Box For Prepared Or Processed Food Patents (Class 229/902)
  • Patent number: 9033208
    Abstract: A blank of foldable sheet material is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, a first bottom side panel and a second opposing bottom side panel extending from opposing side edges of the bottom panel, and a front panel extending from a front edge of the bottom panel. The front panel includes opposing side edges. The blank also includes a first and a second diagonal panel extending from a front edge of the first and second bottom side panels, respectively, and a third and a fourth diagonal panel extending from each side edge of the front panel. The third and fourth diagonal panels have a length greater than a length of the first and second diagonal panels. The blank includes a first and a second corner panel, wherein the first corner panel is hingedly connected to the first and third diagonal panels and the second corner panel is hingedly connected to the second and fourth diagonal panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Gayle Martinez
  • Patent number: 9016554
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a packing box in which the size and shape of an accommodation space are easily changeable to ensure convenient use of the contents. The packing box includes a rectangular bottom member and four sidewall members adapted to be erected at an outer perimeter of the bottom member, thereby defining an accommodation space having an open top. The sidewall members are divided into a pair of fixed sidewall members disposed facing each other to be vertically erected and fixed, and a pair of rotating sidewall members disposed facing each other between the fixed sidewall members to be inclined to an outside of the bottom member with respect to a vertical position thereof. The packing box includes at least one covering member to cover a gap between the fixed sidewall member and the rotating sidewall member when the rotating sidewalls are inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Orion Corporation
    Inventor: Hwa Kyung Lee
  • Patent number: 8919635
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to blanks for a collapsible, folded container for food that include a lower panel and an upper panel. The upper panel can include a hinge portion hingedly connecting the lower panel to the upper panel. The blanks include a lengthwise fold line extending along a length of the blanks, a first lateral fold line extending across the lower panel, and a second lateral fold line extending across the upper panel. The blanks can be adapted to be folded into a container configuration, subsequently unfolded into an unfolded configuration, and then re-folded into a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventors: John J. Biagioni, Deborah J. Biagioni
  • Patent number: 8905263
    Abstract: A dispenser box having a modified rectangular shape with leaf-shaped end walls and partly curved main walls that may form symmetrically or non-symmetrically configured halves of the dispenser box. The first main wall has a substantially flat surface extending from a first side edge of the dispenser box and changing into a curved surface when moving in a direction from the first side edge towards a second side edge of the dispenser box. The second main wall has a corresponding substantially flat surface at the second side edge, which changes into a curved surface when moving in a direction towards the first side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Thorsten Becherer, Annie Sporre Thorburn
  • Patent number: 8887943
    Abstract: A decorative serving container system that includes a serving dish, a ring element, and a cover element. At least two ring element handle portions extend outwardly from a ring element lip, wherein each ring element handle portion has a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of a serving dish handle, wherein each ring element handle portion includes a handle skirt portion that extends downwardly from the handle portion and is formed to be positionable around at least a portion of a serving dish handle and provide frictional engagement of the handle skirt portion with at least a portion of the serving dish handle. The cover element has one or more handles formed to be at least partially received within a recess of the ring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Sabine S. Miller
  • Patent number: 8708218
    Abstract: Packaging that has a small space requirement after use, is economical and practical to use, and avoids the user soiling his fingers during opening and when grasping the product comprises a lateral strip (410) having two longitudinal edges connected by two end edges and having at least one curvature and/or fold in order to form a storage space for the food product and a membrane seal having a bottom region (501) and a cover region (502), each region begin secured to a separate longitudinal edge, and a lateral border region (503) secured to the end edges of the strip so as to enclose the food product in the storage space. The membrane seal is secured in a peelable manner to the end edges, to the whole of a first longitudinal edge and to at least a part of the second longitudinal edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Bongrain S.A.
