SINGLE USE BUTTER PRESERVING CONTAINER

Abstract

The invention includes a single use (disposable) container with a lid and a base. The base includes an amount of seal-forming liquid, such as water. The lid includes a butter reservoir and cooperates with the base to enclose the butter reservoir and the water. The water and the butter reservoir form a seal to keep butter in the butter reservoir fresh at room temperature.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional utility patent application is a child and a continuation-in-part (CIP) application under 37 CFR 1.53(b) of a parent non-provisional patent application having a Ser. No.: 11/870,492 that was filed on Oct. 11, 2007 and titled “Disposable Butter Dish”. This application further claims priority to and incorporates by reference the parent application (Ser. No.: 11/870,492) in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a single use (disposable) container for butter and the like adapted to keep butter fresh at room temperature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, butter and similar substances are kept fresh by refrigeration. The reduced temperature extends the life of the butter, but it also hardens the butter, which causes it to be more difficult to spread and less convenient to use. The cold butter is difficult to remove from the container and difficult to spread on food. Consumers therefore allow the butter to warm and soften before use. Examples of refrigerated butter serving dishes are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,731,604 to Allen and U.S. Pat. No. 3,240,030 to Peters, et al. Allen's butter server places pads of butter in a butter holder surrounded by ice. The butter serving dish of Peters, et al. places pads of butter on a tray in close proximity to a cooling tower that contains a refrigerant such as an ice cube. A further example of a refrigerated butter dish is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,586 to Lyons. This butter dish contains the butter in a chamber in the cover that places the butter into close proximity to crushed ice contained in a receptacle that cooperates with the cover.

In some cases a reusable ceramic butter dish having features for keeping the butter fresh at room temperature is used instead of refrigeration. This dish has a bell-shaped lid that contains the butter and fits within the container wall. The container also includes an amount of water that seals the opening of the bell-shaped lid when the lid is placed within the container walls to protect the butter from the ambient air. However, these reusable ceramic dishes require maintenance such as cleaning before replacing the butter and frequent replacement of the water. Further, packing butter into the lid is inconvenient and inefficient due to air pockets that may form.

Certain disposable or compostable containers, such as the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,204 to Suskind, are convenient to use. However, such disposable containers must be refrigerated in order to keep the butter fresh, thus the butter is difficult to remove from the container and difficult to spread on food.

Therefore, a butter container that keeps the butter fresh without refrigeration, but that is also convenient to use is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a single use (disposable) container including a base having a liquid reservoir, the liquid reservoir configured to contain a seal-forming liquid, and a lid having a butter reservoir, the lid configured to cooperate with the base to enclose the butter reservoir and the liquid reservoir, and configured to provide a seal when the seal-forming liquid is present. The base and the lid comprise a disposable material, the base and the lid are configured to be disposed of after a single use that is constituted by a single filling with butter and subsequent removal of the butter.

The term “disposable” as employed herein refers to a type of low cost and non-toxic material, such that disposing such material does not cause a substantial financial loss to the person paying for and later disposing of such material after its use. The term “low cost” refers to the cost of the material and manufacturing, as manufactured into a container structure of a particular size, that has a manufacturing cost that is less than, and is preferably substantially less than (less than 50 percent of), the cost of the amount of butter that could be stored into the container of that manufactured size.

Other important costs for consideration are shipping costs of the container with or without stored butter. Prior art water sealing butter dishes are typically made of porcelain, stoneware or other clay based substances that are of much more density and weight than that of paper or plastic based materials. Such characteristics of prior art material can lead to substantially higher shipping and transportation costs for prior art made and water sealing butter dishes.

The term “non-toxic” refers to material as manufactured into a container that is typically legally permitted to be disposed within a government or private managed trash and/or recycling system and that causes no significant harm to the environment. A further important characteristic of such material is that the material should also be appropriate for the storage of butter, meaning that it maintains its chemical and structural integrity when it is in contact with stored butter for at least a period of time required for a single use of the stored butter within the container.

In another form, the invention includes a method for operating a room temperature storage device for butter. The method comprises the steps of purchasing a disposable container as described above, the disposable container having refrigerated butter in the butter reservoir, adding an amount of a seal-forming liquid in the liquid reservoir of the disposable base, the amount of seal-forming liquid sufficient to form a seal when the disposable lid and the disposable base are assembled, and separating the lid from the base thereby unsealing the butter reservoir from the seal-forming liquid to provide access to the butter reservoir.

