U.S. patent application number 13/416311 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-05 for collapsible food protective enclosure.
This patent application is currently assigned to D-SQUARED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. Invention is credited to Daniel A. ROTHWEIL.
Application Number | 20120167934 13/416311 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40507015 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120167934 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ROTHWEIL; Daniel A. |
July 5, 2012 |
COLLAPSIBLE FOOD PROTECTIVE ENCLOSURE
Abstract
A collapsible enclosure for protecting food from pests and
debris comprises in one configuration at least two flexible
structural beams, a cover having a top portion and a bottom
portion, at least one opening and at least one flap attached above
the opening. The flap is substantially larger in length and width
than the opening and has ballast along its base to hold it flush
against the at least one opening. In another configuration the
collapsible protective food enclosure comprises three or more
resilient structural frame loops, a cover having at least one
opening and a flap. The structural frame loops are affixed within
the cover forming walls. The flap is attached above the opening and
has a resilient structural frame loop affixed along its perimeter
to allow the flap to fit flush against the at least one
opening.
Inventors: |
ROTHWEIL; Daniel A.; (Poway,
CA) |
Assignee: |
D-SQUARED PRODUCT
DEVELOPMENT
POWAY
CA
|
Family ID: |
40507015 |
Appl. No.: |
13/416311 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12190747 |
Aug 13, 2008 |
8132585 |
|
|
13416311 |
|
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|
60967070 |
Aug 31, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/00 20130101;
A45F 3/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/115 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/54 20060101
E04H015/54 |
Claims
1-11. (canceled)
12. A collapsible food protective enclosure, comprising: a flexible
cover with an outer surface, the cover comprising a base, first and
second side walls, and at least one opening in the first side wall;
a flexible flap hinged to a top edge of the first side wall
directly above the opening in the first side wall; and wherein the
base, the first side wall, the second side wall, and the flap each
have a perimeter sleeve containing a resilient structural frame
loop; and wherein the flap is longer and wider than the opening and
rests against an outer surface of the first side wall to close the
opening.
13. The collapsible food protective enclosure of claim 12, further
comprising: an adjustable securing strap affixed to the outer
surface of the base of the cover.
14. The collapsible food protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein
the flap further comprises a plurality of flap securing elements
affixed to the perimeter of the flap.
15. The collapsible food protective enclosure of claim 12, wherein
the first side wall further comprises a plurality of flap securing
elements affixed to the perimeter of the opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 60/967,070 filed Aug. 31, 2007,
entitled "A Collapsible Food Protective Enclosure," which is
incorporated by reference into the instant application as if set
forth verbatim.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to devices used in protecting food
placed on a table. More particularly, to prevent insects and other
contaminants from accessing or entering the food while present on a
table and prior to being consumed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A number of devices are available commercially for
protecting food placed on a table either inside or out during
events such as parties, picnics, fairs, carnivals, etc. The most
common is called the food tent (available though
www.improvementscatalog.com and www.cooking.com) and is a netted
dome having a handle positioned at the top and about the center of
the dome for easy access to the food protected within.
Unfortunately, because these devices do not have a base, insects
can easily access the food by crawling under the edge of the dome
or through the openings between the wooden slats of the picnic
table. In addition, these dome structures can be easily lifted and
blown off the table in a strong breeze.
[0004] Consequently, there is a need for a protective food cover
that does not provide easy access to insects or debris and that is
not easily dislodged from its resting-place due to wind.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is a collapsible enclosure for
protecting food from pests and debris. In one embodiment it
includes at least one flexible structural beam and a cover having a
base and a sidewall with at least one opening. The cover has at
least one beam retainer for receiving the at least one flexible
structural beam and at least two beam pockets for receiving and
anchoring opposite ends of the flexible structural beam. When the
at least one beam is received in the beam pockets and the beam
retainer, the beam becomes bent and thereby supports the cover in
an upright position. The outer surface of the cover has a flexible
flap directly above the opening, and a flap retainer directly above
the flap to optionally hold the flap away from the opening. The
flap is substantially larger in its length and width than the
opening and has a free-hanging bottom edge with ballast along its
base to hold the flap flush against the opening. The collapsible
enclosure may also include one or more straps for securing the
device to a surface such as a table.
