U.S. patent application number 15/485180 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-12 for compartmentalized tray system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Helen Pierce. Invention is credited to Helen Pierce.
Application Number | 20170291737 15/485180 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59998529 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170291737 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pierce; Helen |
October 12, 2017 |
Compartmentalized Tray System
Abstract
A compartmentalized tray system is an apparatus that stores and
divides food so that the taste and integrity of the food within the
apparatus is preserved. The apparatus includes a tray, a lid, and a
divider plate. The tray, the lid, and the divider plate are
hingedly connected to each other about a rotation axis. A first
compartment is defined by the tray and the lid. A second
compartment is defined by the divider plate and the lid. The first
compartment and the second compartment are sealed by a first set of
fasteners and a second set of fasteners, respectively. The
apparatus further includes a plurality of stationary dividers,
which are positioned within the tray. The plurality of stationary
dividers further divides the tray so that a plurality of sections
may separate different foods within the first compartment.
Inventors: |
Pierce; Helen; (Quantico,
VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pierce; Helen |
Quantico |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59998529 |
Appl. No.: |
15/485180 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62321064 |
Apr 11, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/162 20130101;
B65D 25/04 20130101; B65D 51/1611 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/04 20060101
B65D025/04; B65D 47/32 20060101 B65D047/32; B65D 43/16 20060101
B65D043/16 |
Claims
1. A compartmentalized tray system comprises: a tray; a lid; a
divider plate; the tray comprises a base plate, a first lateral
wall, and a first lip; the lid comprises a cover plate, a second
lateral wall, and a second lip; the first lateral wall being
perimetrically connected about the base plate; the first lip being
perimetrically connected about the first lateral wall; the first
lip and the base plate being positioned opposite to each other
across the first lateral wall; the second lateral wall being
perimetrically connected about the cover plate; the second lip
being perimetrically connected about the second lateral wall; the
second lip and the cover plate being positioned opposite to each
other across the second lateral wall; the first lip, the second
lip, and the divider plate being coextensive with each other; the
tray, the lid, and the divider plate being hingedly connected to
each other about a rotation axis; and the divider plate being
angularly positioned in between the tray and the lid.
2. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 1
comprises: the lid further comprises a plurality of ventilation
holes; and the plurality of ventilation holes traversing through
the cover plate.
3. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 1
comprises: a first set of fasteners; the first set of fasteners
comprises a plurality of tabs and a plurality of notches; the
plurality of tabs being integrated into the second lip; the
plurality of tabs and the rotation axis being positioned opposite
to each other about the lid; the plurality of notches being
integrated into the first lip; and the plurality of notches and the
rotation axis positioned opposite to each other about the tray.
4. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 3
comprises: wherein the tray and the lid are in a closed
configuration; the second lip being pressed against the first lip;
and each of the plurality of tabs being engaged into a
corresponding notch from the plurality of notches.
5. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 3
comprises: the first lip comprises a fixed edge and a free edge;
the fixed edge and the free edge being positioned opposite to each
other about the second lip; the fixed edge being positioned
coincident with the rotation axis; and the plurality of notches
being evenly distributed along the free edge.
6. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 3
comprises: the second lip comprises a fixed edge and a free edge;
the fixed edge and the free edge being positioned opposite to each
other about the second lip; the fixed edge being positioned
coincident with the rotation axis; and the plurality of tabs being
evenly distributed along the free edge.
7. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 1
comprises: a second set of fasteners; the second set of fasteners
comprises at least one tab and at least one notch; the at least one
tab being peripherally integrated into the divider plate; the at
least one tab and the rotation axis being positioned opposite to
each other about the divider plate; the at least one notch being
integrated into the first lip; and the at least one notch and the
rotation axis positioned opposite to each other about the tray.
8. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 3
comprises: wherein the tray and the divider plate are in a sealed
configuration; the divider plate being peripherally pressed against
the first lip; and the at least one tab being engaged into the at
least one notch.
9. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 3
comprises: the divider plate comprises a fixed edge and a free
edge; the fixed edge and the free edge being positioned opposite to
each other about the divider plate; the fixed edge being positioned
coincident with the rotation axis; and the at least one tab being
centrally positioned along the free edge.
10. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 3
comprises: the first lip comprises a fixed edge and a free edge;
the fixed edge and the free edge being positioned opposite to each
other about the first lip; the fixed edge being positioned
coincident with the rotation axis; and the at least one notch being
centrally positioned along the free edge.
11. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 1
comprises: a plurality of stationary dividers; the plurality of
stationary dividers being positioned within the tray; and the
plurality of stationary dividers being mounted onto the base
plate.
12. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 11
comprises: the plurality of stationary dividers comprises a first
divider and a second divider; the first divider diametrically
traversing within the first lateral wall; and the second divider
traversing from the first lateral wall to the first divider.
13. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 1
comprises: a set of stabilizers; the set of stabilizers comprises a
plurality of nubs and a plurality of wells; the plurality of nubs
being integrated into the second lip; the plurality of nubs being
distributed along the second lip; the plurality of wells being
integrated into the first lip; and the plurality of wells being
distributed along the first lip.
14. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 13
comprises: wherein the tray and the lid are in a closed
configuration; the second lip being pressed against the first lip;
and each of the plurality of nubs being engaged into a
corresponding well from the plurality of wells.
15. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 1
comprises: a moat; the moat being integrated into the divider
plate; the moat being internally offset from a perimeter of the
divider plate; and the moat being oriented towards the lid.
Description
[0001] The current application claims a priority to the U.S.
Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/321,064 filed on Apr.
11, 2016.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to portable food
containers. More specifically, the present invention is a
compartmentalized tray system that prevents different foods within
the apparatus from mixing with each other.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Portable food containers are a common storage item that is
used on a daily basis. Whether an individual is in school or
working or is simply traveling, portable food containers serve as a
cost-effective way solution to having fresh food readily available.
However, individuals who use portable food containers typically
bring more than one dish with him or her. An individual may bring
multiple containers or put a variety of foods within a single
container. If the individual brings multiple containers, more space
is required to transport the food and more containers must be
washed. If an individual puts a variety of foods within a single
container, the taste and quality of the food will most likely be
compromised by the time the individual is able to eat.
[0004] The present invention serves to maximize the amount of food
stored within a single portable food container. The present
invention is a compartmentalized tray system that provides two
compartments for different types of food, one of which has a
plurality of sections to accommodate even more types of food. The
present invention preserves the integrity of the food and
effectively stores the food. The present invention allows a user to
transport more than one type of food within a single container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in a
closed configuration.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention in a
sealed configuration.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention in an
open configuration.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a top side view of the present invention in a
closed configuration.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention in
a closed configuration taken along like 5-5 in FIG. 4, wherein an
at least one tab and an at least one notch of a second set of
fasteners are engaged.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention in
a closed configuration taken along like 6-6 in FIG. 4, wherein a
tab and a notch of a first set of fasteners are engaged.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention in
a closed configuration taken along like 7-7 in FIG. 4, wherein a
nub and a well of a set of stabilizers are engaged.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of
describing selected versions of the present invention and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0013] The present invention is a compartmentalized tray system
that prevents the unwanted mixing of foods that are contained
within the apparatus. The present invention allows a user to access
the food in a compartment without coming into contact of shifting
the food contained in the other compartments. The present invention
comprises a tray 1, a lid 5, and a divider plate 10, as shown in
FIG. 3. The tray 1 upholds the lid 5 and the divider plate 10 and
contains food. The divider plate 10 upholds food as well that is
not to be mixed with the food contained by the tray 1. The divider
plate 10 also covers the food contained by the tray 1. The lid 5
covers the food upheld by the divider plate 10. In order to
effectively contain food, the tray 1 comprises a base plate 2 and a
first lateral wall 3. The base plate 2 prevents the food within the
tray 1 to come into contact with a surface beneath the tray 1, and
the first lateral wall 3 prevents the food from escaping the
perimeter of the base plate 2. The tray 1 also comprises a first
lip 4 that allows the lid 5 and the divider plate 10 to be secured
onto the tray 1. Similarly, the lid 5 comprises a cover plate 6 and
a second lateral wall 7 in order to enclose food onto the divider
plate 10. The cover plate 6 covers the food upheld by the divider
plate 10, and the second lateral wall 7 upholds the cover plate 6
above the food. The lid 5 also comprises a second lip 8 that allows
the lid 5 to be secured onto the tray 1.
