U.S. patent application number 13/657524 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-19 for food container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Eco-Products, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Gabriel Collins, Steve Rosse, Paul Santoski, Luke Vernon. Invention is credited to Gabriel Collins, Steve Rosse, Paul Santoski, Luke Vernon.
Application Number | 20130334234 13/657524 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49754947 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130334234 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vernon; Luke ; et
al. |
December 19, 2013 |
FOOD CONTAINER
Abstract
A food container is provided that has a formed cavity having top
edge and two or more flaps coupled with one the top edge. Each of
the flaps may extend half-way or more between opposite points of
the container. The flaps may include a closure mechanism to secure
the flaps in a closed position to provide a covering for
substantially all of the area defined by the top edge, thereby
closing the formed cavity. The formed cavity may include one or
more radiused portions, with one or more of the flaps including a
raduised extension that extends outwardly relative to a connection
point between the flap and the cavity top edge. One or more of the
flaps may include a recessed portion having a flap sidewall that is
located adjacent to a formed cavity sidewall when the flap is
folded to cover a top opening of the food container.
Inventors: |
Vernon; Luke; (Boulder,
CO) ; Santoski; Paul; (Boulder, CO) ; Rosse;
Steve; (Boulder, CO) ; Collins; Gabriel;
(Golden, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vernon; Luke
Santoski; Paul
Rosse; Steve
Collins; Gabriel |
Boulder
Boulder
Boulder
Golden |
CO
CO
CO
CO |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Eco-Products, Inc.
Boulder
CO
|
Family ID: |
49754947 |
Appl. No.: |
13/657524 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61661247 |
Jun 18, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/600 ;
220/660 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/46144 20130101;
B65D 77/245 20130101; B65D 21/0223 20130101; B65D 25/00 20130101;
B65D 77/0433 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/600 ;
220/660 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A food container, comprising: a formed cavity having top edge
that comprises two or more straight portions and two or more
radiused portions; and two or more flaps extending from two or more
of the straight edges, one or more of the flaps extending at least
half of the distance to an opposing edge of the container.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the two or more flaps comprise
substantially planar flaps that overlap to cover substantially all
of the area of the formed cavity bounded by the top edge.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the two or more flaps comprise
two or more recessed flaps each having a recessed portion that
creates a flap sidewall extending around at least a portion of the
flap.
4. The container of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the flap
sidewalls are located adjacent to a portion of a sidewall of the
formed cavity when the respective flap is folded to cover a portion
of the container opening,
5. The container of claim 1, wherein two or more of the flaps
comprise a closure mechanism to secure the flaps in a closed
position.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein one or more of the flaps
comprise an attachment mechanism couplable with one or more items
of cutlery.
7. The container of claim 1, further comprising one or more
removable inserts inserted into the formed cavity.
8. The container of claim 7, wherein the one or more removable
inserts are configured to engage with two or more sidewalls of the
formed cavity.
9. The container of claim 8, wherein the two or more flaps comprise
two or more recessed flaps each having a recessed portion that
creates a flap sidewall extending around at least a portion of the
flap, and wherein the flap sidewall engages with the one or more
removable inserts to secure the removable insert within the formed
cavity.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein one or more of the flaps
comprises a radiused extension that extends outwardly relative to a
connection point with the cavity top edge, the radiused extension
corresponding to one of the radiused portions of the cavity top
edge.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the two or
more flaps comprise one or more upward projections from an upper
surface thereof that, when the at least one flap is folded to cover
an opening of the formed cavity, extend upward from the
container.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein the formed cavity comprises
a planar bottom portion having one or more recesses in a bottom
surface thereof that are configured to engage with one or more
upward projections of another container when the containers are
stacked.
13. The container of claim 11, wherein at least one of the upward
projections is configured to engage with an item of cutlery.
14. The container of claim 1, wherein the formed cavity comprises a
unitary body and comprises one or more dividing partitions.
15. The container of claim 1, wherein the two or more flaps are
coupled with the straight edges through a perforated connection
that facilitates removal of one or more of the flaps.
16. The container of claim 1, wherein the formed cavity and flaps
are formed as a unitary body.
17. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is formed from
a compostable material.
18. The container of claim 17, wherein the compostable material
comprises pulped organic material.
19. The container of claim 18, wherein the pulped material is
selected from one or more of: bagasse material, recycled corrugate,
shredded straw, or shredded bamboo.
20. A food container, comprising: a formed cavity having top edge
extending around a top opening of the formed cavity; and two or
more flaps coupled with the top edge, one or more of the flaps
comprising a radiused edge extending away from a connection point
between the flap and the top edge that covers a corresponding
raduised portion of the top edge when the flap is folded to cover
at least part of the top opening.
21. The container of claim 20, wherein the two or more flaps
comprise substantially planar flaps that overlap to cover
substantially all of the area of the top opening.
22. The container of claim 20, wherein the two or more flaps
comprise two or more recessed flaps each having a recessed portion
that creates a flap sidewall extending around at least a portion of
the flap.
23. The container of claim 22, wherein at least a portion of the
flap sidewalls are located adjacent to a portion of a sidewall of
the formed cavity when the respective flap is folded to cover a
portion of the container opening,
24. The container of claim 20, wherein two or more of the flaps
comprise a closure mechanism to secure the flaps in a closed
position.
25. The container of claim 20, wherein one or more of the flaps
comprise an attachment mechanism couplable with one or more items
of cutlery.
26. The container of claim 20, wherein at least one of the two or
more flaps comprise one or more upward projections from an upper
surface thereof that, when the at least one flap is folded over the
top opening, extend upward from the container.
27. The container of claim 26, wherein the formed cavity comprises
a planar bottom portion having one or more recesses in a bottom
surface thereof that are configured to engage with one or more
upward projections of another container when the containers are
stacked.
28. The container of claim 26, wherein at least one of the upward
projections is configured to engage with an item of cutlery.
29. The container of claim 20, wherein the two or more flaps are
coupled with the straight edges through a perforated connection
that facilitates removal of one or more of the flaps.
30. The container of claim 20, further comprising one or more
removable inserts inserted into the formed cavity.
31. The container of claim 30, wherein the one or more removable
inserts are configured to engage with two or more sidewalls of the
formed cavity.
32. The container of claim 31, wherein the two or more flaps
comprise two or more recessed flaps each having a recessed portion
that creates a flap sidewall extending around at least a portion of
the flap, and wherein the flap sidewall engages with the one or
more removable inserts to secure the removable insert within the
formed cavity.