[0006] The ballast in the flap may be an elongate rod inserted into
a sleeve along the free-hanging bottom edge of the flap.
Alternatively, the ballast may be granular material such as sand or
metal pellets stuffed inside the sleeve of the flap. The beam
retainer on the cover may be on either the inner our outer surface
of the cover, and may be a sleeve or rings for receiving the
flexible structural beam. The beam retainer may also be one or more
hooks which hold the cover against the flexible structural
beam.
[0007] In another embodiment, the collapsible protective food
enclosure has a cover with at least a base and first and second
side walls. The first side wall has an opening and a flexible flap
is hinged to the outer surface of the cover directly above the
opening. The base, the first and second side walls, and the
flexible flap each have a sleeve around their perimeters. Received
in each sleeve is a resilient structural frame loop. The loops can
be compressed to collapse the enclosure, but when they are released
their resilient nature causes the enclosure to expand into an
upright position. The flap, which is longer and wider than the
opening, normally rests against the first side wall to close the
opening, but may also be retained in an open position using flap
securing elements attached to the rim of the flap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other features of the invention are described in
further detail in the following description and will be better
understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are
briefly described below.
[0009] FIG. 1A shows a top view of a collapsible food protective
enclosure having a flexible structural beam configuration.
[0010] FIG. 1B shows a bottom view of the enclosure of FIG. 1A.
[0011] FIG. 1C shows a side view of the enclosure of FIG. 1A.
[0012] FIG. 1D shows a front view of the enclosure of FIG. 1A.
[0013] FIG. 1E shows a back view of the enclosure of FIG. 1A.
[0014] FIG. 2A shows a top view of a collapsible food protective
enclosure having a flexible loop configuration.
[0015] FIG. 2B shows a side view of the enclosure of FIG. 2A.
[0016] FIG. 2C shows a front view of the enclosure of FIG. 2A.
[0017] FIG. 2D shows a bottom view of the enclosure of FIG. 2A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein have the
same meaning as are commonly understood by one of skill in the art
to which this invention belongs. All patents, patent applications
and publications referred to throughout the disclosure herein are
incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that
there is a plurality of definitions for a term herein, those in
this section prevail.
[0019] The term "beam retainer" as used herein refers to a
structure for securely, yet reversibly attaching flexible
structural beams to the cover by a variety of methods including for
example providing an insert sleeve, hooks, ties, pockets and the
like.
[0020] The term "affixed" as used herein refers to a secure
attachment of one element of the invention to another such as by
stitching, sewing or adhesive. Stitching refers to securely
attaching an element by thread while sewing refers to securely
attaching an element by looping fabric about an element and sewing
the loop or sleeve closed.
[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described
in detail below with reference to the appended figures, wherein
like elements are referenced with like numerals throughout. The
figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and do not necessarily
show every detail or structure of the various embodiments of the
invention, but rather illustrate exemplary embodiments and
mechanical features in order to provide an enabling description of
such embodiments.
[0022] In one preferred configuration the collapsible enclosure of
the present invention comprises at least two flexible structural
beams and a cover having a top portion and a bottom portion, the
top portion having affixing means for receiving the at least two
flexible structural beams, at least one opening and at least one
flap attached above the opening, the flap being substantially
larger in length and width than the opening and having ballast
along its base to hold the flap flush with the at least one
opening.
Flexible Structural Beams
[0023] In this configuration the flexible structural beams 12 of
the present invention are sufficiently flexible to allow them to
bend into the form of the cover and maintain the cover 32 in an
open and upright position. Because of this the flexible structural
beams 12 may be made of a variety of materials and in a variety of
configurations that provide this flexibility. For example, the
flexible structural beams 12 may be made of fiberglass, carbon
fiber, plastic or wood. Possible configurations include round
cylindrical, hollow round cylindrical or elongated beam having a
vertical cross section in the shape of an "X" or a "+". The
flexible structural beams 12 are provided in a length to traverse
the cover from one corner to the opposite corner.
