RECONFIGURABLE STORAGE BOX AND CUTTER

Abstract

A pizza storage container is reconfigurable to form at least one smaller pizza container, such as by folding along prefabricated fold lines. A lid support device, which may be used in combination with the reconfigurable pizza storage container or with a different storage container, serves as a cutting implement for separating pizza stored in the container.

Description

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/812,394, filed Jun. 9, 2006, entitled RECONFIGURABLE STORAGE BOX AND CUTTER, by Craig M. Saunders, et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present exemplary embodiment relates to food containers and cutting implements. It finds particular application in conjunction with a reconfigurable pizza container and with a lid support device which functions as a cutter which may be utilized with the reconfigurable container, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiment is also amenable to other like applications.

Hot food items, such as pizza, are often delivered in a box which is generally rectangular in shape. Circular pizzas are generally precut into triangular shaped serving pieces. The box used to deliver the pizza is relatively large. Storing leftover pizza in the large box is often inconvenient and a waste of space. The box may not fit in the refrigerator and a customer has to transfer the leftover pizza to another storage container. Additionally, large pizza boxes will not easily fit into most household trash cans.

It is beneficial to keep the pizza box closed for as long as possible to keep the pizza inside warm. When several pizzas are purchased, it may be difficult for the customer to remember what is inside each box. A box may be opened several times to determine its contents and the pizza inside tend to get cold as a result.

It is often the case that a precut pizza is not fully cut or the melted cheese sets in the cuts, making it difficult for the customer to separate the pizza segments by hand. Pizza cutters have been developed to separate a precut pizza or cut an uncut pizza into segments. However, a customer may not have such a device readily to hand and the task of tearing a segment can prove awkward.

Aspects of the present application overcome one or more of the above-referenced problems and others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a pizza container is disclosed. The container includes a first portion on which an associated pizza can rest and a cover for covering the pizza. The cover optionally includes a second portion sized to engage the first portion and substantially close the pizza container. At least one of the first portion and second portion, where present, of the pizza container is configured for folding into a pizza box which is smaller than the pizza container.

In accordance with another aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a lid support device includes a top member with a substantially planar surface and at least one leg configured for supporting the top member in a substantially horizontal orientation, a first of the at least one legs comprising a cutting edge for separating pizza slices.

In accordance with another aspect, a combination of a pizza container and a lid support device is provided. The lid support device includes a cutting edge for separating slices of pizza.

In accordance with another aspect, a method of storing leftover pizza includes separating a pizza box top portion from a pizza box bottom portion, folding at least a first of the pizza box top portion and pizza box bottom portion along two pre-fabricated fold lines, to form a smaller pizza storage box, and transferring leftover pizza to the smaller pizza storage box.

In accordance with another aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a pizza transport device is disclosed. The device includes a bottom portion sized to accommodate an associated pizza. The bottom portion has side walls configured for extending above the pizza. A thermally insulated bag envelops bottom portion. A bag support device sits generally in the center of the box bottom for hindering contact between the bag and the pizza. The support device may serve as a pizza cutter when the bag is removed.

In another aspect, a pizza box includes a reusable primary portion that forms one full side wall, and portions of adjacent side walls, and half of a top portion. A disposable secondary portion forms one full side wall and portions of adjacent side walls, completing the side walls of the primary portion, and the secondary portion forms another half of the top portion, completing the top portion. The disposable secondary portion may detach from the primary portion exposing a front panel section. The front panel section may fold along at least two lines, forming the front panel of a second, smaller pizza box. Both the primary and secondary portions may be formed from a common sheet of cardboard. The common sheet of cardboard may be perforated to allow separation of the primary and secondary portions. The primary and secondary portions may alternatively be separate sections of cardboard and be attached using tabs and slots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pizza box including a top portion and a mating bottom portion;