33. The container of claim 20, wherein the formed cavity and flaps
are formed as a unitary body.
34. The container of claim 20, wherein the container is formed from
a compostable material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/661,247, filed on Jun. 18, 2012, entitled
"FOOD CONTAINER," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to food containers in general
and, in particular, to molded food containers with integrated flaps
for closure of the containers.
[0003] Food containers are often used for transporting and/or
storing food for consumption from a food serving establishment to a
location that the food will be consumed, stored, or used in further
food preparation. For example, a consumer may order a meal from a
restaurant and transport some of all of that meal to their home for
consumption using a food container. Similarly, a consumer may
purchase some food from a market and transport the food to their
home using a food container. Of course, other examples of
situations where food is transported and/or stored using food
containers are abundant. As such, many such food containers are
used in the daily lives of consumers, and take on numerous
different forms.
[0004] Many consumers want to reduce the amount of waste that they
generate and that is ultimately disposed of in landfills. One way
of reducing such waste is through recycling of materials. Another
way of reducing landfill waste is through use of materials that may
be composted. Such compostable materials are increasingly becoming
viable alternatives for consumers through increased availability of
composting services. Communities are increasingly introducing
curbside composting where consumers may place food waste, yard
trimmings, and other compostable materials for curbside pickup.
Such composting provides the ability for such consumers to further
reduce the amount of waste that they send to landfills.
[0005] Additionally, many consumers want to reduce the amount of
resources that they are responsible for consuming, including both
renewable and non-renewable resources. Such reduction of resources
may allow for the reduction in an individuals `carbon footprint,`
allowing for a more sustainable community and world. Such reduction
of resources may be accomplished through a number of activities,
including through the increased recycling of materials and
increased use of compostable materials, such as described above.
Additionally, such consumers may desire to use products formed from
recycled materials and otherwise that allow the reduction of
consumed resources. For example, consumers may desire to use
products formed from what would otherwise be waste material.
[0006] As a result, many food service establishments may desire to
provide consumers with food containers that help meet the consumers
desire to reduce their waste and their use of resources. Such food
service establishments may also wish to have food containers that
are easily used, easily stocked, relatively lightweight, and highly
reliable.
SUMMARY
[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a
molded food container with integral closure flaps. In some
embodiments, the food container is comprised of a formed cavity
having top edge that includes two or more straight portions and two
or more radiused portions. Two or more flaps are coupled with one
or more of the straight portions. One or more of the flaps may
extend half-way or more between opposite points of the container.
The flaps may include a closure mechanism to secure the flaps in a
closed position to provide a covering for substantially all of the
area defined by the top edge, thereby closing the formed cavity.
The formed cavity may include one or more radiused portions, with
one or more of the flaps including a radiused extension that
extends outwardly relative to a connection point between the flap
and the cavity top edge.
[0008] In some embodiments, two or more of the flaps have a
recessed portion that creates a flap sidewall extending around at
least a portion of the flap. When the flap is folded to cover a
portion of the container opening, all or part of the flap sidewall
may be located adjacent to a portion of the sidewall of the formed
cavity. In some embodiments, one or more inserts may be provided
that may couple with the formed cavity and also be covered by one
or more of the flaps. In still further embodiments, the container
may include an attachment mechanism for one or more items of
cutlery.
[0009] Further scope of the applicability of the described food
containers will become apparent from the following detailed
description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and
specific examples are given by way of illustration only, since
various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of
the description will become apparent to those skilled in the
art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the
present invention may be realized by reference to the following
drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features
may have the same reference label. Further, various components of
the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label
by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar
components. If only the first reference label is used in the
specification, the description is applicable to any one of the
similar components having the same first reference label
irrespective of the second reference label.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food container according
to various embodiments of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the food container of FIG. 1
with the flaps in an open position, according to various
embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a top view of the food container of FIG. 1 with
the flaps in an open position, according to various
embodiments.
[0014] FIGS. 4-6 are a top views of the food container illustrating
flaps in various stages of closure of the food container, according
to various embodiments.
[0015] FIGS. 7-8 are illustrations of another food container,
according to various embodiments.
[0016] FIGS. 9-10 are illustrations of another food container
having two flaps, according to various embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another food container
according to various embodiments of the disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the food container of FIG.
11 with a recessed flap in a closed position, according to various
embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a top view of the food container of FIG. 11 with
two recessed flaps in closed positions, according to various
embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a top view of the food container of FIG. 11 with
two recessed flaps and on eplanar flap in closed positions,
according to various embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a top view of the food container of FIG. 11 with
two recessed flaps and two planar flaps in closed positions,
according to various embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of two containers of FIG. 11
in a stacked configuration, according to various embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the stacked containers
of FIG. 16.
[0024] FIGS. 18-20 are perspective views of a container and an
insert in various states of insertion into the container, according
to various embodiments.
[0025] FIGS. 21 and 22 are top and bottom perspective views of
another container having a different closure mechanism, according
to various embodiments.
[0026] FIGS. 23 and 24 are perspective views of another container
in an open and partially closed configuration, according to various
embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another container having a
different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another container having a
different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
[0029] FIGS. 27A and 27B are perspective views of a container with
an integrated handle in open and closed configurations, according
to various embodiments.
[0030] FIGS. 28A through 28C are perspective views of another
container with an integrated handle in open and closed
configurations, according to various embodiments.
[0031] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another container having a
different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
[0032] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another container having a
different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
[0033] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of another container having a
different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
[0034] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another container having a
different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
[0035] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of another container having a
different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
[0036] FIGS. 34A and 34B are perspective views of another container
having a different closure mechanism in open and closed
configurations, according to various embodiments.
[0037] FIGS. 35A and 35B are perspective views of another container
having a different closure mechanism in open and closed
configurations, according to various embodiments.
[0038] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of another container having a
different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
[0039] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a container with an
associated cutlery item, according to various embodiments.
[0040] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of another container with an
associated cutlery item, according to various embodiments.
[0041] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of another container with an
associated cutlery item, according to various embodiments.
[0042] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another container with an
associated cutlery item, according to various embodiments.
[0043] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of another container with
associated cutlery items, according to various embodiments.
[0044] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of another container with
associated cutlery items, according to various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] This description provides examples, and is not intended to
limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention.
Rather, the ensuing description will provide those skilled in the
art with an enabling description for implementing embodiments of
the invention. Various changes may be made in the function and
arrangement of elements.
[0046] Thus, various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add
various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, it
should be appreciated that aspects and elements described with
respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other
embodiments.
