U.S. patent application number 13/351368 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for insulated food carrying device called the bowl buddy.
Invention is credited to Dan Charlebois.
Application Number | 20120181211 13/351368 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46489966 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120181211 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Charlebois; Dan |
July 19, 2012 |
Insulated Food Carrying Device called The Bowl Buddy
Abstract
A portable, temperature controlling food container device that
is used to house, transport and keep a bowl of food hot or cold.
The product has a removable lid, which can be opened or closed and
is attached with a zipper to the body of the device. It has
internal house a cooling or heating element with secured flap
covering the element, which allows the user to place hot or cold
packs inside them. These packs will keep food either cold or hot as
per the needs of the user. The device has handles to allow easy
transport of the unit.
Inventors: |
Charlebois; Dan;
(Noblesville, IN) |
Family ID: |
46489966 |
Appl. No.: |
13/351368 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61461390 |
Jan 18, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/549 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/20 20130101;
A45C 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/549 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/20 20060101
A45C011/20 |
Claims
1. An insulated food carrying device called The Bowl Buddy.TM.
comprised of: (a) a watertight and insulated cylindrical bag
containers, said container with a closed bottom and open top; said
container having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and
said container having other operational features; (b) a watertight
lid with features; (c) a means for removably securing the lid to
the container; (d) at least one heat/cold element; (e) at least one
heat and cold element pocket with features, said pocket interior to
the container; and (f) a means for securing the at least one pocket
to the interior surface of the container wherein the device holds
food interior to the container bag, the elements are secured in the
pockets interior within and to the interior surface of the
container bag, and the device keeps the food at the desired
temperature by means of cooling and heating elements.
2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the other operational
features of the bag container include a sidewall panel around a
circumference of the bag container, a bottom surface, and a means
to connect the sidewall panel to the bottom.
3. The device according to claim 2 wherein the bottom and sidewall
panel is watertight.
4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the other operational
features of the bag container are at least one handle.
5. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means for removably
securing the lid is a zipper.
6. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means for removably
securing the lid is a hook and loop mechanism.
7. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means for removably
securing the lid is a series of snaps.
8. The device according to claim 1 wherein the features of the
pocket is a closing flap to hold the hot/cold element in the
pocket.
9. An insulated food carrying device called The Bowl Buddy.TM.
comprised of: (a) a watertight and insulated cylindrical bag
container, said container with a closed bottom and open top, said
container having an interior watertight surface and an exterior
watertight surface; and said container having a sidewall panel, a
bottom surface, and at least one handle; (b) a watertight lid; (c)
a circumferential zipper attached to the lid and the sidewall panel
for removably securing the lid to the container; (d) at least one
heat/cold element; (e) at least one heat and cold element pocket
with closure flaps, said pocket interior to the container; and (f)
a hook and loop mechanism for securing the at least one pocket to
the interior surface of the container wherein the device holds food
interior to the container bag, the elements are secured in the
pockets by the flaps interiorly within and to the interior surface
of the container bag, and the device keeps the food at the desired
temperature by means of cooling and heating elements.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/461,390 filed Jan. 18, 2011 and entitled
"Bowl Buddy".
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention is a portable, temperature maintaining food
container. The invention relates generally to a portable container
and, more particularly, to a portable container having a
temperature retention compartment.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0003] None.
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0004] None.
BACKGROUND
Field of Invention and Prior Art
A. Introduction of the Problems Addressed
[0005] The growing popularity of the sports, tailgating events and
other social and family-type gatherings or outings continues. Along
the way, foods have become more in need of temperature control and
retention to keep the hot dishes hot and the cold dishes cold. This
need has spurred considerable interest in having a better
transportable container that can keep foods at the desired
temperature level. Since many of the locations where the device is
needed lacks easy access to utilities (electricity etc.) there is a
problem and need to maintain temperatures without ready access to
the electricity. Other problems and needs to address are a properly
sized carrier for the food, the storage of thermally controlled
devices when not in use, and the ease of use when the user is at
the event or gathering.