FIG. 2 illustrates a blank for forming a second pizza box top portion that is configured for mating with the bottom portion of the box of FIG. 1 and for folding to form a smaller pizza box;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top portion of the box of FIG. 2 after folding to form another, smaller pizza box;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a top portion of a pizza box which may be used with the bottom portion of the box of FIG. 1, including a transparent window;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the top portion of the pizza box of FIG. 5 folded to form a smaller pizza box;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a transparent pizza box top portion, which is suited to use with the bottom portion of the box of FIG. 1, that includes annular protrusions;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the top portion of the box of FIG. 6 after folding to form another, smaller pizza box;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a pizza box top portion, which is suited to use with the bottom portion of the box of FIG. 1, that includes disposable plates and cutlery;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a pizza box bottom portion partially placed inside a thermal insulating bag;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a generally circular pizza box top portion that can be folded into a smaller pizza box;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a lid support device/cutter which may be employed with any of the pizza box configurations disclosed herein;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the lid support device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the lid support device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the lid support device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the lid support device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the lid support device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the lid support device of FIG. 11 attached to a top portion of a pizza box;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lid support device/cutter according to the exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a transparent top portion illustrating the support device/cutter of FIG. 18 secured to the underside.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein relate to a container suitable for storage of a food item such as a pizza. The container may be in the form of a box. At least a portion of the container can be reconfigured to form a smaller box suitable for storage of leftover pizza.

In various aspects, the pizza container, or a portion thereof, is formed from a blank or blanks. A blank is generally a planar member cut from a sheet of material. In one embodiment, two blanks are folded to form first and second portions (e.g., top and bottom portions) of the pizza box. One or both of the portions may be reconfigurable to form a smaller pizza box. The blanks may be formed from a sheet material, such as cardboard, which is cut, scored, or otherwise configured to allow folding of the box portion into the desired configuration, without the need for any form of adhesive, such as glue or adhesive tape. In various aspects, the top portion of the pizza box includes a transparent portion. In other aspects, one or both portions of the box are molded or otherwise formed of a transparent material, such as plastic. In various aspects, the top portion includes capability for cutlery storage. In other aspects, the top portion includes a retainer for temporarily retaining a lid support device. The top portion of the box may include indicia such as instructions for indicating to user that the top portion is reconfigurable as a smaller box. For example, printed instructions may be provided on the top portion and/or markings indicating the fold lines. In various aspects a modular system includes a bottom portion which is common to a plurality of different top portions.

Other aspects of the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein relate to a lid support device for a flexible container, such as the pizza storage boxes disclosed herein or a conventional pizza box. The exemplary lid support device has a dual function as a support and a cutter. The lid support device supports the lid (top portion) of the pizza box to reduce the risk of pizza toppings being dislodged and sticking to the top portion. The lid support device includes a plurality of support legs. One of the legs serves as a cutter for separating precut segments of pizza.

With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary pizza container in the form of a two part box is shown. A bottom portion 10 of the box includes a planar base 12 upon which a pizza can sit and four side walls 14 extending therefrom. The walls 14 are of a height that can be higher than any pizza that will sit within the box bottom portion 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the walls 14 are of substantially equal length such that the base is substantially square (e.g., the walls differ in length by no more than about 1 cm). The walls 14 define cutouts 15, whose function will be described in greater detail below. The base 12 of the box bottom 10 can of a suitable size for accommodating circular pizzas, but other shapes are contemplated. With a square bases the top portion can be placed into bottom portion in any orientation. The illustrated bottom portion 10 is constructed out of food-safe cardboard, as is standard for typical pizza boxes. Unless otherwise noted, this standard pizza box bottom 10 is common in each embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 also shows a first embodiment of a pizza box top portion or lid 16. In use, the box top portion 16 is placed on top of the box bottom portion 10 so that a pizza inside may be totally enclosed. The top portion 16 thus serves as a cover for the pizza. The box top portion 16 has dimensions that are slightly smaller than the box bottom portion 10 so that the box top portion 16 easily fits within the box bottom portion 10. Alternatively, the top portion 16 may be somewhat larger than the bottom portion 10 to be received therearound. The box top portion 16 includes a planar top 17 which is provided with lateral, spaced fold lines, 18, 19 along which the box top portion 16 can be folded. While FIG. 1 illustrates perforations, the parallel fold lines 18, 19 may take the form of prefabricated creases, perforations, score lines, combinations thereof, or any other suitable fold lines to aid in folding may be provided. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the top portion 16, like the box bottom portion 10 may be constructed out of food-safe cardboard.