    Inventors: Yves Bonnin, Sébastien Ravelet
  • Patent number: 8672213
    Abstract: A food container having at least two open cone shaped spaces is formed from a sheet folded along three folding lines. The first and second folding lines intersect at a point near or in a point along a center line of the sheet to allow upper surfaces of the sheet on each side of the folding lines to be moved against each other. The third folding line extends transversally in relation to the center line and intersects the first and second folding lines substantially at the point. The third folding line allows folding of the sheet on each side of the third folding to move the surfaces on the under side of the sheet against each other thereby forming two open cones when parts respectively on each side of the third folding line are brought against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventors: Uno Larsson, Niklas Larsson
  • Patent number: 8651279
    Abstract: A container system is described. In one or more implementations, the container system comprises a lower container for receiving a first food component (or components) and an upper container assembly for receiving a second food component (or components) so that the second food component is separated from the first food component. The upper container assembly is configured for engagement with the lower container and is operable to be at least partially opened while the upper container assembly is engaged with the lower container to introduce the second food component into the lower container with the first food component. In one or more embodiments, a pull tab is coupled to the upper container assembly. The pull tab is configured to be pulled while the upper container assembly is engaged with the lower container to at least partially open the upper container assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Yolanda A. Malone, Catherine Shapiro, Svava Atladottir, Lynda Deakin, John Dixon, JoAn Hernandez, Stephen Kim, Gina Romero, Gabriel Trionfi, Martin Zabaleta, Lauren Shimek
  • Patent number: 8631997
    Abstract: A taco holder including a rigid, foldable template that retains a crease when folded, which has portions and fold lines configured so that the taco holder is easily configurable between an open configuration and a folded configuration. The open configuration is defined by the fold lines being substantially unfolded such that front edges of the portions of the taco holder define an opening configured to receive a taco or other folded sandwich food. The folded configuration is defined by the fold lines being substantially folded such that the foldable food container is substantially flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventors: David L. Millet, Gary Millet
  • Patent number: 8627998
    Abstract: A blank of foldable sheet material is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, a first bottom side panel and a second opposing bottom side panel extending from opposing side edges of the bottom panel, and a front panel extending from a front edge of the bottom panel. The front panel includes opposing side edges. The blank also includes a first and a second diagonal panel extending from a front edge of the first and second bottom side panels, respectively, and a third and a fourth diagonal panel extending from each side edge of the front panel. The third and fourth diagonal panels have a length greater than a length of the first and second diagonal panels. The blank includes a first and a second corner panel, wherein the first corner panel is hingedly connected to the first and third diagonal panels and the second corner panel is hingedly connected to the second and fourth diagonal panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Gayle Martinez
  • Patent number: 8590707
    Abstract: A flat foldable tray having a set of fold lines inscribed therein along which the tray is bent to form a package in which to carry a variety of products (e.g., baked goods). The flat foldable tray includes a base portion, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls, each of which walls being hingedly connected to the base portion, and a folding corner located between each pair of adjacent side and end walls. The pairs of side and end walls are bent upwardly relative to the base portion along with the folding corners at respective fold lines such that the folding corners are located at the exterior of the package and outside the walls thereof. The pairs of side and end walls are retained in locking engagement with one another so that the walls are retained in end-to-end alignment and the package is held in a closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph E. Sielski
  • Patent number: 8479972
    Abstract: An expandable food carton expands to a non-trapezoidal shape when in an open and expanded state. The expanded state creates a wider top opening which provides a larger access to the interior of the package and thus to the food product. The expandable carton has a bottom end with upstanding side panels therefrom, where each side panel has at least one score line that extends between an upper end region and a lower end region. The carton has a top flap attached at an upper end of each side panel, each top flap also having a score line that extends longitudinally between an upper end region and a lower end region at a midpoint region. Upon shifting the carton into the expanded state, the side panels of the carton shift outward along their respective score lines and the top flaps of the carton fold down adjacent respective side panels and shift outward along their respective score lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Intercontinental Great Brands LLC
    Inventors: Rachel Lyn Craft, Gladys Odette Sierra-Gomez
  • Patent number: 8464871
    Abstract: A blank for being formed into a container. The blank has a marginal area that includes a plurality of score lines for facilitating forming of the blank into the container. The score lines are positioned to facilitate formation of the container. A forming tool has features to facilitate forming the blank into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick H. Wnek