In still another form, the invention includes a method for storing butter at room temperature in a disposable container. The method comprises the steps of providing a disposable container having a disposable base with a liquid reservoir and a disposable lid with a butter reservoir, the lid cooperating with the base to enclose the butter reservoir and the liquid reservoir, placing butter in the butter reservoir, instructing a consumer to place an amount of the seal-forming liquid in the liquid reservoir of the disposable base, the amount of seal-forming liquid sufficient to form a seal when the disposable lid and the disposable base are assembled, and refrigerating the butter in the butter reservoir as required to preserve the butter prior to the addition of the seal-forming liquid.

An advantage of the present invention is that the disposable container extends a time period for maintaining butter in a fresh state and spreadable at room temperature without requiring the inconvenient maintenance of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the invention can be better understood with reference to the claims and drawings described below. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and the emphasis is instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Within the drawings, like reference numbers are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. Differences between like parts may cause those like parts to be each indicated by different reference numbers. Unlike parts are indicated by different reference numbers. The present invention is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container according to the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The example set out herein illustrates one embodiment of the invention but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The disposable butter container of the present invention is show in FIGS. 1 and 2. The container 10 includes a base 12 and a bell-shaped lid 14, wherein the base 12 and the lid 14 are made of an inexpensive (low cost) and disposable material. In a preferred embodiment, the lid 12 and the base 14 are made of a durable, temperature resistant plastic that is sufficiently inexpensive that the container 10 is disposable. In another embodiment, the lid 12 and/or the base 14 comprise a water-resistant or waterproof paper-based material, such as a heavy paper or cardboard coated with wax or plastic. The material may further be recyclable. Even further, the material may be insulating, and the outer surfaces of the lid and the base may be reflective to thermal radiation. For example, the outer surfaces may be coated with a predominantly white paint or enamel, or the surface may be laminated with a reflective material such as the metalized reflective polyester film sold under the trademark, Mylar. The container 10 is shown in the figures as having a generally cylindrical shape; however, the container 10 can be designed to have substantially any shape, such as one having a rectangular or polygonal cross-section or a fanciful shaped cross-section, such as one in the shape of a figure, such as an animal, for example. A container made of plastic can be molded into a variety of shapes.

The base 12 forms a liquid reservoir 20 for a seal-forming liquid 22, such as water. The base further includes a rim 24 that engages the lid 14. The lid 14 includes a butter reservoir 30, a flange 32, and a handle 34. While the butter reservoir 30 is shown in the figures as having a bell shape, alternative shapes may also be used. The butter reservoir 30 includes an opening 36 that provides access to the butter or other substance contained in the butter reservoir 30. The butter reservoir 30 is sized so as to displace the seal-forming liquid 22 sufficiently to form a seal around the opening 36 between the seal-forming liquid 22 and the walls of the butter reservoir 30. In a preferred embodiment, the seal is substantially air-tight.

In a particular embodiment, the container 10 is manufactured and pre-packaged with butter and sold to the consumer as a package (combined item) containing butter 38. In this embodiment, the lid is secured to the base such as by a removable plastic wrap 40 covering at least the interface between the lid 14 and the base 12. The plastic wrap 40 may be removed after purchase and prior to use. In addition to, or alternatively to, the plastic wrap 40, the lid 14 may snap on to the rim 24 in a snap connection. As shown in FIG. 2, the flange 32 defines a recess 42 that receives the rim 24, and the rim 24 includes a ridge 44 that engages a lip 46 on the flange 32. Alternatively, the lid 12 and the base 14 may include cooperating threads so that the lid may screw onto the base.

In use, the consumer purchases the container 10 having the particular brand and type of butter that is desired. The types of butter that may be contained within the butter reservoir 30 include, but are not limited to, sweet cream butter, cultured cream butter, butter with salt or without, whipped butter, and enhanced butter, such as butter containing sun dried tomatoes or herbs. Other substances, such as pastes that spoil at room temperature, including such as cream cheese or a butter substitute, may also be used in lieu of butter in the butter reservoir 30. In the preferred embodiment, the butter is kept fresh by refrigeration until the seal-forming liquid 22 is added after the packaged container is purchased.