The top portion 16 includes opposed pairs of side walls 20, 21. When the box is assembled, these sit within the perimeter of the side walls 14. To facilitate folding of the box top portion 16 to form a smaller pizza box, two notches 22 are cut in side walls 20, at opposite sides of the pizza box top 16. The opposed notches 22 are positioned in the region between the creases 18, 19. Thus, when the box top portion is folded at 90° angles along the creases 18, 19, a new pizza box can be formed, with a base 24 and top 26 formed from respective sides of the planar top 17.

In one embodiment, the fold lines, in cooperation with the notches 22, allow one side 24 (or 26) of the top portion 16 of the box to be raised, relative to the other side 26 (i.e., rotated about the respective fold line 18 in a direction which is opposite to folding). This allows a customer to only lift one side 24 away from the bottom portion in order to view the contents of that side of the pizza box while the other side 26 covers the pizza on the other side of the box. The lifted side 24 falls back by itself to cover the pizza when released by the customer. This helps to retain heat within the box to keep the pizza warm.

The side wall 20 may be angled at one side of the notch for ease of folding one side of the top portion into the other. Both sides on either side of the folding spine are equal in dimension.

The two sides of the smaller box, when formed, may be of substantially equal dimensions to create sufficient tension to maintain closure. In this way, no tabs or adhesive are needed for effecting closure of the smaller pizza box.

In one embodiment, small tabs 27 extend outwardly from the planar top 17. The tabs 27 may be provided on two sides or on all sides, as shown for ease of lifting the top portion to open the box. By including four tabs, one on each of four sides of the planar top, the user is free to align the top portion 16 with the bottom portion 10 in any of four possible orientations. The tabs overlie the corresponding cutouts 15 in the bottom portion 10 of the box, to allow a customer to engage the underside of the tabs during lifting. It will be appreciated that the tabs 27 may be formed from the material cut out of the respective notch 22.

An area 28 between the creases 18, 20 becomes one of the side walls of the new pizza box. The area 28 terminates at either end at a respective tab 27.

In one embodiment, the box bottom 10 may additionally or alternatively be configured for reconfiguring as a smaller box. For example, similar creases and notches may be provided to that of the box top portion 16 so that a third pizza box could be formed, the second and third pizza boxes being similar. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the bottom portion includes fold lines 11, 13 in the form of perforations which extend across the planar base 12 and up two opposed side walls 14 on either side of cut outs 15. A user wishing to fold the bottom box portion 10 into a smaller box, either for storage or disposal, may tear the bottom box perforations 11, 13 in the side walls 14 down as far as the base 12. The bottom portion 10 may then be easily folded into a smaller box.

The top and bottom portions 10, 16 of the box of FIG. 1 may each be formed from a separate blank (a planar sheet of material which is cut, scored, or otherwise treated for folding into the respective portion without the need for adhesive).

With reference to FIG. 2, another embodiment of a top portion 16′ for a pizza box is shown, where similar elements are indicated by a prime (′). The top portion is similar to the top portion 16, except as noted. In this embodiment, the top portion includes flaps 29 formed from the material of the notches 22 which are folded inward during formation of the smaller box. As shown in FIG. 3, which illustrates a blank 30 suited to forming the top portion 16′, the flaps 29 may be formed by cutting along a respective line at 32, 34 to space the tabs from the portion of the blank which forms the area 28. Alternatively, lines 32, 34 may be formed by perforating the blank 30 so that the flaps 29 may be formed by the customer, e.g., by tearing along the lines 32, 34, at the time of forming the smaller pizza box. A similar blank may be used for forming the bottom portion 10 shown in FIG. 1, except that the flaps 29 may not be present. The blank for both embodiments may include additional flaps 36 for forming the original box, as well as score lines, perforations, creases, combinations thereof, or other suitable fold lines, to aid in forming the box top portion 16, 16′. A slot 37 in one of the fold lines receives a small tab 38 for adhesive-free assembly of the end wall.