  • Patent number: 8436282
    Abstract: A food package kit including a plurality of trays having a bottom, a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom and terminating at a top end, and a flange extending from the sidewall opposite the bottom, the flange includes a rim section configured to receive a sealing film, and a recessed section extending from the rim section, wherein each of the opposed longitudinal edges intersect with a lateral edge at a corner, wherein the kit also includes a sleeve adapted to contain the trays completely therein, the sleeve including a sleeve top, a first depending sleeve side, and a second depending sleeve side and a sleeve bottom, wherein the tray is completely disposed within the sleeve by frictional force between the tray and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Tuszkiewicz, Richard L. Mace
  • Publication number: 20130037439
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tray for transporting and displaying items such as yogurt containers. The tray is of the type comprising a bottom wall (1) and side walls (3 to 5) hingedly connected to the bottom wall and folded upwards at a substantially right angle, and at least one stacking lug (7) extending upwards away from the plane of the side wall, the tray being obtained by folding from a rectangular blank of corrugated cardboard. The tray is characterized in that the blank has a rectangular outline and in that the parts forming the lug (7) are included in said outline. The invention can be used to make trays for transporting yogurt containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicants: SOCIETE NORMANDE DE CARTON ONDULE - SNCO, SOCIETE MEDITERRANEENNE D'EMBALLAGES, EMBALLAGES LAURENT SAS, PAPETERIES D'ESPALY
    Inventors: Denis Valot, Jean-Yves Malnoy, Frederic Catherine, Damien Tartre
  • Patent number: 8215539
    Abstract: A disposable holder for food that includes a separable component for grasping a food item previously contained within the holder during consumption by a user. The holder has separable upper and lower portions that include corresponding tabs for keeping the holder closed. One of the upper or lower portions includes a series of fold lines, such that the upper or lower portion may be folded around a food item after separated from the other portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Burrows Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Donald B. Stonehouse
  • Patent number: 8146743
    Abstract: A clamshell style paper board container including a tab-and-slot closure to openably secured the top and bottom halves of the clamshell in a closed position. Unlike conventional designs where the tabs in the bottom half extend from the side walls toward the front of the container, the tabs in the bottom half extend from the front wall toward the sides of the container. Also, a punch in device that can be used to provide a steam hole and/or an indicator of package contents where the punch in device include four generally parallel fold lines extending between two generally parallel perforations. When the punch-in device is punched in by a user, one of the fold lines is moved from: (i) a folded state at a location at a corner between two walls of the container to; (ii) an unfolded state at a location displaced from the corned toward the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Burrows Paper Corporation
    Inventor: Donald B. Stonehouse
  • Publication number: 20120000972
    Abstract: There is described herein a disposable clam shell food service container having a continuous sidewall which includes a novel flex-hinge panel between the lid and bottom of the container. This construction permits the container to open easily when the lid is pushed upwardly resulting in a flat tray like configuration devoid of the typical upstanding median wall or divider and which may be used as a serving plate by the consumer. The container may be easily snapped closed and locked to allow later consumption of any uneaten food products. Several additional embodiments of the invention are also presented, all of which include a continuous sidewall which ensures that the food product will remain warm and one of several lock means to secure the container in its closed condition. A triangular form of the container is also described for serving of pizza, pies and similar shaped food products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Angela E. Learn
  • Patent number: 8042728
    Abstract: A container such as a pizza box having one or more removable portions (46), which can be removed without substantially affecting the enclosing and/or strength properties of the container. The container blank has a central bottom panel (41) with at least one roll over side wall formed of an outer wall panel (48) with removable portions and an inner wall panel (49) that doubles over the outer wall portion to engage extension panels or tabs (8) of adjacent side walls, and has a hinged top panel lid (40). The removable portions (46) may be used for printing promotional material or as reward tokens offering special consideration for future purchases. The container also aims to provide a method of promoting products by way of a container having one or more removable portions and/or to provide a method of subsidizing the cost of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Initiatives and Innovations Pty Ltd
    Inventor: George Braoudakis
  • Patent number: 8006893
    Abstract: A container for packaging a product is provided. The container includes a blank of sheet material including a first panel, and at least one tab identifier wholly defined within the first panel and moveable with respect to the first panel. The at least one tab identifier is configured to cooperate with the first panel. The blank forms the container including a tray portion and a lid portion coupled along a fold line to the tray portion such that the lid portion is moveable about the fold line with respect to the tray portion between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the tray portion and the lid portion define a volume for storing the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley John Burke, Rachel K. Mortenson