[0006] The availability of a portable, temperature retaining food
container with improvements that address these problems described
herein is not known in the prior art. More specifically, a
portable, temperature retaining food container with good
temperature retention--hot or cold--and without electricity; easy
portability and easy storage features are heretofore not known to
exist.
B. Prior Art
[0007] In prior art, disclosures have been made in the field of
food temperature control and transporting of containers, but they
did not show or anticipate the Charlebois device. For example, a
U.S. Design Pat. No. DES 287,921 issued in 1987 to Skamser showed a
device that was a sleeve to thermally insulate food. There is no
functionality explained, but it appears that it has a flap that
closes around the food. No mention of hot or cold elements, straps
for carrying or portability are evident so it does not anticipate
the Charlebois device. Another device is shown in a U.S. Pat. No.
5,052,369 issued in 1991 to Johnson which demonstrated a heat
retaining food container. It is an improved heat retaining
foodservice system including a heat retaining food cover, food
container and under base, each including a heat storage system
comprised of a sealed chamber there within. It shows that the
configuration is built-in as a container and not a carrier that may
be used with other containers. It does not address cold retention
(heat repulsion). It shows no carrying straps or stack ability for
storage. Therefore, it does not anticipate or make the Charlebois
device obvious to those persons who are skilled in the art.
[0008] Turning to other devices, a U.S. Pat. No. 5,892,202 was
issued in 1999 to Baldwin et al. The thermal storage and transport
device or carrying case for storing and transporting heated
articles includes a thermal storage assembly having a heat
retention member for absorbing and retaining sensible heat and for
releasing the sensible heat of an extended period of time. The
thermal storage assembly includes a heating coil assembly secured
to a surface of the heat retention member. The heating coil
assembly includes a resistive heating coil disposed adjacent to the
heat retention member. The heating coil has a power cord connected
to the coil with the coil being retained within a sealed thermally
conductive pouch. The unit needs to be plugged into electricity to
recharge the heat coils, the unit lacks cooling capacity, and it
appears as a food vendor's device. Therefore, it does not
anticipate or make the Charlebois device obvious to those skilled
in the art. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 7,491,912 issued in 2009 to
Check is a portable container with a temperature control chamber.
Check taught a portable food delivery container that includes a
food storage compartment, a control compartment, and a temperature
control source. A control compartment lies adjacent to and in
thermal conductivity with the food storage compartment. A modular
removable temperature control source is disposed within the control
compartment, where the temperature control source affects transfer
of thermal energy between the food storage compartment and the
control compartment to maintain the food storage compartment at a
temperature other than the ambient temperature. It lacks handles,
stack ability, and flexibility to be used with various sized and
designed containers owned by the user. Therefore, it does not
anticipate or make the Charlebois device obvious to those skilled
in the art.
[0009] As far as is known, there is no other portable, temperature
controlling food container to fully accomplish the objectives and
goals of this present device. It is believed that this device is
made with fewer parts and with improved configurations and physical
features to provide more functionality, when compared to other
currently utilized devices or methods for carrying and maintaining
temperatures of food. The particular combinations of materials and
features are unique and novel. One may conclude that these
combinations in Charlebois are not anticipated by prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The device herein is a much improved portable, temperature
retaining food container. The device relates generally to a
portable container and, more particularly, to a portable container
having a temperature retention compartment where a user places the
food bowls, hence it is a Bowl Buddy. The preferred embodiment of
the Improved Insulated Food Carrying Device called The Bowl Buddy
is comprised of: (a) a watertight and insulated cylindrical bag
container, said container with a closed bottom and open top, said
container having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and
said container having other operational features [such as
sidewalls, bottom surface, watertight, handles]; (b) a watertight
lid with features; (c) a means for removably securing the lid to
the container [such as a zipper, Velcro, snaps]; (d) at least one
heat/cold element; (e) at least one heat and cold element pocket
with features [flaps, insulated walls], said pocket interior to the
container; and (f) a means for securing the at least one pocket to
the interior surface of the container [Velcro.TM., snaps, zipper]
wherein as the device holds food interior to the container bag, the
elements are secured in the pockets [with flaps] interior within
and to the interior surface of the container bag, and the device
keeps the food at the desired temperature by means of cooling and
heating elements. All of the components of the improved device are
made of durable, washable materials and configured for ease of
manufacturing.