With reference once more to FIG. 2, the original pizza box top 16′ has been converted into a smaller pizza box 40 suitable for storage of leftover pizza. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the new pizza box 40 is about one half of the size of the original pizza box, and is thus much easier to store inside a refrigerator. Additionally, since the length l of the box 40 is the same as that of the original box, the box can hold up to one half of a pizza.

With reference now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the pizza box top portion 42 is shown, which may be configured as for top portion 16 or 16′, except as otherwise noted. The pizza box top 30 includes lateral fold lines 18, 19 in the form of preformed creases. A transparent panel or window 44 is provided in box panel 17 for viewing the box's contents. The illustrated window 44 is located in the portion 26 of the box panel 17 which ultimately will form the top of the smaller pizza box. In this manner, the window 44 will be on top of both the full size pizza box and the folded pizza box. The window may be formed from plastic or other suitable transparent material. For example, a hole may be formed in the blank used to form the top portion 42. A sheet of transparent material for forming the window may be adhesively or otherwise attached over the hole. The transparent material may be colored and/or frosted slightly, or may be clear plastic.

A folded, closed view of a smaller pizza box 46 formed from top portion 42 is shown in FIG. 5. As will be appreciated, the bottom portion 10 of the original box may be similarly configured such that two substantially identical smaller, windowed pizza boxes may be formed from one large pizza box.

With reference now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of a box top portion 50 is shown. In this embodiment, rather than being constructed with cardboard, the top portion 50 may be constructed substantially or entirely of a transparent material, such as plastic. A pizza or a portion thereof can thus be identified through the portion 50 while within the closed box. The transparent plastic may be colored, or frosted slightly in whole or in part, or be a clear plastic. The plastic may be printed with fold-over directions, or the like. The top portion 50 may be molded from a suitable resin as a single piece or otherwise formed. The pizza box top portion 50 includes fold lines, such as creases 18, 19, which may be similar to those of the previous embodiments. The box top portion 50 can be folded into a smaller storage container, as with the previous embodiments.

The box top portion 50 also includes indents and/or protrusions which may define a plurality of ridges 52 that protrude from the largest face of the box top portion 50. The ridges 52 may be in the form of concentric annular rings, arcuate ridges or the like. The ridges 52 may provide insulation for a pizza when the box top 40 is first used with a full pizza for insulating the warm pizza from the relatively cool ambient air. The ridges 52 provide valleys for subsequent collection of grease or other fluids when the leftover pizza is stored. As the illustrated box top 50 is formed of plastic, it does not provide the grease absorbing characteristics of typical cardboard pizza boxes. The ridges space the leftover pizza from the bottom of the box, allowing the pizza to be spaced from any grease or other fluid which collects in the valleys. The ridges also help to provide the top portion with rigidity. Circular recesses 54 at the four corners of the lid 40 and provide thumb locators for holding the box during transport and aid in folding the lid 40 when forming a smaller box.

In this embodiment, the side walls 20, 21 may be splayed outwardly or ridged at a distal end thereof or otherwise configured to provide an interference fit with sufficient engagement between the top and bottom portions of the original pizza box and/or of the smaller pizza box. In one embodiment, two small tabs 56 extend from one of the side walls. The tabs 56 are received in corresponding slots or dimples 58 on the other side of the top portion when the sides are folded together, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The tabs 56 and slots/dimples 58 provide a releasable closure for the smaller box. The top portion 50 may be configured for stacking, to aid in shipping and storage. The spine of top portion 50 may include a pair of spaced slots 59 for receiving opposite ends of a pizza support and cutting device, as described in greater detail below and illustrated in FIGS. 13-18. Alternatively, as described in greater detail below, the spine 28 may include a projection for receipt by a suitably shaped receiving bore in the support and cutting device, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

It will be appreciated that the bottom of the pizza box, in this embodiment, may be configured as for the bottom 10 of FIG. 1, or may also be formed of a plastic material in a similar manner to the top portion 50.

