Abstract: A modular food and/or drink carrier is provided. The modular carrier can be formed from one or more modular components that are interconnected together. Each modular carrier includes a receiving portion for receiving food and/or drink items and an overlapping portion for connecting to another modular component. Each modular component includes a first locking means formed from a protrusion and slot and a second locking means formed from an accordion component and a receiving slot. The first and second locking means provided on a first modular component interlock together with the first and second locking means provided on a second modular component when the two modular components are connected together. Each modular component can include a buttress support means that engages a portion of another modular component to provide additional support to the modular carrier when the two modular components are connected together.

Abstract: A modular food and/or drink carrier is provided. The modular carrier can be formed from one or more modular components that are interconnected together. Each modular carrier includes a receiving portion for receiving food and/or drink items and an overlapping portion for connecting to another modular component. Each modular component includes a first locking means formed from a protrusion and slot and a second locking means formed from an accordion component and a receiving slot. The first and second locking means provided on a first modular component interlock together with the first and second locking means provided on a second modular component when the two modular components are connected together. Each modular component can include a buttress support means that engages a portion of another modular component to provide additional support to the modular carrier when the two modular components are connected together.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a molded fiber article capable of having detailed indicia embossed thereon is provided. A molded fiber article having a smooth surface with detailed indicia is also provided. The system includes using a wire mesh structure coupled with an embossing plate such that the embossing plate imparts a smooth surface with indicia onto the molded fiber article during formation. The smooth surface if the embossing plate allows for greater detail than that of the textured surface created by the wire mesh structure. The system may also include a forming die that generally conforms to the wire mesh structure to facilitate formation of the molded fiber article. The wire mesh structure may include a recessed area for housing the embossing plate, which may be attached to the wire mesh structure using fasteners and a backing plate.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a molded fiber article capable of having detailed indicia embossed thereon is provided. A molded fiber article having a smooth surface with detailed indicia is also provided. The system includes using a wire mesh structure coupled with an embossing plate such that the embossing plate imparts a smooth surface with indicia onto the molded fiber article during formation. The smooth surface if the embossing plate allows for greater detail than that of the textured surface created by the wire mesh structure. The system may also include a forming die that generally conforms to the wire mesh structure to facilitate formation of the molded fiber article. The wire mesh structure may include a recessed area for housing the embossing plate, which may be attached to the wire mesh structure using fasteners and a backing plate.

Abstract: A container lid is provided having a lid insert constructed of a paper-based material and a peripheral ring constructed of a plastic material. The ring is configured to be separated from the lid insert upon disposal. The lid insert includes a peripheral rim extending outwardly from a central cover portion. The ring includes an outwardly extending flange and a skirt depending downwardly from the flange. A first undercut extends inwardly from the skirt defining a channel sized and shaped for receiving an outer edge of the lid insert's peripheral rim. The channel may alternatively be sized and shaped for also receiving an outer edge of a peripheral rim of a container base to which the lid is attached. Another embodiment includes a second undercut located beneath the first undercut and defining a second channel into which an outer edge of the rim of the container base may be received.

Abstract: A tray having a socket configured for holding containers of different sizes is provided. The tray includes a socket having a lower portion configured for accommodating a first container, such as a beverage cup, and an upper portion configured for accommodating a second container, such as a bowl, having a base that is larger than the base of the first container. The lower portion of the socket includes a plurality of inwardly-sloping stabilizing walls extending therein that are adapted for supporting a commonly-sized beverage cup within the lower portion of the socket. The upper portion of the socket comprises a shelf structure that is surrounded by a plurality of stabilizing shoulders for supporting a bowl therein. The socket is thus adapted for optionally holding either a beverage cup within the lower portion or a bowl within the upper portion.

Abstract: A tray having a socket configured for holding containers of different sizes is provided. The tray includes a socket having a lower portion configured for accommodating a first container, such as a beverage cup, and an upper portion configured for accommodating a second container, such as a bowl, having a base that is larger than the base of the first container. The lower portion of the socket includes a plurality of inwardly-sloping stabilizing walls extending therein that are adapted for supporting a commonly-sized beverage cup within the lower portion of the socket. The upper portion of the socket comprises a shelf structure that is surrounded by a plurality of stabilizing shoulders for supporting a bowl therein. The socket is thus adapted for optionally holding either a beverage cup within the lower portion or a bowl within the upper portion.

Abstract: A molded cup carrier of resilient material for holding cups of different shapes and sizes, the cup carrier comprising at least one cup-holding socket, at least two stabilizing posts positioned around each socket and a center cavity defined between the sockets. Each socket includes a floor within each socket having a cup-contacting surface upon which a cup can rest when inserted into the socket. One embodiment includes the stabilizing post having a thumb hold disposed on the top surface of the stabilizing post to aid in preventing a user's thumb from slipping off the top surface of the post. Each stabilizing post may also include at least one curved stabilizing wall extending inwardly and downwardly into a respective socket. The molded cup carrier may also include a peripheral rim wherein a portion of the peripheral rim is inwardly arced.