OBJECTIVES AND ADVANTAGES
[0011] There are several objectives and advantages of the portable,
temperature controlling food container device. There are currently
no known prior art devices that are effective at providing the
objectives of this invention in a simple and common sense manner.
The following TABLE A summarizes various advantages and objectives
of the improved Bowl Buddy device. This list is exemplary and not
limiting to the many advantages offered by this new device.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE A Various Benefits, Advantages and Objectives
This device: ITEM BENEFIT 1. Has a totally releasable lid to permit
easy access to food bowls even while bowls are inside and
contiguous to the hot/cold elements; 2. Has easy to carry handles
as flexible straps and is fully portable; 3. Has temperature
control elements useful for hot or cold temperature source
including insulated and vacuum sealed liners and PEVA or equal
liners; 4. Comes as a system of three sizes, fully stack able for
easy storage; and 5. Has a material for the exterior and interior
surfaces that are durable and fully hand washable.
[0012] Noteworthy is that other advantages and additional features
of the improved portable, temperature controlling food container
device will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and
from the full description of the device. For one skilled in the art
of temperature retaining and transporting devices for foods and
their accessories, it is readily understood that the features shown
in the examples with this device are readily adapted for
improvement to other types of food retaining mechanisms and
devices.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figures
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred and
alternative embodiments for the Improved Insulated Food Carrying
Device called The Bowl Buddy. The drawings, together with the
summary description given above and a detailed description given
below, serve to explain the principles of the improved insulated
food carrying device. It is understood, however, that the device is
not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities
shown.
[0014] FIGS. 1 A through 1 E are the general sketches of the
Improved Insulated Food Carrying Device called The Bowl Buddy.
[0015] FIGS. 2 A through 2 C are the general sketches of the
improved insulated food carrying device with the various components
shown and denoted.
[0016] FIGS. 3 A and 3 B show sketches of the prototype device with
components shown and of a person using the device.
[0017] FIGS. 4 A through 4 C are sketches of the improved insulated
food carrying device in use.
[0018] FIGS. 5 A through 5 D show additional sketches showing the
different sizes of the device and a close-up of the pockets for the
heat/cold elements.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference Numerals
[0019] The following list refers to the drawings:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE B Reference numbers. Ref # Description 31
Improved Insulated Food Carrying Device called The Bowl Buddy 31A
Relatively small Bowl Buddy 31B Relatively medium Bowl Buddy 31C
Relatively large Bowl Buddy 31D Bowl Buddy with lid 36 in an open
position 32 Water resistant Bottom of Bowl Buddy 33 Means to secure
bottom to sides of device 34 Water resistant Exterior Side panel of
Bowl Buddy 35 Handles--straps or equal 36 Water resistant Lid/top
37 Means to removably secure lid top 36 to sidewall panel 32 39
Cold/hot pack elements 40 Pockets for elements internal to device
31 41 Means to secure elements 39 in cold/hot pockets 40 such as a
(hook and loop-Velcro like) fastened flap or the like 42 Means to
secure pockets 40 to interior 43 43 Waterproof Interior liner 44
Air gap or optional insulative materials 50 Hot or cold food 55
Food units containers--bowls, casserole dishes, jars, bottles and
the like 60 Device user/person
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] The present invention presented is the Insulated Food
Carrying Device called The Bowl Buddy. This device relates to a
growing need to provide an improved portable, temperature retaining
food container. This invention relates generally to a portable
container and, more particularly, to a portable container having a
temperature retention compartment. The preferred embodiment of the
improved device is described in detail below.