Prior to the first use after purchase, the consumer removes the plastic wrap 40 or other sealing means and removes the lid 14 from the base 12 to access the liquid reservoir 20. The consumer then adds an amount of the seal-forming liquid 22 sufficient to form seal with the walls of the butter reservoir 30. For example, the consumer may add ⅓ cup of water for a small container 10. The consumer then replaces the lid 14 in the base 12 so that the seal-forming liquid 22 forms a seal around the walls of the butter reservoir 30 and the surface of the butter 38 and allows the butter to soften without refrigeration while the seal of the seal-forming liquid 22 keeps the butter fresh. Once the butter has softened, the consumer may remove the lid 14 to access butter 38 as desired. After removing a portion of the butter for spreading on food or cooking, the consumer once again replaces the lid 14 in the base 12 so that the seal-forming liquid 22 forms a seal around the walls of the butter reservoir 30 and the surface of the butter 38.

Thus the seal-forming liquid 22 protects the butter from air outside of the container 10 and allows the user to store the butter at a temperature that keeps the butter at a spreadable consistency, such as room temperature. This facilitates the butter to be easier to remove from the container and easier to spread than butter stored at lower temperatures, such as in a refrigerator. The consumer may replace the seal-forming liquid 22 as needed. Further, the user may supplement the seal-foaming liquid 22 if needed as the butter is consumed over time or if the liquid evaporates or spills. Once the butter in the butter reservoir is fully consumed or has expired, the consumer can simply discard (dispose of) the container 10 and replace it with a another new container storing fresh butter. There is no cleaning of the container or refilling of the butter reservoir required.

It should be particularly noted that while the invention has been described generally for use with butter, other substances, such as cream cheese for example, may also be used in conjunction with the invention wherein the user desires to store the substance in a sealed reservoir to protect it from exposure to the air residing outside of the container 10.

In summary, one aspect of the invention provides for a method for sale or non-sale distribution (transfer of possession) of butter between different persons, comprising the steps of: a) selecting a container structure that is designed and dimensioned for storing a predetermined amount of butter and configured for storing a seal forming liquid that is designed for extending a time of preservation of said butter stored within said container structure; b) constructing said container structure from an amount and type of material that is water resistant and having a cost to manufacture that is less than a cost of a first amount of butter, said first amount of butter being equal to a maximum amount of butter that said container structure is designed to store when said fluid barrier is also stored within said container structure; c) storing a second amount of unspoiled butter into said container, said second amount being less than or equal to said first amount of butter; d) providing said container structure and said butter stored within said container structure as one combined item for sale or non-sale transfer of possession to another person. Note that the above described steps can be combined and/or delegated for performance by various and different entities.

Optionally, the cost to manufacture and/or transport the container is less than or equal to 50 percent of the same respective costs with respect to the amount of butter stored within the container. Further and in some embodiments, the cost to manufacture and/or transport the container is less than or equal to 30 percent of the same type of cost of the amount of butter stored within the container.

In some embodiments, the amount and type of material as manufactured into the container has a shipping weight that is less than that of said first amount of butter. Further and in some embodiments, the amount and type of material as manufactured into the container has a shipping weight that is less than 50 percent of the shipping weight of said first amount of butter. Even further and in some embodiments, the amount and type of material has a shipping weight that is less than or equal to 30 percent of the shipping weight of the butter stored within the container.

In some embodiments, at least a majority portion of the material to manufacture the container is a durable and temperature resistant plastic. In some embodiments, at least a majority portion of the material is a water-resistant paper-based material. In some embodiments, at least a majority portion of said material is a recyclable material. Recyclable material can include either paper and/or plastic types of material.

Another aspect of the invention provides for a low cost and light weight butter preserving container, including a base configured to contain a liquid reservoir, the liquid reservoir including a seal-forming liquid, a lid configured to enclose a butter reservoir, the lid configured to physically engage the base to enclose the butter reservoir and the liquid reservoir, and configured to provide a seal to the butter reservoir when the seal-forming liquid is contained within the base, and the base and the lid are each configured as a structure of material having an insubstantial cost of manufacture, the base and the lid being configured to support at least a single use of each said structure of material and where said single use includes a single filling of butter within said butter reservoir and subsequent removal of said butter from said butter reservoir.

In some embodiments, the insubstantial cost of manufacture is less than that of the cost of an amount of butter that would entirely fill said butter reservoir. In some embodiments, the insubstantial cost of manufacture is less than about 50 percent of the cost of an amount of butter that would entirely fill said butter reservoir.