  • Patent number: 7980452
    Abstract: The present invention provides a container configured to selectively enclose a food product or the like, including: a tray including a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, a back wall, and a bottom that collectively define a compartment configured to hold a food product or the like, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall each include an enlarged flap; and a tapered cover including a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, a back wall, and a tapered top, wherein the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, the back wall, and the top are substantially coextensive with the tray, and wherein the first side wall and the second side wall each include an enlarged flap that is configured and positioned to interlock with the corresponding enlarged flap of the first side wall and the second side wall of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Paris Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Burton
  • Patent number: 7793821
    Abstract: A carton capable of containing a plurality of food items is disclosed. The carton can be separated into two portions or trays, each of which can be converted into a tray for heating a food item in a microwave oven. One or both of the trays may be designed to elevate the food product from the turntable or floor of the microwave oven to enhance the efficiency of the heating process. One or both trays may include a microwave energy interactive to enhance browning and/or crisping of the food item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Manuel Oliveira
  • Patent number: 7678036
    Abstract: A ripple bottom pizza box and the method of creating a pizza box with such a ripple bottom. A pizza box blank is provided that is made of corrugated cardboard. The corrugated cardboard has parallel corrugation waves that traverse a flat bottom section pf the pizza box blank in a first direction. A roller is provided that has multiple parallel roller heads. The flat bottom section of the pizza box blank is advanced under the rollers. The parallel roller heads press parallel depressions into the flat bottom section in a direction perpendicular to the first direction of the corrugation waves. The result is that when the pizza box blank is folded into a pizza box, the bottom of the pizza box is contoured with parallel depression lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Eleftherios Malitas, Kyriaki Malitas
  • Patent number: 7654441
    Abstract: A food container has an airplane configuration provided by a cardboard-like sheet having a plurality of spaced fold lines defining a number of panels that are folded along the lines and assembled to provide an airplane-like body having food compartments therein. The panels that extend to the tail of the fuselage are especially configured to provide a unitary tail fin and associated stabilizer that present the tail configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Kid Stuff Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Billen
  • Patent number: 7468498
    Abstract: A food package kit including a plurality of trays having a bottom, a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom and terminating at a top end, and a flange extending from the sidewall opposite the bottom, the flange includes a rim section configured to receive a sealing film, and a recessed section extending from the rim section, wherein each of the opposed longitudinal edges intersect with a lateral edge at a corner, wherein the kit also includes a sleeve adapted to contain the trays completely therein, the sleeve including a sleeve top, a first depending sleeve side, and a second depending sleeve side and a sleeve bottom, wherein the tray is completely disposed within the sleeve by frictional force between the tray and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: General Mills Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: George A Tuszkiewicz, Richard L Mace
  • Patent number: 7387231
    Abstract: An insert including a support panel, a first tab, and a second tab. The support panel defining a front edge, a back edge opposite the front edge, a first side edge extending between the front edge and the back edge, and a second side edge extending between the front edge and the back edge opposite the first side edge. The support panel is adapted to support a food product during cutting of the food product and during transfer of the food product to a container. The first tab extends along the first side edge of the support panel from the front edge only partially toward the back edge. The second tab extends along the second side edge of the support panel from the back edge only partially toward the front edge. Other inserts and trays and combinations including inserts or trays provide additional advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Pizza Hut, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Yandian, Peter G. Graham
  • Patent number: 7380702
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a box, namely a pizza box having a bottom wall; a peripheral side wall attached to a periphery of the bottom wall; a top cover including a rear edge hingedly attached to the side wall, a front edge, and two side edges between the front edge and the rear edge. The box is fitted with a serving tray having handles on at least two opposing sides. The serving tray is designed to fit inside the pizza box. The box may contain at least two slits in the top cover, each slit extending along the front edge, side edge or back edge. These slits are configured so that the handles from the serving tray partially fit into each slit thereby providing additional support for the overall structure of the pizza box. This allows the pizza box to be constructed of lighter material with the additional support coming from the handles of the serving tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: VI Innovations, Corp.