[0047] Many traditional food containers do not meet the desires of
consumers. Namely, many food containers use more material than
necessary, are made from non-recycled and/or non-recyclable
material, and are not compostable. For example, some food
containers are formed from folded sheet material, such as the
containers commonly used for take out food from restaurants that
serve Chinese food. Such folded sheet containers require material
that is folded over itself at several locations to from the proper
container shape. The containers also require some type of mechanism
to hold the folded material in the proper location, such as glue
that holds one or more folds of material in place. Such folded
material often means that additional sheet material is required to
form the container. Additionally, glue that holds the container
together may fail, resulting in a container that may be discarded
without ever being used, thus increasing waste. Furthermore, such
containers are often formed of relatively stiff sheet material and
may be unwieldy and difficult to fold.
[0048] Other traditional food containers include containers
commonly referred to as `clam shell` containers, that are often
made of plastic or foam. Such containers have a bottom half, and a
top half that is folded over the bottom half. Such containers are
often not compostable or biodegradable, and may also be unwieldy to
use when consuming food directly from the container, as the open
top half extends away from the container by a significant amount.
Other types of containers may have a separate bottom, or bowl,
portion with a separate lid that is affixed to the bottom portion
to close the container. Such containers require two pieces to be
stored and stocked, and may be less convenient than single piece
containers.
[0049] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an
improved food container. In some embodiments, the food container
comprises a formed cavity having a top edge that includes two or
more straight portions and two or more radiused portions. Two or
more flaps may be coupled with one or more of the straight
portions. One or more of the flaps may extend half-way or more
between opposite points of the container. The flaps may include a
closure mechanism to secure the flaps in a closed position to
provide a covering for substantially all of the area defined by the
top edge, thereby closing the formed cavity. The formed cavity may
include one or more radiused portions, with one or more of the
flaps including a radiused extension that extends outwardly
relative to a connection point between the flap and the cavity top
edge. The radiused extension, when the flap is folded, may cover a
corresponding radiused portion of the container top edge, thus
providing a covering for substantially all of the area associated
with the top edge radiused portion. In some embodiments, two or
more of the flaps have a recessed portion that creates a flap
sidewall extending around at least a portion of the flap. When the
flap is folded to cover a portion of the container opening, all or
part of the flap sidewall may be located adjacent to a portion of
the sidewall of the formed cavity. In some embodiments, one or more
inserts may be provided that may couple with the formed cavity and
also be covered by one or more of the flaps. In still further
embodiments, the container may include an attachment mechanism for
one or more items of cutlery.
[0050] In other embodiments, a food container comprises a formed
cavity having a top edge similarly as described above and two or
more non-planar (e.g., concave or convex) flaps coupled with one or
more of the straight portions. One or more of the non-planar flaps
may extend half-way or more between opposite points of the
container, and the flaps may include a closure mechanism to secure
the flaps in a closed position. The non-planar flaps of these
embodiments may provide, for example, a dome-shaped covering for
substantially all of the area defined by the top edge, thereby
closing the formed cavity. The formed cavity may include one or
more radiused portions, with one or more of the non-planar flaps
including a radiused extension that extends outwardly relative to a
connection point between the flap and the cavity top edge. The
radiused extension, when the flap is folded, may cover a
corresponding radiused portion of the container top edge, thus
providing a covering for substantially all of the area associated
with the top edge radiused portion.
[0051] With reference now to FIGS. 1-2, a food container 100
according to various embodiments is described. In the example of
FIGS. 1-2, container 100 includes a unitary formed cavity 105 that
may receive, for example, a food product. Formed cavity 105 is
illustrated as a rectangular cavity, although other shapes may be
employed, such as a square cavity or cavity with two straight edges
and two rounded or radiused edges, to name but two examples. One
skilled in the art will readily recognize that numerous different
shapes may be employed based of desired characteristics of the
container 100 and the item(s) to be transported and/or stored in
the container 100. The cavity 105 has a top edge that defines a top
plane of the formed cavity 105. Four flaps, 110-125 are coupled
with the top edge that may be folded over to close the container
100. In this embodiment, flap 125 includes an interlocking tab 130,
and flap 120 includes a slit 135 into which the interlocking tab
130 may be inserted to secure the flaps 110-125 in a closed
position, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Other locking or securement
mechanisms may be used to secure container flaps in a closed
position, and an interlocking tab 130 and slit 135 are illustrated
for purposes of illustration and discussion with the understanding
that other alternatives may be used (e.g., detent mechanisms,
adhesives, mating grooves/ridges, etc.) as would be recognized by
one of skill in the art.
[0052] Corners of the formed cavity 105 in various embodiments
include radiused corners 140. Radiused corners 140 connect each of
the straight side portions of the formed cavity according to
embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. In some embodiments,
the flaps 110-125 extend the length of the straight side portions
thus resulting in a gap between the connections of the flaps
110-125 on the top edge of the formed cavity 105. In some
embodiments, the connection between one or more of the flaps
110-125 and the top edge may be perforated to allow for relatively
easy removal of one or more of the flaps 110-125. In some other
embodiments, the connection between one or more of the flaps
110-125 and the top edge may be scored or stamped to provide an
indentation to allow for relatively easy deformation and reliable
folding of one or more of the flaps 110-125. According to some
embodiments, one or more of the flaps 110-125 includes a radiused
extension 145 that extends outwardly relative to a connection point
150 with the cavity top edge. The radiused extension 145 may
correspond to a radiused portion 140 of the cavity 105 top edge.
Radiused extensions 145 according to some embodiments are shown in
the illustration of FIG. 3, which illustrates the container 100 of
FIGS. 1-2 from a top view with flaps 110-125 opened. In this
example, flaps 120 and 125 include radiused extensions 145 that
extend outwardly relative to connection points 150 with the cavity
top edge. The radiused extensions 145 may correspond to radiused
portions 140 of the cavity 105 top edge.
[0053] In some embodiments, the formed cavity 105 may also include
one or more dividing partitions formed as part of the formed cavity
105. Such dividing partitions may prevent food items from
commingling when placed in the container. Dividing partitions may
extend from the bottom of the cavity 105 to provide a partition
between different areas of the bottom of the cavity 105. In some
embodiments, the inside surfaces of formed cavity 105 may be coated
with a laminate to help prevent liquid from the contents of the
container from penetrating the material that is used to form the
container. In other embodiments, an insert may be placed in the
container 100, and such an insert may be sized and shaped to fit
within container 100, and also may include dividing partitions. In
such a manner, a particular container 100 may be used with
different inserts which may have different, or no, dividing
partitions based on the particular use desired for the container
100. In some embodiments, the insert may be formed of compostable
or biodegradable material, such as Polylactic acid (PLA) plastic,
for example.