[0024] The two or more flexible structural beams 12 may be
independent of each other or they may be joined together at the
midpoint along their length. The joined configuration assists in
ease of assembly and for compact storage.
[0025] The flexible structural beams 12 are attached to the cover
by beam retainers 28. In the case where the flexible structural
beams 12 are independent of one another the affixing means 28 may
be two or more sleeves along the length of the top portion of the
cover 32 from one corner to the opposite corner. Preferably there
are two lengths of sleeves 28 one along the upper portion of the
top portion and the other along the lower portion of the top
portion. At the center, or apex, of the top portion may be a tie
for securing the top of the cover 32 to the apex of the arched
flexible structural beams 12. Correspondingly, the ends of the
flexible structural beams 12 may be fit into beam pockets 22 at the
corners of the cover 32. Hooks connected at or about regular
intervals along the top portion of the cover 32 in line with the
placement of the flexible structural beams 12 are then clasped
around the flexible structural beams 12 securing the cover 32 in an
open and upright position. Like in the example above the center, or
apex, of the top portion may have a tie for securing the top of the
cover 32 to the apex of the arched flexible structural beams 12. In
this same fashion flexible structural beams 12 that are connected
at their midpoints along their length may be affixed to the cover
32.
[0026] In another configuration the flexible structural beams 12
are positioned in place within the enclosure. Preferably the
flexible structural beams 12 are connected to one another at their
midpoint along their length. The supports are inserted into the
enclosure through the opening 18 and the ends inserted into beam
pockets 22 positioned in the corners of the interior of the cover
32. The apex of the top of the cover 32 may have a means for
securing the flexible structural beams 12 such as a tie.
Alternatively, flexible structural beams 12 may have a small
magnetically susceptible metal disc or snap affixed at the apex. In
this case, the apex of the cover 32 could have a magnet or snap
respectively to connect to the top of the flexible structural beams
12.
[0027] Depending on the actual size of the cover 32 the flexible
structural beams 12 may be provided in a single continuous length,
a series of connectable sections of a particular length or have
hinges which allow them to be folded in the collapsed
configuration. In a connectable section configuration each section
has a female connector on one end and a male connector on the other
to allow the sections to be joined forming a complete structural
support 12. These sections may be independent of each other or they
may be connected by an elastic cord running through their lengths
to prevent one or more of the lengths from being misplaced. In the
hinged configuration the flexible structural beams 12 are provided
in two or more sections joined by a hinge that allows the
structural support 12 to pivot in a plane approximately
180.degree.. The length of the connectable sections or the hinged
sections may be determined by the desired size of the container
that will hold the device 10 in its collapsed form.
Flexible Cover
[0028] The cover 32 of the present invention preferably has a weave
or mesh that allows the user to see and/or identify the food items
stored in the enclosure 10, has a weave or mesh size that prevents
insects and most debris from entering the enclosure 10, is made of
a material that is resilient to being stretched and similar in
flexibility to cloth. A number of netting materials that have these
characteristics are commercially available and are often used for
preparing tents and other large enclosures.
[0029] The cover 32 may have one or more openings 18 that allow the
user to enter and exit the enclosure 10 to access the food within.
The size of the openings 18 will depend on the items to be housed
within the enclosure 10 and the types of access desired. These are
balanced with the desire to secure the contents from access by
unwanted insects and debris. In particular, the diameter of the
plates and dishes the user intends to place in the enclosure 10
will determine the width of the opening or openings 18. For
example, if the diameter of a plate to be stored in the enclosure
10 is 9'' then the width of the opening 18 should be larger than
9''. Correspondingly, if the height of a bowl to be placed in the
enclosure 10 is 7'' then the height of the opening 18 should be at
least 7''.
