CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 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 The present invention relates to food containers in general and, in particular, to molded food containers with integrated flaps for closure of the containers.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food container according to various embodiments of the disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the food container of FIG. 1 with the flaps in an open position, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the food container of FIG. 1 with the flaps in an open position, according to various embodiments.
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.
FIGS. 7-8 are illustrations of another food container, according to various embodiments.
FIGS. 9-10 are illustrations of another food container having two flaps, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another food container according to various embodiments of the disclosure.
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.
FIG. 13 is a top view of the food container of FIG. 11 with two recessed flaps in closed positions, according to various embodiments.
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.
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.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of two containers of FIG. 11 in a stacked configuration, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the stacked containers of FIG. 16.
FIGS. 18-20 are perspective views of a container and an insert in various states of insertion into the container, according to various embodiments.
FIGS. 21 and 22 are top and bottom perspective views of another container having a different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
FIGS. 23 and 24 are perspective views of another container in an open and partially closed configuration, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another container having a different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another container having a different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
FIGS. 27A and 27B are perspective views of a container with an integrated handle in open and closed configurations, according to various embodiments.
FIGS. 28A through 28C are perspective views of another container with an integrated handle in open and closed configurations, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another container having a different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another container having a different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of another container having a different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another container having a different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of another container having a different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
FIGS. 34A and 34B are perspective views of another container having a different closure mechanism in open and closed configurations, according to various embodiments.
FIGS. 35A and 35B are perspective views of another container having a different closure mechanism in open and closed configurations, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 36 is a perspective view of another container having a different closure mechanism, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a container with an associated cutlery item, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of another container with an associated cutlery item, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 39 is a perspective view of another container with an associated cutlery item, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another container with an associated cutlery item, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 41 is a perspective view of another container with associated cutlery items, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 42 is a perspective view of another container with associated cutlery items, according to various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 soufflé 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 soufflé cup may have a cavity on a bottom portion thereof that may be fit over such an upward projection to secure the soufflé 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.
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 soufflé 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.
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.
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.