[0054] In embodiments having radiused extensions, such as
extensions 140, the container may be closed to substantially cover
the entire opening of the formed cavity. With reference now to
FIGS. 4-6, container 100 is illustrated in several stages as flaps
110-125 are folded to close the container. Initially, flaps 110 and
115 are folded over to cover a portion of the top opening of the
container 100, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Next, flap 120 may be
folded over to cover a portion of the top opening of the container
100 as well as a portion of flaps 110 and 115, as illustrated in
FIG. 5. Finally, flap 125 may be folded over to cover a portion of
the top opening of the container 100 as well as a portion of flaps
110, 115, and 120, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Flap 125 may be
secured to one or more of the other flaps 115-120 such as through
the use of tab 130 and corresponding slit 135 as described with
respect to FIG. 1.
[0055] As may be seen in the illustration of FIG. 6, flaps 120 and
125 include radiused extensions 145 that extend outwardly relative
to connection points 150 with the cavity top edge. The radiused
extensions 145 may correspond to radiused portions 140 of the
cavity 105 top edge and, when flaps 120 and 125 are folded to cover
the top opening of the cavity 105, the radiused extensions 145
cover substantially all of the top opening associated with the
radiused portions 140. Of course, other radiused portions may be
present in a container, which may have different shapes and
configurations. In such cases, if it is desired that the container
top opening be substantially covered by the flaps, one or more of
the flaps may include radiused extensions configured to cover all
or a part of openings associated with radiused portion of the
container top edge.
[0056] As noted above, containers of the present disclosure may
have any of numerous shapes and configurations, depending upon the
anticipated use of the container. FIGS. 7-8 show one example of
such a container 700, in which the container 700 has a
substantially square configuration. The container 700 of FIGS. 7-8
includes items similar to those described with respect to FIGS.
1-6. FIGS. 9-10 show another example of such a container 900, in
which the container 900 has two flaps that may be folded to cover
the top opening of a formed cavity. The container 900 of FIGS. 9-10
includes items similar to those described with respect to FIGS.
1-6.
[0057] Containers such as taught in the present disclosure may be
formed of various materials, which may be selected based on the
needs and anticipated use of the containers. In some embodiments,
containers are compostable containers and are formed of a
compostable material. Compostable materials that may be used to
form containers are known, and in some embodiments containers are
formed from pulped compostable material. Such pulped compostable
material may include, for example, bagasse material (sugarcane),
recycled corrugate, shredded straw, or shredded bamboo, to name but
a few examples. Containers may be fabricated by preparing a slurry
of the pulped material, which is placed into a screen having a
shape that corresponds to the shape of the container. A
complimentary press may be pressed into the screen to press the
pulped material into the desired shape of the container, and may be
heated to remove a substantial amount of liquid from the slurry and
pulped material to thereby form the container. The container may be
removed from the screen, and trimmed as necessary to form the final
container shape. In some embodiments, the screen size is selected
to provide an exterior surface texture for the container that
provides an easily griped container. The press may be formed with a
smooth surface to provide an inside surface of the container that
is smooth and thereby conducive to transport and storage of food
items. Of course, other configurations are possible. After the
container is fabricated, the inside or outside surface may be
treated with material to provide desired surface properties, such
as by providing a non-stick and liquid-resistant inside
surface.
[0058] With reference now to FIGS. 11-15, another food container
1100 according to various embodiments is described. In the example
of FIGS. 11-17, container 1100, similarly as container 100 of FIG.
1, includes a unitary formed cavity 1105 that may receive, for
example, a food product. The cavity 1105 has a top edge that
defines a top plane of the formed cavity 1105. Four flaps,
1110-1125 are coupled with the top edge that may be folded over to
close the container 1100. In this embodiment, flap 1125 includes an
interlocking tab 1130, and flap 1120 includes a slit 1135 into
which the interlocking tab 1130 may be inserted to secure the flaps
1110-1125 in a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 15. Other
locking or securement mechanisms may be used to secure container
flaps in a closed position, and an interlocking tab 1130 and slit
1135 are illustrated for purposes of illustration and discussion
with the understanding that other alternatives may be used (e.g.,
detent mechanisms, adhesives, mating grooves/ridges, etc.) as would
be recognized by one of skill in the art.
[0059] Corners of the formed cavity 1105 in various embodiments
include radiused corners 1140, similarly as discussed above with
respect to the container 100 of FIG. 1. Radiused corners 1140
connect each of the straight side portions of the formed cavity
according to embodiments. In some embodiments, the flaps 1110-1125
extend the length of the straight side portions thus resulting in a
gap between the connections of the flaps 1110-1125 on the top edge
of the formed cavity 1105. In some embodiments, the connection
between one or more of the flaps 1110-1125 and the top edge may be
perforated to allow for relatively easy removal of one or more of
the flaps 1110-1125. Such perforations may also provide for
enhanced venting of the container 1100 when the flaps 1110-1125 are
closed. Flaps 1110-1125 includes a radiused extension 1145 that
extends outwardly relative to a connection point 1150 with the
cavity top edge. The radiused extension 1145 may correspond to a
radiused portion 1140 of the cavity 1105 top edge. In this example,
each of the flaps 1110-1125 include radiused extensions 1145 that
extend outwardly relative to connection points 1150 with the cavity
top edge. The radiused extensions 1145 may correspond to radiused
portions 1140 of the cavity 1105 top edge.
[0060] In the example of FIGS. 11-15 two opposing flaps 1110 and
1115 are relatively short flaps, and each include a recessed
portion. In this example, flap 1110 includes a flap sidewall 1112
that extends around the flap 1110, although in some embodiments the
flap sidewall may extend around only a portion of the flap 1110.