Another embodiment of a pizza box top portion 60 is shown in FIG. 8. This embodiment may be similar to the previous embodiments, except as noted. The box top 60 includes fold lines, such as creases 18, 19 for folding the box top portion 60 into a smaller pizza storage box. The top portion 60 also carries a packet 66 including a container 68 holding disposable plates 70 and/or cutlery. In the illustrated embodiment, the package is retained by a releasable adhesive although it is also contemplated that the top may include incisions (not shown) or other retaining members to releasably secure the packet 66 to the top portion 60. The packet may include a container 68 holding eating utensils 70, such as disposable plates, napkins, and/or cutlery. The container 68 may be in the form of a resealable plastic bag or a less flexible container. The container keeps the plates clean and free of contact with the pizza until use. The customer may use the packet 66 of plates to serve the pizza within the box. Once the packet 66 has been removed from the top 60, the pizza box top portion 60 can be folded along the creases 18, 19, as in the previous embodiments.

With reference to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a pizza container is shown. In this embodiment, a bottom portion 10′ is configured for holding a pizza, as in the previous embodiments. The bottom portion 10′ is then inserted into an insulated bag 80 for transport to the delivery site. Each pizza may have its own bag 80, so that the pizza is only removed from the bag 80 when it is ready to be eaten. The bag serves as a cover for the pizza. The bag may be configured similarly to that shown in Design Application No. 430,993, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, the bag 80 includes a resealable closure 82 at an open end 84 thereof which allows the bag to be sealed around the bottom portion 10′. Suitable resealable closures include, for example, zippers, snaps (plastic or metal), hook and loop tapes, and deformable closure systems, such as those incorporating a plastic ridge that integrates into an opposing flexible track. In the embodiment shown, the closure includes a zipper which extends along two adjacent sides of the bag. The bag 80 may be formed of a thermally insulating material, such as mylar, and/or include multiple layers of material to retain heat within the bag. The bag may be re-usable. That is, the customer could return the bag to the pizza establishment for re-use, or the customer could re-use the bag themselves when they pick up their own pizza to take home. In another embodiment, the bag may be intended for single use. The bag may be used for storage of left over pizza and may be rolled or folded to reduce its footprint for storage.

The bottom portion 10′ may be similarly configured to bottom portion 10, described previously, with spaced fold lines for forming a smaller box. Alternatively, the bottom portion may include corner walls 88, as shown in FIG. 9, to provide a generally octagonal shaped enclosure. Such a bottom portion may be formed from a single blank simply by folding, without the need for adhesive to hold the box portion together. As with embodiments of the top 16, 16′, the bottom portion 10′ includes fold lines analogous to fold lines 11, 13, which allow the bottom portion 10′ to be folded to form a smaller box.

A bag support device 90 aids in keeping the bag 80 from sagging onto the pizza. The support device 90 may be configured as for a conventional lid support device with a planar top and three or more legs of equal length extending therefrom, or may be configured as for the exemplary lid support device disclosed in further detail below and illustrated in FIGS. 13-18.

In one embodiment, the bottom portion 10 is used as a basis for a modular system in which a plurality of alternative cover configurations 16, 16′, 42, 50, 60, 80 are available. The pizza box distributor or pizza store may thus match the bottom portion with a selected one of the available top portion configurations 16, 16′, 42, 50, 60 from those available. For example, a customer away from home may request a pizza and serve package, in which case the pizza store may provide the bottom portion 10 with a top portion 60. Or, when a customer orders several different pizzas, the store may suggest clear top portions 50 or windowed top portions 40 so that the guests can view the pizzas readily. The top portions may also be used by the store for packaging other items which do not require the large box, such as breadsticks, calzones, salads (in the case of plastic top portions), and the like. Thus, with a plurality of alternate tops, a pizza store can meet the specific requirements of individual customers and also package both pizzas and other food items from the same basic set of packaging materials.