Optionally, the container is substantially made from material that is a durable and temperature resistant plastic. Optionally, the container is made from material that is substantially water-resistant paper-based material. Optionally, the container is made from material that reflects thermal radiation.

In some embodiments, the lid defines a recess and the base has a rim, the recess receiving the rim in a snap connection. Optionally, the base and the lid being sealed together with a removable plastic wrap.

In another aspect, the invention provides for a method of using a room temperature storage device for butter, comprising the steps of: a) purchasing a single use container of butter that is designed to accommodate storage of a seal-forming liquid that preserves butter stored within the container; b) adding an amount of a seal-forming liquid to a liquid reservoir of a single use base, the amount of seal-forming liquid sufficient to form a seal when a disposable lid and said base are assembled; and c) separating the lid from said base thereby unsealing the butter reservoir from the seal-forming liquid to provide access to the butter reservoir. Optionally, the method includes a step of re-sealing the lid to the base with a removable plastic wrap.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof to adapt to particular situations without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for sale or non-sale distribution of butter between different persons, comprising the steps of:

a) selecting a container structure that is designed and dimensioned for storing a predetermined amount of butter and configured for storing a seal forming liquid that is designed for extending a time of preservation of said butter stored within said container structure;

b) constructing said container structure from an amount and type of material that is water resistant and having a cost to manufacture that is less than a cost of a first amount of butter, said first amount of butter being equal to a maximum amount of butter that said container structure is designed to store when said fluid barrier is also stored within said container structure;

c) storing a second amount of unspoiled butter into said container, said second amount being less than or equal to said first amount of butter;

d) providing said container structure and said butter stored within said container structure as one combined item for sale or non-sale transfer of possession to another person.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said a cost to manufacture said container is less than or equal to 50 percent of the cost of said first amount of butter.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said amount and type of material has a cost to manufacture that is less than or equal to 30 percent of the cost of said first amount of butter.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said amount and type of material as manufactured as said container has a shipping weight that is less than that of said first amount of butter.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said amount and type of material as manufactured as said container has a shipping weight that is less than or equal to 50 percent of the shipping weight of said first amount of butter.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said amount and type of material has a shipping weight that is less than or equal to 30 percent of the shipping weight of said first amount of butter.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein at least a majority portion of said material is a durable and temperature resistant plastic.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein at least a majority portion of said material is a water-resistant paper-based material.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein at least a majority portion of said material is a recyclable material.

11. A low cost and light weight butter preserving container, comprising:

a base configured to contain a liquid reservoir, the liquid reservoir including a seal-forming liquid;

a lid configured to enclose a butter reservoir, the lid configured to physically engage the base to enclose the butter reservoir and the liquid reservoir, and configured to provide a seal to the butter reservoir when the seal-forming liquid is contained within the base;

the base and the lid are each configured as a structure of material having an insubstantial cost of manufacture, the base and the lid being configured to support at least a single use of each said structure of material and where said single use includes a single filling of butter within said butter reservoir and subsequent removal of said butter from said butter reservoir.

12. The container of claim 11 wherein said insubstantial cost of manufacture is less than that of the cost of an amount of butter that would entirely fill said butter reservoir.

13. The container of claim 11 wherein said insubstantial cost of manufacture is less than about 50 percent of the cost of an amount of butter that would entirely fill said butter reservoir.

14. The container of claim 11, wherein a substantial portion of said material is durable and temperature resistant plastic.

15. The container of claim 11, wherein a substantial portion of said material is a water-resistant paper-based material.

16. The container of claim 11, wherein a substantial portion of said material reflects thermal radiation.

17. The container of claim 11, the lid defining a recess and the base having a rim, the recess receiving the rim in a snap connection.

18. The disposable container of claim 11, wherein the base and the lid being sealed together with a removable plastic wrap.

19. A method of using a room temperature storage device for butter, comprising the steps of:

a) purchasing a single use container of butter that is designed to accommodate storage of a seal-forming liquid that preserves said butter;

b) adding an amount of a seal-forming liquid to a liquid reservoir of a single use base, the amount of seal-forming liquid sufficient to form a seal when a disposable lid and said base are assembled; and

c) separating said lid from said base thereby unsealing the butter reservoir from the seal-forming liquid to provide access to the butter reservoir.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of re-sealing the lid to the base with a removable plastic wrap.