Flap 1115, similarly, includes flap sidewall 1118. When flaps 1110
and 1115 are folded over the opening of the cavity 1105, such as
illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, flap sidewalls 1112 and 1118 are
located adjacent to the sidewall of cavity 1105. In some
embodiments, the flap sidewalls 1112 and 1118 are in contact with
cavity 1105 sidewall. Flaps 1120 and 1125 may then be folded to
cover the cavity 1105 and flaps 1110 and 1115, such as illustrated
in FIGS. 14-15, thereby securing the container 1100 in a closed
configuration and securing flaps 1110 and 1115 under the two major
flaps 1120 and 1125. Flap sidewalls 1112, and 1118 act to provide
additional structural support to the container 1110 when in a
closed configuration, providing additional support to maintain the
container 1100 structure under uneven forces, such as torsion, that
may be applied to the container. Flap sidewalls 1112 and 1118 also
provide additional sealing of the container 1100 when in a closed
configuration. As mentioned above, the container 1100 includes
radiused corners 1140 that do not have any direct connection to any
of the flaps 1110-1125. Thus, if the container 1100 is tilted,
material within the container may shift and contact one or more of
the raduised corners 1140. Flap sidewalls 1112 and 1118 act to
provide additional surface area of contact between the cavity 1105
sidewall and flaps 1110 and 1115, thus helping to prevent material
from within container 1100 from leaking out in such an event. In
some embodiments, the top edge of cavity 1105 includes a top lip
that extends horizontally away from the cavity 1105 sidewalls for a
short distance. In such embodiments, flaps 1110 and 1115 may also
include a complementary lip that extends horizontally away from the
flap sidewalls 1112 and 1118, and may thus provide additional
protection against leaks and also provide additional structural
support for the container 1100 when in a closed configuration.
[0061] In some embodiments, one of the top flaps 1125 includes an
upward projection 1155, that extends upwardly from the flap 1125
when the flap 1125 is folded to cover cavity 1105. In such
embodiments, the formed cavity 1105 also includes one or more
recesses 1160 in a planar bottom surface thereof that are
configured to engage with the upward projections 1155 of another
container when the containers are stacked, such as illustrated in
the stacked containers 1600 of FIGS. 16-17. The upward projections
1155 and complementary recesses 1160 act to help prevent the
containers 1100 from sliding relative to each other when in a
stacked configuration. In some embodiments, upward projections 1155
may include two or more projections that are configured to
frictionally engage with a corresponding recess 1160 and thus
provide a locking mechanism to secure two containers 1100 together.
In some embodiments, upward projections 1155 may be configured to
engage with recesses in other types of items or containers. For
example, a smaller container, such as a souffle cup, may contain a
dressing or sauce that is to accompany food that is in container
1100. An upward projection of container 1100 may engage with a
recess in such a smaller container allowing for more convenient
transport of the two containers. In other embodiments, one or more
pieces of cutlery may include an aperture that is configured to
engage with an upward projection, thus allowing the item of cutlery
to be secured to a container 1100 for relatively convenient
transport. In still other embodiments, one or more recessed flaps,
such as flaps 1110 or 1115, may include a recess that is formed to
receive one or more items, such as items of cutlery, sauces,
dressings, toppings, seasoning packets, pouches with dressing or
sauces, and/or napkins, to name but a few examples.
[0062] In some embodiments, the formed cavity 1105 may also include
one or more dividing partitions formed as part of the formed cavity
1105. Such dividing partitions may prevent food items from
commingling when placed in the container. Dividing partitions may
extend from the bottom of the cavity 1105 to provide a partition
between different areas of the bottom of the cavity 1105. In some
embodiments, the inside surfaces of formed cavity 1105 may be
coated with a laminate to help prevent liquid from the contents of
the container from penetrating the material that is used to form
the container.
[0063] In other embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 18-20,
systems 1800 may include a container 1100 and an insert 1805 that
may be placed in the container 1100. Insert 1805 may be sized and
shaped to fit within container 1100, and also may include dividing
partitions. In such a manner, a particular container 1100 may be
used with different inserts which may have different, or no,
dividing partitions based on the particular use desired for the
container 1100 and insert 1805. In the example of FIGS. 18-20,
insert 1805 includes raduised corners 1810 that are sized and
shaped to fit into container 1100, and may include a lip 1815 that
extends around a top edge of the insert 1805 configured to engage
with a top edge of container 1100. In embodiments where flaps 1110
and 1115 include recesses and flap sidewalls 1112 and 1118, the
flap sidewalls 1112 and 1118 may engage with the insert 1805 when
folded into a closed configuration. This may secure the insert 1805
within container 1100, and also provide additional sealing and
structural support similarly as described above.
[0064] With reference now to FIGS. 21-36, containers with various
different configurations and closure mechanisms are described for
various different embodiments. FIGS. 21-22 illustrate a container
2100 having a container body 2105 in which a top surface of the
container 2100 is recessed below the top edge of container body
2105 when the container 2100 is in a closed configuration, thus
providing enhanced ability to stack and transport containers 2100.
In the example of FIGS. 21-22, each of flaps 2110, 2115, 2120, and
2125 include flap sidewall that extends partially around the
respective flap. When flaps 2110-2125 are folded over the opening
of the container body 2105, such as illustrated in FIG. 21, flap
sidewalls are located adjacent to the sidewall of container 2105.
In some embodiments, the flap sidewalls are in contact with cavity
sidewall. In the example of FIGS. 21-22, flaps 2110 and 2115 each
include pull tabs 2130 that may be used to open the container 2100.
A securement detent 2135 is included on one or more of the flap
sidewalls of flaps 2120 and 2125 and may secure the flaps in a
closed configuration when the container 2100 is closed. Similarly
as discussed above, flap sidewalls act to provide additional
structural support to the container 2100 when in a closed
configuration, providing additional support to maintain the
container 2100 structure under uneven forces, such as torsion, that
may be applied to the container. Flap sidewalls may also provide
additional sealing of the container 2100 when in a closed
configuration. The container 2100, similarly as discussed above,
includes radiused corners that do not have any direct connection to
any of the flaps 2110-2125. Thus, if the container 2100 is tilted,
material within the container may shift and contact one or more of
the raduised corners. The flap sidewalls also act to provide
additional surface area of contact between the sidewall of
container body 2105 and flaps 1110-1125, thus helping to prevent
material from within container 2100 from leaking out in such an
event.
[0065] Similarly as discussed above, container 2100 comprises a
formed cavity 2105 having a top edge that includes radiused
portions, with flaps 2110-2125 including a radiused extension that
extends outwardly relative to a connection point between the flap
and the cavity top edge. The radiused extensions, when the flaps
are folded, act to cover a corresponding radiused portion of the
container top edge, thus providing a covering for substantially all
of the area associated with the top edge radiused portion. In
various embodiments, one or more inserts, similar to insert 1805
discussed above, may be provided that may couple with the container
body 2105 and also be covered by one or more of the flaps
2110-2125.