[0021] There is shown in FIGS. 1-5 a complete detailed and
operative embodiment of the improved insulated food carrying
device. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the
FIGS. 1 A, 1 B and 1 C; 2 A through 2 C; 3 A and 5 A through 5 D
show details of the special configuration. FIGS. 1 D and 1 E; 3 B;
and 4 A through 4 C help to better describe the use and operation
of the improved insulated food carrying device.
[0022] The advantages of the Bowl Buddy device are that the device:
[0023] Has a totally releasable lid to permit easy access to food
bowls even while bowls are inside and contiguous to the hot/cold
elements; [0024] Has easy to carry handles as flexible straps and
is fully portable; [0025] Has temperature control elements useful
for hot or cold temperature source including insulated and vacuum
sealed liners and PEVA or equal liners; [0026] Comes as a system of
three sizes, fully stack able for easy storage; and [0027] Has a
material for the exterior and interior surfaces that are durable
and fully hand washable.
[0028] The preferred embodiment of the Improved Insulated Food
Carrying Device called The Bowl Buddy is comprised of: (a) a
watertight and insulated cylindrical bag container, said container
with a closed bottom and open top, said container having an
interior surface and an exterior surface; and said container having
other operational features [such as sidewalls, bottom surface,
watertight, handles]; (b) a watertight lid with features; (c) a
means for removably securing the lid to the container [such as a
zipper, Velcro.TM., snaps]; (d) at least one heat/cold element;
(e) at least one heat and cold element pocket with features [flaps,
insulated walls], said pocket interior to the container; and (f) a
means for securing the at least one pocket to the interior surface
of the container [Velcro.TM. snaps, zipper] wherein the device
holds food interior to the container bag, the elements are secured
in the pockets [with flaps] interior within and to the interior
surface of the container bag, and the device keeps the food at the
desired temperature by means of cooling and heating elements.
[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred
embodiment of the improved portable and temperature retaining Bowl
Buddy device. The drawings, together with the summary description
given above and a detailed description given below, serve to
explain the principles of the improved device. It is understood,
however, that the device is not limited to only the precise
arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0030] FIGS. 1 D and 1 E, 3 B, and 4 A through 4 C show the Bowl
Buddy device in Operation and use. These are explained in the
section following these paragraphs describing the device.
[0031] FIGS. 1 A through 1 C are the general sketches of the
Improved Insulated Food Carrying Device 31 called The Bowl Buddy.
FIG. 1 A shows the complete Improved Insulated Food Carrying Device
called The Bowl Buddy 31 in a closed position. FIG. 1 B shows the
complete device 31 in an open position with lid 36 revealed and the
interior (with liner 43) of the device 31. FIG. 1 C shows the
cold/hot pack elements 39 which are described below.
[0032] FIGS. 2 A through C are the general sketches of the improved
insulated food carrying device 31 with the various components shown
and marked. FIG. 2 A is a TOP view that shows the sidewall panel 34
that is around the circumference of the device 31. The handles 35
(such as canvas or nylon straps or equal) can be viewed as well and
the general position of the lid 36 and bottoms 32. FIG. 2 B is SIDE
view of the device 31 and demonstrated the handles 35, the water
resistant lid/top 36, and the means 37 to removably secure lid top
36 to side panel 32 (such means 37 being a zipper, Velcro.TM. hook
and loop mechanism, a series of snaps or equal). FIG. 2 C is
generally an ISOMETRIC view of the Improved Insulated Food Carrying
Device called The Bowl Buddy 31 with the lid 36, handles 35,
sidewall panel 34 and means 37 to removably secure the sidewall
panel 34 to the lid 36.