    Inventor: Franco R. Oddo
  • Patent number: 7325718
    Abstract: A portable food dispenser includes one or more containers. A first container is capable of being only partially opened to provide access to food or a second container. The second container includes a cover that can be opened to provide access to food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: LBP Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Cook, Kurt Wolf
  • Patent number: 7240797
    Abstract: A sealed dispensing apparatus suitable for packaging and dispensing a single service portion of a food product. The food product is contained within an inner container cavity formed by an outer cover and a center member. Draw means are provided for transferring a force from the user to the outer cover, whereby the force peels the outer cover from the center section, thus folding the outer cover over itself as it is removed from the center section. The food product is dispensed when the inner container is opened by removing the outer cover from the center member. An optional outer container seals and holds portions of bread or other sandwich portions while the inner container is located therebetween. Box means holds the combination formed by the inner container and the outer container as well as optional condiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Victor A. Grossman
  • Patent number: 7232054
    Abstract: A closable type container for packaging items is constructed of a one piece flat sheet of carton material which is cut and scored to facilitate erection into a box like structure. The closable or clam shell type structure includes an ergonomic toggle action tab having a circular or generally oval shape and a fold line which divides the tab into two tab sections. This ergonomic toggle action tab is movable from a normal position by inward digital pressure on the fold line. Further, radius score lines each have an arc shape which causes a depressed tab section to have a slightly concave surface. An offset fold line between the two tab sections is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Dopaco, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Yocum
  • Patent number: 7204405
    Abstract: A container for foodstuffs including a carton, tray and pad, each formed from a cut and creased blank of foldable sheet material. The carton is substantially a tubular element having end panels for enclosing the carton. A plurality of corner locks are provided to maintain the end panels oriented in a closed position. Handles formed in the carton permit stacking of the containers and easy transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Gamon Plus, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7159760
    Abstract: A package for several delicacies comprising compartments, which are pivotally connected to the sides of a polygonal bottom part. The package includes a closed position wherein the bottom part forms a portion of a flat bottom of a container for the delicacies, each compartment is a part of the container, and the package comprises vertical flat walls meeting at substantially vertical edges. The package further includes an open position wherein the compartment have been pivoted downwards forming several holders for delicacies that are open at the upper sides of said compartments and the package can rest on a flat supporting surface with the edges of the flat walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Deborah Pluck, Helena Johanna Raphaël Tolido
  • Patent number: 7143931
    Abstract: A container for foodstuffs including a carton and pad, each formed from a cut and creased blank of foldable sheet material. The carton is a substantially tubular element having end panels for enclosing the carton. A plurality of corner locks are provided to maintain the end panels oriented in a closed position. A lip is connected to one side panel and has a free edge disposed adjacent a top panel to provide support therefor. Handles formed in the carton permit stacking of the containers and easy transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Gamon Plus, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7021526
    Abstract: A packaging case 1 is formed of a unitary blank 1a of paper material. The unitary blank 1a has at least two fold lines 2a, 2b between which a back side wall 6a is formed and both sides of which a bottom wall 10 and a top wall 11 are formed. The unitary blank 1a has also incisions 3a, 3b formed on both ends of the fold lines 2a, 2b. The unitary blank is deep drawn to form side walls 6 on each periphery of the bottom wall 10 and the top wall 11 and form rims 8a, 8b protruding outwardly from each upper end of the side walls 6. The unitary blank is folded along the fold lines 2a, 2b so that the rims 8a, 8b come into contact with each other, whereby the bottom wall 10, the top wall 11, the back side wall 6a and the side walls 6 constitute an inner space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Rengo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youichi Nishikawa, Yousuke Tagami, Taku Furuta, Hiromu Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20040238612
    Abstract: A pizza box having a plurality of ribs, which are selectively moveable between a first stored position and a second upright position is provided. The ribs are coupled to at least one actuating strip, which enables the ribs to be simultaneously shifted from the first stored position to the second upright position. The ribs and the actuating strip are formed from the same piece of cardboard. The actuating strip may be configured to interlock with the box or with an actuating strip from another plurality of ribs to maintain the ribs in the second upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Richard M. Lehrer