[0014] The overall configuration of the aforementioned components
allows the present invention to store and compartmentalize food. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the first lateral wall 3 is perimetrically
connected about the base plate 2 so that the food remains within
the tray 1. The first lip 4 is perimetrically connected about the
first lateral wall 3 so that the lid 5 and the divider plate 10 may
be secured onto the tray 1. In order to define a first compartment
of the present invention, the first lip 4 and the base plate 2 are
positioned opposite to each other across the first lateral wall 3.
Similarly, the second lateral wall 7 is perimetrically connected
about the cover plate 6 so that the food remains on top of the
divider plate 10. The second lip 8 is perimetrically connected
about the second lateral wall 7 so that the lid 5 may be secured
onto the tray 1. In order to define a second compartment of the
present invention, the second lip 8 and the cover plate 6 are
positioned opposite to each other across the second lateral wall 7.
The food within the first compartment and the second compartment is
effectively housed as the first lip 4, the second lip 8, and the
divider plate 10 are coextensive with each other. The tray 1, the
lid 5, and the divider plate 10 are hingedly connected to each
other about a rotation axis 30, thereby connecting the first
compartment to the second compartment. The divider plate 10 is
angularly positioned in between the tray 1 and the lid 5 so that
the user can easily access either the first compartment of the
second compartment by moving the divider plate 10.
[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
lid 5 further comprises a plurality of ventilation holes 9. The
plurality of ventilation holes 9 allows the food within the second
compartment to breathe and prevents the food within the second
compartment from becoming soggy. Any steam emitted from the food
within the second compartment escapes through the plurality of
ventilation holes 9 thereby preserving the quality of the food
within the second compartment.
[0016] In order to connect the lid 5 to the tray 1 and prevent the
unwanted separation of the lid 5 from the tray 1, the present
invention comprises a first set of fasteners 14, as illustrated in
FIG. 6. The first set of fasteners 14 comprises a plurality of tabs
15 and a plurality of notches 16. The plurality of tabs 15 latches
onto the plurality of notches 16 which readily receive the
plurality of tabs 15. The plurality of tabs 15 is integrated into
the second lip 8 so that the user may easily attach the lid 5 to
the tray 1 by utilizing the downward motion of closing the lid 5.
More specifically, the plurality of tabs 15 and the rotation axis
30 are positioned opposite each other about the lid 5 in order to
best secure the lid 5 onto the tray 1. Moreover, the plurality of
notches 16 is integrated into the first lip 4, and the plurality of
notches 16 and the rotation axis 30 are positioned opposite to each
other about the tray 1. This arrangement allows the plurality of
tabs 15 to connect to the plurality of notches 16. More
specifically, where the tray 1 and the lid 5 are in a closed
configuration, the second lip 8 presses against the first lip 4 so
that both the first compartment and the second compartment are
closed. Each of the plurality of tabs 15 engages into a
corresponding notch from the plurality of notches 16. In the
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first lip 4
further comprises a fixed edge 24 and a free edge 25. The free edge
25 freely rotates about the fixed edge 24. The fixed edge 24 and
the free edge 25 are positioned opposite to each other about the
first lip 4. The fixed edge 24 is positioned coincident with the
rotation axis 30, and the plurality of notches 16 is evenly
distributed along the free edge 25 so that the plurality of tabs 15
may readily engage with the plurality of notches 16 and the lid 5
is not easily separated from the tray 1. Similarly, the second lip
8 further comprises a fixed edge 26 and a free edge 27. The free
edge 27 freely rotates about the fixed edge 26. The fixed edge 26
and the free edge 27 are positioned opposite to each other about
the second lip 8. The fixed edge 26 is positioned coincident with
the rotation axis 30, and the plurality of tabs 15 is evenly
distributed along the free edge 27. This configuration allows the
plurality of tabs 15 to rotate about the rotation axis 30 as the
lid 5 is opened and closed by the user.