[0030] For multiple access there may be more than one opening 18
and they may be positioned on different sides of the enclosure 10.
Clearly increasing the number of openings 18 and the amount of time
for which the flaps 14 are opened during access will increase the
opportunity for unwanted entry by insects and debris. Consequently,
it is preferable to limit the number of openings 18 in the cover
32.
[0031] The cover 32 may further comprise a flap retainer positioned
above and about the center of the opening 18 to prevent the flap 14
from contacting the food when accessing the interior of the
enclosure 10. A variety of flap retainers for securing the flap 14
to the enclosure 10 may be utilized with the present invention
including for example a latch, Velcro.TM., magnet, or tie. The type
and position of the flap retainers will depend on the length of the
flap 14. Generally the flap 14 is rolled or bunched and secured at
the top of the opening for ease of access to the inside of the
enclosure 10. If the flap 14 is 9'' in height, it may not be
feasible to place the flap retainers 7'' or more above where the
flap 14 is connected to the cover 32 because there would not be
sufficient material in the flap 14 at that distance to effectively
secure it in the open position. Preferably a hook and loop fastener
is used as the flap retainer. In this configuration, the hook
material could be affixed at about 1-2'' above the center of the
opening and the loop portion could be placed on the inside surface
of the flap 14 about 2-3'' inches from the top and about the center
of the flap 14. When entry is desired the user can roll the flap 14
onto the ballast bar 26 and secure the flap 14 by pressing the hook
and loop portions together.
Adjustable Securing Strap
[0032] One or more adjustable securing straps 24 may be provided
and affixed to the base of the cover 32 so that the enclosure 10
may be secured to a surface. The securing straps 24 may be made of
a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength and
durability to maintain the enclosure 10 on the intended surface.
Nylon strapping similar to that used in camping equipment would be
preferable. These securing straps 24 may be fastened by tying, by
snap connectors similar to those used on backpacks or by loop
through strap connectors similar to those used on luggage.
Flap and Ballast
[0033] The dimensions of the flexible flap 14 exceed both the
length and width of the opening 18 to prevent undesired entry by
insects or debris. The base of the flap 14 has a free-hanging
bottom edge with a sleeve which is provided with ballast 26 to
assure that the bottom edge of the flap 14 rests against the
outside of the side wall of the cover 32 and that the overlap of
the flap 14 remains flush along the sides of the opening 18. The
flaps 14 are preferably made of the same or similar material as the
cover 32. The ballast 26 may be made of any elongated material that
is the same or longer than the width of the flap 14 and provides
sufficient weight to keep the flap 14 flush along the side of the
opening 18. For example, the ballast 26 may be prepared from rod
stock made of metal, heavy wood, heavy polymer or a tubular stock
filled with sand or metal pellets and the like.
Preparation
[0034] The cover material is cut from a desired material stock and
preferably sewn together in a way that resists tearing from
stretching and prevents the formation of holes that could be
accessible by insects. The flexible structural beams are preferably
made of a continuous length of flexible polymer. The ballasts are
preferably cut from solid cylindrical stock material of the desired
diameter and of sufficient weight to exert the desired downward
force on the flaps. The flaps are prepared separately having a
sleeve on one end to receive the ballast. The top of the flaps are
preferable sewn above the openings so that there is a substantial
overlap on all sides of the opening with the ballast sleeve
positioned at the base of the opening.
Use
[0035] The cover and flexible structural beams are removed from the
protective transport cover. The cover is spread on a flat surface
having its bottom portion flush with the flat surface. Each
flexible structural beam is threaded through one set of beam
retainers extending from one corner of the cover to the opposite
corner with the beams crossing over at the top of the cover. The
ends of the beams are anchored in beam pockets at the corners of
the cover. The two beams are secured by the use of a tie at the top
of the cover. Preferably the ballasts are permanently secured
within the sleeves of the flaps. Alternatively, they may be
inserted into the sleeves provided at the base of the flaps when in
use. Adjustable securing or tie down straps affixed to the base of
the cover are used to encircle the surface or portion of the
surface on which the enclosure has been placed and secure it to the
surface or table top. When entering the enclosure the flap is
lifted or rolled and secured above the opening. Food may be
inserted into the enclosure through the opening. When the food is
in position the flap is released and allowed to lay flush and cover
the opening preventing unwanted insects or debris from entering the
food. The enclosure may be broken down and stored by reversing this
procedure.