With reference now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a pizza storage container 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the uniform pizza box bottom 10 of FIG. 1 may be replaced with another embodiment of a compatible bottom portion 110. As with other embodiments illustrated herein, at least a portion of the pizza box 100 can be folded and used to store leftover pizza. The pizza box 100 includes a top portion 116 configured for mating engagement with the bottom portion 110. As with other embodiments, the top portion serves as a cover for a pizza placed in the box. Both the top portion 116 and the bottom portion 110 are generally circular, to accommodate a traditional round pizza. The box top portion 116 includes fold lines, such as creases, perforations, or score marks 18, 19 to facilitate folding. When the box top portion 116 is folded along the creases 18, 19 a generally semi-circular box is formed, into which roughly half a pizza can be placed. The box top portion also includes an array of protrusions 118 which serve a similar function to the ridges and protrusions 52, 54 of the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7. The top and bottom portions include complementary engagement members, such as sockets and projections 120, 122 for snap-fit, releasable interconnection. The top portion 116 includes two projections 120 and two sockets 122 such that the top portion can be releasably mated to the bottom portion 110 or to itself. When the top portion 116 is folded, complementary sockets and projections 120, 122 are joined together with a snap-like action, keeping the folded box top 116 closed. These same projections and sockets mate with complementary sockets and projections on the box bottom portion 110 to keep it closed when the full pizza is present.

The top and bottom portions 110, 116 may be formed of a plastic material, e.g., by molding to define a generally planar top 124 and a substantially cylindrical side wall 126 with tabs 128 extending therefrom. The plastic may be relatively rigid to retain its structure. The interconnecting members 120, 122 may be provided on the tabs 128, which extend from the side wall 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the top portion 116 is formed of a transparent plastic, analogous to top portion 50 of FIG. 6, while bottom portion 110 is formed from an opaque plastic material. As will be appreciated, bottom portion 110 may have fold lines analogous to fold lines 18, 19 of the top portion.

With reference now to FIGS. 11-17 an exemplary lid support device 200 is shown. The lid support device can be used with any of the pizza box configurations shown herein or with pizza boxes of other configurations, such as a conventional fold-over pizza box formed from a single blank. The illustrated lid support device includes a top member 210 which may be substantially planar and suitable for supporting a top portion of a pizza box, such as top portion 16 or 16′. The top member defines substantially planar, opposed upper and lower surfaces 212, 213. By substantially planar it is meant that the top member is capable of contacting the underside of the top portion of the box at multiple locations across its upper surface 212. The upper surface 212 of the illustrated planar top member 210 has a maximum length L which is greater than a maximum width W of the member in a direction perpendicular to the length. For example, the length L may be at least 1.5 times the width W and in one embodiment, at least twice the width W, e.g., about three times the width. A thickness T of the top member is substantially less than the length L and width W. Concave cutouts 214, 216 may be provided in opposed side surfaces 218, 220 of the top member. The cutouts 214, 216 define a minimum width of the top member therebetween. The side surfaces 218, 220 may be otherwise linear or convex and connected by curved end surfaces 222, 224. The side surfaces 218, 220 and end surfaces 224, 224 together form the peripheral edge of the planar top member and extend between the upper surface 212 and the lower surface 213 of the top member.