[0033] FIG. 3 A shows a sketch of the prototype device 31 in an
open position with components shown. The means to close 37 is
depicted. The Pockets 40 for elements 39 internal to device 31 and
the waterproof interior liner 43 are also demonstrated.
[0034] FIGS. 5 A through 5 D show additional sketches of the
Improved Insulated Food Carrying Device called The Bowl Buddy 31
showing the different sizes 31A, 31B and 31C and showing a close-up
of the pockets 40 for the heat/cold elements 39. FIG. 5 A shows the
large Bowl Buddy device 31C with the side panel 34 and handles 35.
The lid 36 and means 37 to attach the lid 36 to the top of the side
panels 34 are also depicted. In all three views of FIGS. 5 A, 5 B
and 5 C are shown the pockets 40 attached to the interior liner 43
of the sidewall panels 34. This is further detailed in FIG. 5 D and
described below. FIG. 5 B shows the medium device 31B and FIG. 5 C
shows the small device 31A. In these two FIGS. 5 B and 5 C, the
components are similar to those of FIG. 5 A. Note well the special
cold/hot pack elements 39 are shown ready for placement in the
pockets 40. FIG. 5 D shows the device 31D without a lid 36. Here is
shown the pocket(s) 40 and a means 41 to secure elements 39 in
cold/hot pockets 40 (said means 41 such as a securing means like a
hook and loop-Velcro.TM. mechanism on the flap--or equal). The
pocket 40 is also secured to the liner 43 by a means 42 to secure
pockets 40 to interior 43 (said means 42 such as Velcro.TM.,
adhesive/glue, heat/friction welded to the liner 43 or other
fastening manner). In this same sketch, the sidewall panel 34 has
the means 37 for removably attaching the sidewall panel 34 to the
lid 36 (not shown here).
[0035] The preferred embodiment of the Improved Insulated Food
Carrying Device called The Bowl Buddy 31 may be made in various
ways and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention. One
may see that the prototype may be stamped/cut from structural
pieces or from a formable material, then formed and configured to
the desired shape. One skilled in manufacturing devices and
products similar to the device 31 has a full appreciation of the
plethora of processes and materials that may be used to manufacture
the improved portable, temperature retaining food container device
31. The sidewall panel 34 and bottom 32 may be contiguous in sheet
form or have a joining or means to secure 33 which may require a
heat and/or friction welding (plastic), adhesive (plastic, fabric,
composites), or a special securing means such as sewing or other
fastening means. As a further example and not as a limitation the
liner 43 and pockets 40 of the device 31 may be made from a plastic
or composite plastic of various types. One suggested material for
the liner 43 is presently the preferred material PE/EVA
[polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer]. The fabric for the
exterior surfaces may be of fabric, canvas, treated cotton,
composite materials (nylon, rayon, a polyester, co-polyesters and
the like and may be suitable for the panel 32, bottom 33, lid 36
and some variations for the liner 43 and/or handle/strap 35. These
are offered for example and not as a limitation. Anticipated in the
scope is the air gap or insulative material 44 juxtaposed between
the exterior surfaces and the liner 43 of the aforementioned
components 32, 34, and 36. Each bowl buddy 31 is specially designed
with the unique material. Another specific but not limiting
watertight fabric was specified on the initial prototypes as Fabric
600D with Lining:190T (waterproof) or equal. This design has the
closed cooling and heating compartments/pockets 40 also made from
watertight materials to provide the most optimum temperature
retention results. The food containers 55 (such as plastic
snap-tops through ceramic or glass containers) are user furnished
by the user 60 and may be placed in one of the three (3) included
and nested sizes that matches the size of the device 31 to the size
of the food container 55.