[0066] FIGS. 23-24 illustrate a generally triangular container 2300
according to some embodiments. In this example, container body 2305
has three flaps 2310 that may be folded over to cover the container
2300 opening. Each flap 2310 has a slot 2315 that engages with a
projection 2320 from an opposite edge of container 2300. A tab 2325
may extend from the slot 2315 to engage with a corresponding cutout
of projection 2320, such as is illustrated in FIG. 24. Container
2300, similarly as containers of other embodiments, includes a top
edge that includes radiused portions. In some embodiments, flaps
2310 extend beyond an opposing edge of the container body and act
to cover a corresponding radiused portion of the container top
edge, thus providing a covering for substantially all of the area
associated with the top edge radiused portion. In various
embodiments, one or more inserts, similar to insert 1805 discussed
above, may be provided that may couple with the container body 2305
and also be covered by one or more of the flaps 2310. Additionally,
one or more of the flaps 2310 may include recessed portions with
one or more flap sidewalls that may contact a sidewall of container
body 2305 to provide enhanced structural support to container 2300,
and also provide enhanced protection against leaks should container
2300 be tilted. One or more of the flaps 2310 may also accommodate
one or more other items, such as cutlery and/or a container with a
food accompaniment, to secure such item(s) with the container
2300.
[0067] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a container with an
integrated handle 2505 that is formed from two side flaps 2510 that
may be folded to cover the container 2500 opening and secured in
place with side flaps 2515. Flaps 2510 may include a scored areas
that may facilitate folding to provide handle 2505. Flaps 2510 may
also include, similarly as discussed above, radiused extensions
that extend outwardly relative to connection points with the
container 2500 top edge. The radiused extensions may correspond to
radiused portions of the container 2500 top edge and, when flaps
2510 are folded to cover the top opening of the container 2500, the
flaps 2510, and radiused extensions, cover substantially all of the
top opening of the container 2500, including area associated with
the radiused portions. In various embodiments, one or more inserts,
similar to insert 1805 discussed above, may be provided that may
couple with the container 2500 and also be covered by one or more
of the flaps 2510. Additionally, one or more of the flaps 2510 may
include recessed portions with one or more flap sidewalls that may
contact a sidewall of container 2500 to provide enhanced structural
support to container 2500, and also provide enhanced protection
against leaks should container 2500 be tilted. One or more of the
flaps 2510 may also accommodate one or more other items, such as
cutlery and/or a container with a food accompaniment, to secure
such item(s) with the container 2500.
[0068] FIG. 26 illustrates an example of a container 2600 in which
container body 2605 has flaps 2610 coupled thereto, with
projections 2615 from one or more of the flaps 2610 configured to
engage with holes or recesses 2620 of opposing flaps 2610 to secure
the container 2600 in a closed configuration. Flaps 2610 may also
include, similarly as discussed above, radiused extensions that
extend outwardly relative to connection points with the container
2605 body top edge. The radiused extensions may correspond to
radiused portions of the container body 2605 top edge and, when
flaps 2610 are folded to cover the top opening of the container
2600, the flaps 2610, and radiused extensions, cover substantially
all of the top opening of the container 2600, including area
associated with the radiused portions. In various embodiments, one
or more inserts, similar to insert 1805 discussed above, may be
provided that may couple with the container 2600 and also be
covered by one or more of the flaps 2610. Additionally, one or more
of the flaps 2610 may include recessed portions with one or more
flap sidewalls that may contact a sidewall of container body 2605
to provide enhanced structural support to container 2600, and also
provide enhanced protection against leaks should container 2600 be
tilted. One or more of the flaps 2610 may also accommodate one or
more other items, such as cutlery and/or a container with a food
accompaniment, to secure such item(s) with the container 2600.
[0069] FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate another container 2700 with a
container body 2705 having an integrated handle 2710. Flaps 2715
and 2720 may be folded to cover the opening of container body 2705
and allow access for the handle 2710. Handle 2710 includes a slit
2725 that may engage with one or more of the flaps 2715, 2720 to
secure the flaps 2715, 2720 in a closed position. Flaps 2715, 2720
may also include, similarly as discussed above, radiused extensions
that extend outwardly relative to connection points with the
container 2705 body top edge. The radiused extensions may
correspond to radiused portions of the container body 2705 top edge
and, when flaps 2715, 2720 are folded to cover the top opening of
the container 2700, the flaps 2715, 2720, and radiused extensions,
cover substantially all of the top opening of the container 2700,
including area associated with the radiused portions. In various
embodiments, one or more inserts, similar to insert 1805 discussed
above, may be provided that may couple with the container 2700 and
also be covered by one or more of the flaps 2715, 2720.
Additionally, one or more of the flaps 2715, 2720 may include
recessed portions with one or more flap sidewalls that may contact
a sidewall of container body 2705 to provide enhanced structural
support to container 2700, and also provide enhanced protection
against leaks should container 2700 be tilted. One or more of the
flaps 2715, 2720 may also accommodate one or more other items, such
as cutlery and/or a container with a food accompaniment, to secure
such item(s) with the container 2700.
[0070] FIGS. 28A-C another container 2800 with a container body
2805 in which flaps 2810 and 2815 have integrated handle portions
2820. Flaps 2810 and 2815 may be folded to cover the opening of
container body 2805 and have securement projections 2825 that
engage with a recess or aperture 2830 in a sidewall of container
body 2058. Flaps 2810 and 2815 may be folded to provide a handle,
as illustrated in FIG. 28B. If it is desired to stack containers
2800, the handle parts 2820 may be folded down, as illustrated in
FIG. 28C. Flaps 2810, 2815 may also include various features as
discussed above, such as radiused extensions that extend outwardly
relative to connection points with the container 2805 body top
edge. The radiused extensions may correspond to radiused portions
of the container body 2805 top edge and, when flaps 2810, 2815 are
folded to cover the top opening of the container 2800, the flaps
2810, 2815, and radiused extensions, cover substantially all of the
top opening of the container 2800, including area associated with
the radiused portions. In various embodiments, one or more inserts,
similar to insert 1805 discussed above, may be provided that may
couple with the container 2800 and also be covered by one or more
of the flaps 2810, 2815. Additionally, one or more of the flaps
2810, 2815 may include recessed portions with one or more flap
sidewalls that may contact a sidewall of container body 2805 to
provide enhanced structural support to container 2800, and also
provide enhanced protection against leaks should container 2800 be
tilted. One or more of the flaps 2810, 2815 may also accommodate
one or more other items, such as cutlery and/or a container with a
food accompaniment, to secure such item(s) with the container
2800.