[0036] In another preferred configuration of the present invention
the collapsible protective food enclosure comprises three or more
resilient structural frame loops, a cover having at least one
opening and a flap. The structural frame loops are affixed within
the cover to form the walls. The flap is attached above the opening
and has a resilient structural frame loop affixed along its
perimeter to allow the flap to fit flush against the opening.
Structural Frame Loops
[0037] In this configuration the structural frame loops 112 of the
present invention are sufficiently flexible to allow them to bend
into the form of the cover 114 and maintain the cover 114 in an
open and upright position. In addition the structural frame loops
112 can be twisted and folded over in an overlapping circular
configuration that allows for easy compact storage.
[0038] A variety of materials may provide these desired
characteristics such as for example steel wire or polymer. The
frame 112 is generally constructed from linear pieces of material
that are joined into loops by fusing the ends such as by welding or
adhesive. The structural frame loops 112 may then be affixed to the
cover 114 by a variety of methods including stitching the frame
loops 112 within the interior of the cover 114 such that they form
the sides of the enclosure 110. Alternatively, the structural frame
loops 112 can be sewn into the perimeter edges of the material
pieces used to construct the enclosure 110 by wrapping and securing
the material over the frame 112 by sewing. For example, structural
frame loops 112 can be sewn into the material pieces used to
construct the walls, top and bottom of the enclosure 110. These can
then be joined forming a tubular structure. End pieces are then
sewn onto this tubular structure to complete the enclosure 110. In
this type of configuration as little as three structural frame
loops 112 may be used to construct the enclosure 110, two for the
sides and one for the base with the two ends held taught by the
three frame loops 112. No structural frame loops 112 are required
for the ends of the enclosure 110.
Flexible Cover
[0039] The flexible cover 114 of the present invention preferably
has a weave or mesh that allows the user to see and/or identify the
food items stored in the enclosure 110, has a weave or mesh size
that prevents insects and most debris from entering the enclosure
110, is made of a material that is resilient to being stretched and
similar in flexibility to cloth. A number of netting materials that
have these characteristics are commercially available and are often
used for preparing tents and other large enclosures.
[0040] The cover 114 will have one or more openings 116 that allow
the user to enter and exit the enclosure 110 to access the food or
items within. The size of the openings 116 will depend on the items
to be housed within the enclosure 110 and the types of access
desired. These are balanced with the desire to secure the contents
from access by unwanted insects and debris. Particular examples of
how to determine the size of a desired opening 116 are provided
above.
[0041] For multiple access, there may be more than one opening 116
and they may be positioned on different sides of the enclosure 110.
Increasing the number of openings 116 and the amount of time for
which the flaps 118 are opened during access will increase the
opportunity for unwanted entry by insects and debris. Consequently,
it is preferable to limit the number of openings 116 in the cover
114.
[0042] The cover 114 may further comprise a means for securing the
flap 118 positioned above and about the center of the opening 116
to prevent the flap 118 from contacting the food when accessing the
interior of the enclosure 110. A variety of means for securing the
flap 118 to the exterior enclosure 110 may be utilized with the
present invention including for example a latch, Velcro.TM.,
magnet, or tie. Preferably the flap 118 is pivotally affixed to the
structural loop frame 112 above the opening 116 so that it may be
rotated from the opening 116 and allowed to rest on the adjacent
side or top. The flap 118 may be secured in both the closed and
open position. In the closed position, the securing elements may be
provided along the entire perimeter of the flap 118 or only on a
small portion of the flap 118. Correspondingly, securing elements
are also provided about the opening 116 for making contact with the
securing elements of the flap 118 securing the flap in the closed
position. In the open position the flap 118 may be actively secured
to an adjacent side or top by a securing element or may simply rest
on the adjacent side or top.