  • Publication number: 20040211823
    Abstract: The cup has a lid portion extending up from one side of the cup, configured to flip down into the body of the cup, along a first score line, going from convex to concave, so as to close the otherwise open top of the cup. Flaps extend preferably from the lid portion near its lateral intersections with the cup body outwardly from the cup, or alternatively from the cup body in the same area, but inwardly. In either case, the flaps overlie what might otherwise be a small gap between the lid and the cup body in that area. This reduces any possibility for liquid to escape via that small gap. In the case of the flaps extending outwardly from the lid, the flaps also tend to act as stops against excessive downward rotation of the lid, and provide an easy way to lift the lid to open the cup, if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: George E. Sarson, Daryl J. Howes-Jones, Gregory John Kleynhans
  • Publication number: 20040163992
    Abstract: A disposable single trap and holder for tacos and the like comprised of semi-rigid flat material to accommodate the ability of the holder to be efficiently packaged in a retail container. The holder has a flat disk-shaped configuration with specific cuts and lines of weakness, whereas, when pressed outward from center, the holder will form first and second side walls extending from a generally horizontal base portion to accommodate and support a taco and the like in an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Chris Muis, Susanne Muis
  • Patent number: 6758390
    Abstract: The cup has a lid portion extending up from one side of the cup, configured to flip down into the body of the cup, along a first score line, going from convex to concave, so as to close the otherwise open top of the cup. Flaps extend preferably from the lid portion near its lateral intersections with the cup body outwardly from the cup, or alternatively from the cup body in the same area, but inwardly. In either case, the flaps overlie what might otherwise be a small gap between the lid and the cup body in that area. This reduces any possibility for liquid to escape via that small gap. In the case of the flaps extending outwardly from the lid, the flaps also tend to act as stops against excessive downward rotation of the lid, and provide an easy way to lift the lid to open the cup, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Cupworks Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Sarson, Daryl J. Howes-Jones, Gregory John Kleynhans
  • Patent number: 6639199
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microwavable container for cooking various food article, particularly seafood such as shrimp, lobsters, king crab legs, mussels, clams, and fillets of fish. The container is made of a single piece of molded plastic having a top portion and a bottom portion of approximately equal dimensions. The top and bottom portions have a surface and continuous walls extending from the surface. Around the edges of each wall is a flange, one side of which forms a hinge. The hinge is dimensioned to create a gap between the top portion and bottom portion when the container is closed to vent excess steam generated during cooking. The flange also includes an attachment means for securing the top and bottom portions together in a closed position. The bottom surface and walls of the container include raised ridges and ribs creating passageways allowing steam to circulate around the food articles, enhancing the cooking of seafood in a microwave oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Samuel R. Ross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6612485
    Abstract: A food container with an integral loop member for securely holding a condiment container, allowing the two to be transported as one item. The container is formed from a first portion of a blank and has a continuous lip. The loop member is formed from a second portion of the blank and distinct from the first portion of the blank. The loop extends from an exterior surface of the container and no part of the loop member contacts the lip. A method for forming the container from one blank is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Paper Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas F. Lackner, Adam M. Shestak
  • Patent number: 6602528
    Abstract: Food packaging for packaging a food item in separate layers. The package includes a retaining member with openings to receive separating sheets between layers of food Separating sheets are removed while retaining layers of the food item from moving, just prior to consumption. The food is retained in layers in a box like enclosure integrally including the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Wells
  • Patent number: 6601758
    Abstract: Container for transporting heated food, particularly pizza and the like, comprising in combination an outer vessel and a tray of heat-formed plastic material. The tray has a base wall formed with ribs projecting from its upper face and from its lower face, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Termopizza Srl
    Inventor: Filippo Lizzio
  • Patent number: 6588652
    Abstract: A foldable food tray with an integrally formed condiment pocket coextensive with one wall of the tray and defined by a movable partition panel pivotal between a first closed position for foldable collapsing of the pocket with the tray, and a second open position engaged between opposed tray walls to define the pocket and preclude an inward folding of the pocket and tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Dopaco, Inc.
