumer for consumption.
[0052] In the preferred embodiment, the use of the separating
member 146 to separate the dome lid 100 and catch panel lid 106
from the cup 122 and insert 114 enables a user to separate the
fruit-containing compartment from the remainder of the parfait cup.
The user may then take out the contents of the insert 114 (granola,
nuts or cereal in the preferred embodiment) and introduce them into
the contents of the cup 122 (yogurt in the preferred embodiment).
The user may then separate the dome lid 100 and the catch panel lid
106 to thereby gain access to the contents of that compartment and
to introduce those contents to the cup 122 along with the previous
contents of the insert 114. The catch panel lid 106 will retain the
excess water and juice described above.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, side, cross-sectional
view of a parfait cup in accordance with the present invention are
shown. The parfait cup includes the cup 122, the insert 114, the
catch panel lid 106 and the dome lid 100. FIG. 6A also depicts a
second cup 160 sitting atop the dome lid 100 of the first parfait
cup. As described above with respect to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, the
dome lid 100 and second cup 160 are designed in such a way as to be
stackable, one upon another.
[0054] FIG. 6B is a close-up, side, cross-sectional view of the
interface between the cup 122, the insert 114, the catch panel lid
106 and the dome lid 100. As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 6B,
the lip 116 of the insert 114 sits atop the lip 124 of the cup 122.
The insert 114 is held in place by the lip 142 of the catch panel
lid 106. The lip 142 of the catch panel lid 106 is substantially
coincident with the lip 104 of the dome lid 100. As a result, the
meeting of the insert 114 with the cup 122 is substantially
water-tight. Similarly, both the meeting of the catch panel lid 106
with the dome lid 100 and the meeting of the catch panel lid 106
with the cup 122 are substantially water-tight. In all cases, this
serves to maintain the various contents stored in each of the
compartments made by these meetings in fresh and self-contained
states until the consumer is ready to combine the contents for
consumption.
[0055] FIG. 6C is a close-up, side, cross-sectional view of the
interface between the dome lid 106 and the second cup 160. As can
be seen the outward indentation 154 of the dome lid 100 fits neatly
into the indentation 130 in the cup 122. As a result, a number of
parfait cups may be stacked one upon another when in transit or
when displayed for sale.
[0056] Turning now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a side view and a side,
cross-sectional view of the dome lid 100 and catch panel lid 106
combination in accordance with the present invention are shown. As
can be seen in these figures, the dome lid 100 and catch panel lid
106 are designed in such a way that, together, they may be stacked
one upon another. In particular, the outward indentation 154 of the
dome lid 162 and catch panel lid 164 combination is designed in
such a way as to fit inside the indentation 112 of the catch panel
lid 106 and dome lid 100 combination.
[0057] In this way, a group of the catch panel lid 106 and dome lid
100 combinations may be stacked, one upon another, for storage in
transit or prior to being removably affixed to a parfait cup. This
design allows for easy storage of a group of these combinations,
preferably in a refrigerated container. As a result, the filling
process may be done in steps such that a large number of these
containers may be filled (typically with fruit) before a group of
cups 122 are filed (typically with yogurt) and before the two
filled containers are combined to create an entire parfait cup.
This allows for ease in the creation of the parfaits and
streamlines the process by which they are created. The uniform
stacking of these combinations also allows for machines to combine
them with a group of cups 122 by automated means to thereby create
a group of parfait cups.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a side view and a side,
cross-sectional view of two inserts 114, 166 are shown. The insert
114 and insert 166 are designed in such a way as to incorporate a
series of denesting lugs 120. These denesting lugs 120, 170 are
intentionally spaced at uneven intervals around the circumference
of the internal base of the inserts 114, 166. The denesting lugs
120, 170 are designed to ease in separation of the inserts 114, 166
from one another when stacked. This enables a manufacturer to
create a number of these inserts, to stack them one upon another
for storage and then allows the inserts 114, 166 to be separated
either by a worker or by a machine as a part of an automated
process.
[0059] In particular, the denesting lugs 120, 170 provide spacing
168 between the two inserts 114, 166. This spacing 168 allows for
ease in grasping only the top insert 166, either by an individual
or by a machine. The uneven spacing of these lugs 120, 170 lessen
the likelihood that the lugs will fit one within another, thereby
failing to provide spacing 168 and eliminating their usefulness in
providing the spacing 168.
[0060] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been
described and illustrated herein in detail, it is recognized that
modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art.
Consequently, it is intended that the claims herein be interpreted
to cover any such modifications. It is further intended that the
present invention be not limited according to any particular
disclosed embodiment, but rather only according to the appended
claims.
* * * * *