Adjustable Securing Straps
[0043] Securing straps may be provided and affixed to the base of
the cover 114 so that the enclosure may be secured to a surface.
The securing straps 122 may be made of a wide variety of materials
that provide sufficient strength and durability to maintain the
enclosure 110 on the intended surface. Nylon strapping similar to
that used in camping equipment is preferable. These securing straps
122 may be fastened by a variety of methods including tying, snap
connectors similar to those used on backpacks or loop through strap
connectors similar to those used on luggage. In one preferred
configuration the straps 122 and snaps are provided to allow
multiple enclosures to be affixed together at their base and
fastened securely to a surface. For example, when the enclosure 110
is square or rectangular, female snap clip connectors may be
provided on two adjacent sides of the base while male snap clip
connectors are positioned on the opposite remaining two sides. This
allows multiple enclosures 110 to be joined end to end and side to
side. The straps 122 are preferably adjustable to assure that the
enclosures can be fastened securely to a variety of surfaces having
different dimensions. Alternatively, the snap clip connectors
provided on the base of the enclosure 110 may have limited length,
sufficient to secure one enclosure to the other. A secondary
adjustable strap may then be provided able to be connected to the
snap clip connectors on the ends of the multiple enclosure
structure thereby securing them to a surface.
Flexible Flap
[0044] The flexible flap 118 of the present invention will have
dimensions that exceed both the length and width of the opening 116
in the cover 114 to prevent undesired entry by insects or debris.
The flap is preferably made of the same or similar material as the
cover 114. A flexible resilient structural frame loop 112 is
affixed along the perimeter of the flap 118. The flap 118 is
preferably rotatably hinged onto the structural frame loop 112
above the opening 116 so that it may be rotated upward and onto an
adjacent side or top. The flap 118 may also be provided with
securing elements along its perimeter edge to actively secure the
flap 118 in position. Alternatively, the flap 118 may merely hang
over the opening 116 in the closed position or rest on an adjacent
side or top in the open position.
Preparation
[0045] The cover material is cut from a desired material stock; the
structural frame loops are then sewn into the appropriate pieces
and then assembled into an enclosure. The seams are sewn together
in a way that resists tearing from stretching and prevents the
formation of holes that could be accessible by insects. Securing
straps are affixed on the exterior of the base so that the
connectors are positioned about the middle of each side and in such
a configuration that allows one enclosure to be connected to
another enclosure side by side or end to end. The flap is rotatably
affixed to the structural loop frame above the opening so that
there is a substantial overlap on all sides of the opening.
Use
[0046] The enclosure is packaged in the compact circular
configuration. When it is removed from its case, lightly shaken or
agitated and placed on a surface the resilient structural frame
loops expand automatically forming the enclosure. Securing straps
present on the base are used to encircle the surface or portion of
the surface on which the enclosure has been placed and secure it to
the surface or table top. When entering the enclosure the flap is
lifted and rotated onto the adjacent side or top above the opening.
Food may then be inserted into the enclosure through the opening.
When the food is in position the flap rotated over the opening
preventing unwanted insects or debris from entering the food.
[0047] The enclosure may be collapsed by removing the food, placing
the flap in the closed position, pressing the front side onto the
base which will force the top side onto the other side and folding
these onto each other so that all of the sides are positioned on
top of each other. Two opposite sides are grasped and twisted 180
degrees to form a figure eight. The lobes of the figure eight are
folded over onto each other forming a smaller generally round
compact and relatively flat package that may be easily inserted
into its case for storage.
[0048] Various modifications and alterations of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the
accompanying claims. Any element in a claim that does not
explicitly state "means for" performing a specified function or
"step for" performing a specified function is not to be interpreted
as a "means" or "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112,
6.
* * * * *
References