[0071] FIG. 29 illustrates a container 2900 having yet another
closure mechanism, in which one or more flaps 2905 include holes
2910 that may be folded over domes 2915 to secure the flaps 2905 in
a closed position. Domes 2915 may include a slot 2920 is a bottom
portion thereof to further secure the flaps 2905 in the closed
position. Flaps 2905 may also include, similarly as discussed
above, radiused extensions that extend outwardly relative to
connection points with the container 2900 top edge. The radiused
extensions may correspond to radiused portions of the container
2900 top edge and, when flaps 2905 are folded to cover the top
opening of the container 2900, the flaps 2905, and radiused
extensions, cover substantially all of the top opening of the
container 2900, including area associated with the radiused
portions. In various embodiments, one or more inserts, similar to
insert 1805 discussed above, may be provided that may couple with
the container 2900 and also be covered by one or more of the flaps
2905. Additionally, one or more of the flaps 2905 may include
recessed portions with one or more flap sidewalls that may contact
a sidewall of container 2900 to provide enhanced structural support
to container 2900, and also provide enhanced protection against
leaks should container 2900 be tilted. One or more of the flaps
2905 may also accommodate one or more other items, such as cutlery
and/or a container with a food accompaniment, to secure such
item(s) with the container 2900.
[0072] FIG. 30 illustrates a container 3000 in which flaps 3005 and
3010 may be folded to close the container 3000. A tab 3015
extending from flap 3005 may engage with a slit 3020 in flap 3010,
to secure the container 3000 in a closed configuration. Flaps 3005,
3010 may also include, similarly as discussed above, radiused
extensions that extend outwardly relative to connection points with
the container 3000 body top edge. The radiused extensions may
correspond to radiused portions of the container 3000 top edge and,
when flaps 3005, 3010 are folded to cover the top opening of the
container 3000, the flaps 3005, 3010, and radiused extensions,
cover substantially all of the top opening of the container 3000,
including area associated with the radiused portions. In various
embodiments, one or more inserts, similar to insert 1805 discussed
above, may be provided that may couple with the container 3000 and
also be covered by one or more of the flaps 3005, 3010.
Additionally, one or more of the flaps 3005, 3010 may include
recessed portions with one or more flap sidewalls that may contact
a sidewall of container 3000 to provide enhanced structural support
to container 3000, and also provide enhanced protection against
leaks should container 3000 be tilted. One or more of the flaps
3005, 3010 may also accommodate one or more other items, such as
cutlery and/or a container with a food accompaniment, to secure
such item(s) with the container 3000.
[0073] FIG. 31 illustrates another container 3100 having an
alternate closure mechanism. In this embodiment, container body
3105 has a top flap 3110 that is folded to cover the container
opening. Tabs 3115 extend from the container body 3105 and engage
with cutouts 3120 of the top flap 3110 to secure the flap 3110 in a
closed position. FIG. 32, illustrates yet another container 3200
and closure mechanism. In this embodiment, container body 3205 has
top flaps 3210 and 3215 that may be folded to close the container
3200. A closure pin 3220 is inserted through an aperture of the
flaps 3210 and 3215 to secure the container 3200 is a closed
configuration. FIG. 33, illustrates still a further container 3300
and closure mechanism. In this embodiment, container body 3305 has
top flap 3310 that may be secured in a closed position through the
engagement of closure tab 3315 with an upward projection 3320 of
the top flap 3310. FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate two exemplary closure
mechanisms for container bodies 3405 and 3505, respectively.
Container body 3405 of FIG. 34 includes top flaps 3410 that have
apertures 3415 at ends thereof. Closure taps 3425 each have a dome
3425 that may be inserted through the apertures 3415 and into an
aperture 3430 in the container body 3405 to secure the flaps 3410
in a closed configuration. Similarly, container body 3503 has top
flaps 3515 that have apertures 3515 that engage with domes 3520
extending upwardly from the container body 3505. FIG. 36
illustrates another container 3600 configuration of various
embodiments. In the example of FIG. 36, container body 3605 has top
flaps that may be closed to cover the opening of the container body
3605. A tab 3615 in the end of each flap 3612 may be inserted into
slit 3620 in the container body 3605 to secure the flaps 3610 in a
closed position.
[0074] Similarly as discussed above, each of containers 3100
through 3600 may have one or more flaps that may also include,
similarly as discussed above, radiused extensions that extend
outwardly relative to connection points with the container body top
edge. The radiused extensions may correspond to radiused portions
of the container top edge to cover the top opening of the
containers including areas associated with the radiused portions,
when the flaps are folded to close the containers. In various
embodiments, one or more inserts, similar to insert 1805 discussed
above, may be provided that may couple with the containers and also
be covered by one or more of the flaps. Additionally, one or more
of the flaps may include recessed portions with one or more flap
sidewalls that may contact a sidewall of the respective containers
to provide enhanced structural support, and also provide enhanced
protection against leaks. One or more of the flaps may also
accommodate one or more other items, such as cutlery and/or a
container with a food accompaniment, to secure such item(s) with
the containers. It will be understood that the examples of FIGS.
21-36 are merely a number of the numerous different combinations of
container shapes and closure mechanisms that may be used in
accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0075] With reference now to FIGS. 37-42, embodiments are discussed
in which items such as cutlery may be secured to various
containers. Having cutlery secured to a container may provide
convenience to a user, for example, by allowing the storage and
transport of such items directly with the container, rather than
having to hold and carry such items separately. FIGS. 37 and 38
illustrate containers 3700 and 3800 in which an item of cutlery
3705, 3805, may be used to secure the container in a closed
configuration. In the example of FIG. 37, a split fork 3705 secures
top flaps 3710 closed. In the example of FIG. 38, a split fork 3805
secured top flaps 3810 in a closed position, and is further
insertable through sidewalls of the container 3800. Similarly as
discussed above, each of containers 3700 and 3800 may have one or
more flaps that may include radiused extensions that extend
outwardly relative to connection points with the container 3700,
3800 top edge. The radiused extensions may correspond to radiused
portions of the container 3700, 3800 top edge to cover the top
opening of the container 3700, 3800, including areas associated
with the radiused portions, when the flaps are folded to close the
containers 3700, 300. In various embodiments, one or more inserts,
similar to insert 1805 discussed above, may be provided that may
couple with the containers and also be covered by one or more of
the flaps. Additionally, one or more of the flaps may include
recessed portions with one or more flap sidewalls that may contact
a sidewall of the respective containers to provide enhanced
structural support, and also provide enhanced protection against
leaks.