[0036] All of the details mentioned here are exemplary and not
limiting. Other components specific to describing the improved
portable, temperature retention food container device may be added,
as a person having ordinary skill in the field of portable,
temperature retaining containers well appreciates. It will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the configuration and materials of the
present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the
invention. As an example, various materials of construction may be
used for present invention, as long as the materials are
lightweight. As another example, various dimensions may be employed
for the device and its components. Other embodiments of the
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
consideration of the specification and practice of the invention
disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and
examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and
spirit of the invention being indicated by the claims which
follow.
OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0037] The preferred embodiment of the Improved Insulated Food
Carrying Device called The Bowl Buddy has been described in detail
above. The manner of how the device operates is described below. A
person having ordinary skill in the field of portable, temperature
retaining containers and related devices in the food preparation
and care industry, will note that the description above and the
operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate
the concept of the special device 31.
[0038] FIGS. 1 D and 1 E, 3 B, and 4 A through 4 C show the Bowl
Buddy device in operation and use. These are shown and explained
here.
[0039] FIGS. 1 D and 1 E general operation sketches of the Improved
Insulated Food Carrying Device 31 called The Bowl Buddy. FIG. 1 D
shows the device 31 with the food unit 55 placed inside the liner
43 with the lid 36 removed. FIG. 1 E shows the small device 31A
being placed into the medium device 31B by the user 60. The
relative larger device 31C is placed nearby. The action by the user
60 demonstrates the stack ability of the units for storing, moving
or for packaging at the initial sale. Note the relativity of small,
medium and large is in comparison to each other and to the food
containers 55.
[0040] FIG. 3 B shows a sketch of a person 60 using the device 31.
Here the person 60 is placing a hot/cold element pack 39 into the
pocket 40 and closing the securing means 41 such as a flap with
Velcro.TM. hook and loop mechanism.
[0041] FIGS. 4 A through 4 C are sketches of the improved insulated
food carrying device in use. FIG. 4 A shows the device 31 with the
food unit 55 placed inside the liner 43 with the lid 36 removed.
Also one may note the means 37 to secure the lid 36 to the side
panel 34. In FIG. 4 B, a person/user 60 is shown with the device 31
being carried on the shoulder of the user by the handle 35 or
strap. FIG. 4 C demonstrates the small device 31A being placed into
the medium device 31B by the user 60. The larger device 31C is
placed nearby.
[0042] Very simply stated, the device 31 is used by a person 60 as
follows: [0043] 1. The device 31 is removed from storage; [0044] 2.
The means 37 to removably attach the lid 36 to the sidewall panel
34 is opened or disengaged; [0045] 3. One or more of the devices
31A, 31B, and/or 31C is chosen for use with a food unit container
55; [0046] 4. A set of pre-conditioned hot/cold elements 39 are
placed into the pockets 40 and the means 41 to secure the elements
39 inside the pocket 40 is closed; [0047] 5. The food container 55
with hot/cold food 50 is placed inside the device 31, the container
55 being contiguous to the liner 43 and pockets 40; [0048] 6. The
lid 36 is placed on top of the panels 34 and the means 37 to secure
the lid 36 to the sidewall panel 32 is engaged; [0049] 7. The
straps 35 are grasped by the user 60 for transport to the place of
use; [0050] 8. And at the place of use, the means 37 is disengaged
and the lid 36 is removed from the sidewall panel 34 for easy
access to the food 50 in the food container 55. [0051] 9. After use
the previous steps are essentially reversed and the device 31 is
returned to storage.
[0052] The Improved Insulated Food Carrying Device called The Bowl
Buddy device may be used in many ways with different foods. For
example and not as a limitation uses are anticipated as with:
TABLE-US-00003 Item Use 1 Great for salads 2 Cakes 3 Veggie trays 4
Fruit bowl 5 Pasta 6 Wings 7 Dips/soup 8 Soups 9 Lunches
[0053] With the above description or the product device and method
to use, it is to be understood that the improved portable,
temperature controlling food container device is not to be limited
to only the disclosed embodiment. The described features of the
special device 31 are intended to cover various modifications and
equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the
description.
* * * * *