[0017] In order to connect the divider plate 10 to the tray 1 and
prevent the unwanted separation of the divider plate 10 from the
tray 1, the present invention comprises a second set of fasteners
17, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The second set of fasteners 17
comprises at least one tab 18 and at least one notch 19. The at
least one tab 18 latches onto the at least one notch 19 which
readily receives the at least one tab 18. The at least one tab 18
is peripherally integrated into the divider plate 10 so that the
user may easily attach the divider plate 10 to the tray 1 by
utilizing the downward motion of closing the lid 5. More
specifically, the at least one tab 18 and the rotation axis 30 are
positioned opposite each other about the divider plate 10 in order
to best secure the divider plate 10 onto the tray 1. Consequently,
the at least one notch 19 is integrated into the first lip 4, and
the at least one notch 19 and the rotation axis 30 are positioned
opposite to each other about the tray 1. This arrangement allows
the at least one tab 18 to connect to the at least one notch 19.
More specifically, when the tray 1 and the divider plate 10 are in
a sealed configuration, the divider plate 10 peripherally presses
against the first lip 4 so that the first compartment remains
closed. The at least one tab 18 engages into the at least one notch
19. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
divider plate 10 further comprises a fixed edge 28 and a free edge
29. The free edge 29 freely rotates about the fixed edge 28. The
fixed edge 28 and the free edge 29 are positioned opposite to each
other about the divider plate 10. The fixed edge 28 is positioned
coincident with the rotation axis 30, and the at least one notch 19
is centrally positioned along the free edge 29, as shown in FIG. 4,
so that the at least one tab 18 may rotate about the rotation axis
30 as the divider plate 10 is opened and closed by the user. The
central position of the at least one notch 19 provides a more
stable attachment between the divider plate 10 and the tray 1.
Moreover, the at least one notch 19 is centrally positioned along
the free edge 25 so that the at least one tab 18 may readily engage
with the at least one notch 19 and the divider plate 10 is not
easily separated from the tray 1.
[0018] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
plurality of stationary dividers 11 further separate the food
within the first compartment, as shown in FIG. 3. The plurality of
stationary dividers 11 is positioned within the tray 1 and mounted
onto the base plate 2 so that the different foods within the tray 1
do not get mixed with one another. More specifically, the plurality
of stationary dividers 11 comprises a first divider 12 and a second
divider 13. The first divider 12 defines a largest section of the
first compartment. The second divider 13 defines a couple of small
sections of the first compartment. The first divider 12
diametrically traverses within the first lateral wall 3, and the
second divider 13 traverses from the first lateral wall 3 to the
first divider 12. This arrangement allows a user to store a main
food dish and a couple of side dishes within the tray 1.
[0019] The preferred embodiment of the present invention further
comprises a set of stabilizers 20 that prevent the lid 5 from
shifting and thereby remain connected to the tray 1 via the first
set of fasteners 14, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The set of
stabilizers 20 comprises a plurality of nubs 21 and a plurality of
wells 22. The plurality of nubs 21 rests within the plurality of
wells 22 which readily receive the plurality of nubs 21. The
plurality of nubs 21 is integrated into the second lip 8 and
distributed along the second lip 8. The plurality of wells 22 is
integrated into the first lip 4 and distributed along the first lip
4. This arrangement allows the lid 5 to easily align with the tray
1. More specifically, when the tray 1 and the lid 5 are in a closed
configuration, the second lip 8 presses against the first lip 4 so
that both the first compartment and the second compartment are
closed. This closed configuration is shown in FIG. 1. Each of the
plurality of nubs 21 engages into a corresponding well from the
plurality of wells 22, reinforcing the alignment of the lid 5 with
that of the tray 1.
[0020] The preferred embodiment of the present invention further
comprises a moat 23, as shown in FIG. 2. The moat 23 prevents the
food within the second compartment from becoming soggy. The moat 23
is integrated into the divider plate 10 and oriented towards the
lid 5 as to retain any drained juices or liquid that has escaped
the food within the second compartment. The moat 23 is internally
offset from a perimeter of the divider plate 10 so that any
retained juices or liquid from the food does not come into contact
with the food itself as the food is stored within the second
compartment. This arrangement between the moat 23 and the divider
plate 10 further seals the food within the first compartment as the
moat 23 preferably is adjacent the first lateral wall 3.
[0021] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its
preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other
possible modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter
claimed.
* * * * *