[0076] FIG. 39 illustrates a container 3900 having a utensil 3905
inserted through a handle 3910. In this example, handle 3910 may be
molded into a base portion of the container 3900, and flaps 3915
and 3920 may be folded to close the container 3900, and be secured
in the closed position with utensil 3905 that is inserted through
handle 3910. The container 3900 may have additional, or other,
closure mechanisms to secure flaps 3915 and 3920 in a closed
position, thus not requiring a utensil 3905 to secure the container
3900 in a closed position, For example, one or more of the closure
mechanisms discussed above may be used as a closure mechanism for
container 3900. Similarly as discussed above, flaps 3915 and 3920
may include radiused extensions that extend outwardly relative to
connection points with the container 3900 top edge. The radiused
extensions may correspond to radiused portions of the container
3900 top edge to cover the top opening of the container 3900,
including areas associated with the radiused portions, when the
flaps 3915 and 3920 are folded to close the container 3900. One or
more inserts, similar to insert 1805 discussed above, may be
provided in some embodiments, which may couple with the container
3900 and also be covered by one or more of the flaps 3915 and 3920.
Additionally, one or more of the flaps 3915 and 3920 may include
recessed portions with one or more flap sidewalls that may contact
a sidewall of the respective containers to provide enhanced
structural support, and also provide enhanced protection against
leaks. Flaps 3915 and 3920 may also include upward projections that
may be used to couple one or more other items to the container
3900, such as a separate container with toppings or sauces, for
example.
[0077] FIG. 40 illustrates another container 4000 that has a
utensil 4005 inserted through apertures 4010 in a container lid,
which may also engage with apertures of a container body to secure
flaps 4015 and 4020 the container in a closed position. The
container 4000 may have additional, or other, closure mechanisms to
secure flaps 4015 and 4020 in a closed position, thus not requiring
a utensil 4005 to secure the container 4000 in a closed position,
For example, one or more of the closure mechanisms discussed above
may be used as a closure mechanism for container 4000. Similarly as
discussed above, flaps 4015 and 4020 may include radiused
extensions that extend outwardly relative to connection points with
the container 4000 top edge. The radiused extensions may correspond
to radiused portions of the container 4000 top edge to cover the
top opening of the container 4000, including areas associated with
the radiused portions, when the flaps 4015 and 4020 are folded to
close the container 4000. One or more inserts, similar to insert
1805 discussed above, may be provided in some embodiments, which
may couple with the container 4000 and also be covered by one or
more of the flaps 4015 and 4020. Additionally, one or more of the
flaps 4015 and 4020 may include recessed portions with one or more
flap sidewalls that may contact a sidewall of the respective
container 4000 to provide enhanced structural support, and also
provide enhanced protection against leaks. Flaps 4015 and 4020 may
also include upward projections that may be used to couple one or
more other items to the container 4000, such as a separate
container with toppings or sauces, for example.
[0078] FIG. 41 illustrates an example container 4100 in which items
of cutlery may be inserted into a cavity 4105 of one or more top
flaps 4110 of the container 4100. In this example, an item of
cutlery may be frictionally fit into cavity 4105, and may provide
for convenient storage and transport of the container and
associated cutlery. In some embodiments, multiple cavities may be
provided for multiple items of cutlery, or other items, such as for
packets containing sauces or toppings, for example. Furthermore, in
still other embodiments, one or more upward projections may extend
from a top surface of more of more of flaps 4110, which may be
engaged with a corresponding cavity or aperture in an item to be
secured to the container. For example, an item of cutlery may have
an aperture that is designed to fit over such an upward projection
to secure the item to the container 4100. In other examples, a
souffle cup may have a cavity on a bottom portion thereof that may
be fit over such an upward projection to secure the souffle cup to
the container 4100. In other embodiments, the container 4100 itself
may have one or more cavities in a bottom surface thereof that may
be fit over such an upward projection to secure the containers 4100
together and provide more stable stacking of containers 4100.
Container 4100, similarly as discussed above, may have flaps 4110
that include radiused extensions that extend outwardly relative to
connection points with the container 4100 top edge to cover the top
opening of the container 4100, including radiused areas of the
container 4100 top edge. One or more inserts, similar to insert
1805 discussed above, may be provided in some embodiments, which
may couple with the container 4100 and also be covered by one or
more of the flaps 4110. Additionally, one or more of the flaps 4110
may include recessed portions with one or more flap sidewalls that
may contact a sidewall of the container 4100 to provide enhanced
structural support, and also provide enhanced protection against
leaks.
[0079] FIG. 42 illustrates another example container 4200 in which
items of cutlery may be inserted into a cavity 4205 of one or more
top flaps 4210 of the container 4200. In some embodiments, the
items of cutlery 4205 may be formed of the same material as the top
flaps 4210, and may be molded into the top flaps 4210 at the time
of manufacture of the container 4200. In other embodiments, the
cutlery items 4205 may be of different material than the container
4200, and inserted into cavities that are sized and shaped to
receive the items of cutlery. In still further embodiments,
container 4200 may include projections that are configured to
engage with one or more apertures of one or more items of cutlery
and thereby secure the cutlery to the container. For example, an
item of cutlery may have an aperture that is designed to fit over
such an upward projection to secure the item to the container 4200.
In other examples, different items, such as a souffle cup or
another container 4200 may have a cavity on a bottom portion
thereof that may be fit over such an upward projection to secure
the item to the container 4200. Container 4200, similarly as
discussed above, may have flaps 4210 that include radiused
extensions that extend outwardly relative to connection points with
the container 4200 top edge to cover the top opening of the
container 4200, including radiused areas of the container 4200 top
edge. One or more inserts, similar to insert 1805 discussed above,
may be provided in some embodiments, which may couple with the
container 4200 and also be covered by one or more of the flaps
4210. Additionally, one or more of the flaps 4210 may include
recessed portions with one or more flap sidewalls that may contact
a sidewall of the container 4200 to provide enhanced structural
support, and also provide enhanced protection against leaks.
[0080] It should be noted that the methods and devices discussed
above are intended merely to be examples. It must be stressed that
various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures
or components as appropriate. For instance, it should be
appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the methods may be
performed in an order different from that described, and that
various steps may be added, omitted or combined. Also, features
described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in
various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the
embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Also, it should be
emphasized that technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements
are exemplary in nature and should not be interpreted to limit the
scope of the invention. While in many examples, the containers
described are recyclable, compostable, or made from renewable
resources, in some embodiments different or alternative materials
may be used.
[0081] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized
by those of skill in the art that various modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without
departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above
elements may merely be a component of a larger system, wherein
other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the
application of the invention. Also, a number of steps may be
undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are
considered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken
as limiting the scope of the invention.
* * * * *