    Inventor: Liming Cai
  • Publication number: 20030047594
    Abstract: A convertible bread packaging product preserves loaf bread. The packaging product includes a foldable paperboard blank having first and second opposing end edges and first and second opposing side edges. The blank is folded along three lateral fold lines, and is attached along the first and second end edges to define a plurality of joined walls. The three lateral fold lines include a middle fold line and two outer fold lines. First and second spaced-apart scores are formed with the blank in a margin adjacent one of the first and second side edges. The first and second scores extend parallel to the side edge and intersect respective outer fold lines. The walls cooperate to form a protective enclosure having a length dimension greater than a width dimension, and at least one open end for receiving a loaf of bread. The enclosure is movable between a collapsed position for stacking the packaging product prior to use, and an open position for storing the loaf of bread during transport and handling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Francis Eric Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6523739
    Abstract: A carton for food products comprising a bottom, a top and four side faces. This carton is such that at least a portion of each of two first opposite side faces is foldable about a generally horizontal fold line and is movable with regard to second opposite side faces or a remainder of the first side faces or can be separated therefrom. In addition, two dividing lines are formed on at least a top face defining, on one hand, two outer wall portions, which are foldable in connection with foldable portions of the first opposite side faces and, on an other hand, an inner wall portion between the two dividing lines, constituting a handle when the outer wall portions are separated along the dividing lines and folded outwards. The first side faces comprise beveled wall portions in lateral regions of the first side faces. Furthermore, a carton blank for a carton for food products comprising a top face portion, two first side face portions, two second side face portions, and a bottom face portion is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R&D Inc.
    Inventors: John Heeley, Alain Kowalewski, Luigi Tettamanti
  • Publication number: 20030029769
    Abstract: A planar bottom panel is attached by a first side member to a top cover panel and by a second side member to a planar food tray cover panel. The side members of the planar bottom panel enclose a food or beverage styrofoam insert having depressions for receipt of food or beverage containers. The food tray cover panel folds over a top surface of the styrofoam insert. Sections of the food tray cover panel are removed to insert the food or beverage containers and then the top cover panel is folded over the food tray cover panel to seal the box containing food and beverage items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Nick Ausaf
  • Publication number: 20020179697
    Abstract: An ovenable enclosure (10) for pizza or other heatable food product comprises a box of taint free board having an interior clearance over the pizza, a central vent (15) in the upper surface and a metal plate (16) on lower surface. The enclosure gives more consistent heating of the pizza with reduced edge dryness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Simon Pope
  • Patent number: 6478216
    Abstract: Packaging suitable for food products has at least one wall which is formed in a semi-rigid material such as cardboard and has at least one edge defining an opening for inserting articles, in particular foods, and at least one first flap articulated to that edge along a folding line. The packaging can be conformed into a service configuration in which the flap uncovers the opening and a first storage configuration in which the flap closes the opening. The wall includes reversible deformation arrangements for conforming the packaging into a second storage configuration in which the first flap clamps the wall in a substantially sealed manner along the folding line and in the area of the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Dailycer
    Inventor: Laurent Wiart
  • Publication number: 20020125306
    Abstract: The packaging unit comprises a receiving chamber for popcorn, or the like, the outside thereof having secured thereto a pocket into which a beverage cup is insertable such that said cup is seated in a clamp seat. The packaging unit can comfortably be carried by a user gripping around the pocket with one hand. If the packaging unit is made from a one-part blank, it can be produced and erected easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Octagon Handels GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Jamitzky, Georg Wettlaufer
  • Patent number: 6422453
    Abstract: A foldable open container formed of a sheet of irregularly shaped hard paper. The container comprises a main board comprising four sectors each having a substantially trapezoidal side board and substantially trapezoidal four bottom boards; and an integral inner board comprising a main portion, four side flaps, and a central hole on main portion. In use, user may insert his/her thumb into a heart-shaped opening on a side flap while holding the container by hand. Hence, for example, a waffle dish containing ice cream may be supported on the central hole. Further, a spoon may hang on an arcuate slot on the main portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Big Tom International Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuei-Lin Wang