Legs 230, 232, 234 depend from the lower surface 213 of the top member. Although three legs are shown, it is contemplated that fewer or more than three legs may be provided in a suitable arrangement for supporting the top member 210 in a substantially horizontal orientation when the legs 230, 232, 234 are in contact with a horizontal supporting surface, such as a bottom surface of a pizza box. As shown in FIG. 15, the exemplary legs 230, 232, 234 radiate from a point 236 which is generally at the center of the planar top member 210. In the illustrated embodiment, legs 230, 232, which may be similarly configured are splayed at an angle θ which is less than 180° and may be approximately equal to an angle occupied by two pizza segments (90° in the case of an 8 piece pizza) such that the legs 230, 232 are received between pizza segments when the device is placed in a pizza box containing a circular pizza. Leg 234 may be equally spaced radially from legs 230 and 232 as shown, e.g., by an angle of about (180−θ/2), e.g., 135°. The leg 234, and optionally also legs 230, 232 may extend to the peripheral edge of the top member. While the illustrated legs 230, 232 are shown as connecting with the leg 234 which serves as the cutter, it is also contemplated that legs 230, 232 may be spaced from each other and/or from cutter leg 234. For example, legs 230, 232 may take the form of posts or other suitable shape. In yet another embodiment, legs 230, 232 are replaced with a single leg which may extend between opposed surfaces 218 and 220 and be generally perpendicular to leg 234 to form a T-shape, as seen from below.

The leg 234 is shaped for cutting between the pizza slices to separate them. As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 16, the leg 234 includes closely spaced generally parallel, opposed side surfaces 240, 242 which meet to define a cutting edge 244 at a periphery thereof. The edge 244 may follow a curve. For example, the leg is beveled along the curved edge such that the thickness of the leg decreases towards the edge. Optionally, the edge 244 may be serrated, as in a plastic disposable knife. The cutting edge 244 has a region 246 which provides a point of contact between the leg 234 and the base 12 of the pizza box (illustrated in phantom in FIG. 12). In particular, the vertical distance to cutting edge region 246 from the top member 210 is equal to the vertical distance from the top member to distal ends 248, 250 of the other legs 232, 234.

With reference now to FIGS. 18 and 19, another embodiment of a lid support device 300 is shown. The support device 300 may be similarly configured to lid support device 200, except as otherwise noted. The lid support device 300 is particularly suited to use in an assembly with a pizza container top portion 306, although it can be used with any of the pizza container configurations shown herein or with pizza boxes of other configurations, such as a conventional fold-over pizza box formed from a single blank. Top portion 306 may be analogously formed to top portion 40 of FIG. 6, except as noted. The illustrated lid support device 300 includes a substantially planar top member 310 suitable for supporting a top portion of a pizza box, such as top portion 306 or 40. An upper surface 312 of the illustrated top member 310 includes an engagement member 318 in the form of a hole or socket which receives a corresponding retaining member 320 in the form of a projection on the underside of the pizza box lid 306. Since the lid 306 may be formed of molded plastic, the projection may be formed during molding, for example, by deforming a central region of the lid into a bump which has the shape of the projection. The socket 318 and projection 320 cooperate for a snap fit engagement such that the lid support device 300 can be attached to the top portion 306 and remain attached until removed by the customer. As with the lid support device 200, the top member 310 has concave cutouts 314, 316 suited to grasping by the user during sectioning a pizza and one or more legs 330, 332, 334 which depend from the top member. Leg 334 has a curved edge which serves as a cutter for separating pizza slices after the support device 300 has been detached from the pizza container lid 306

With reference now to FIGS. 18 and 19, another embodiment of a lid support device 300 is shown. The support device 300 may be similarly configured to lid support device 200, except as otherwise noted. The lid support device 300 is illustrated in combination with a circular pizza container top portion 306, although it will be appreciated that it can be used with any of the pizza container configurations shown herein or with pizza boxes of other configurations, such as a conventional fold-over pizza box formed from a single blank. In particular, top portion 306 may be analogously formed to top portion 50 of FIGS. 6 and 7, except as noted. The illustrated lid support device 300 includes a substantially planar top member 310 suitable for supporting a top portion of a pizza box, such as top portion 306, 40, or 50. An upper surface 312 of the illustrated top member 310 includes an engagement member 318 in the form of a hole or socket which receives a corresponding retaining member 320 in the form of a projection on the underside of the pizza box lid 306. Since the lid 306 may be formed of molded plastic, the projection may be formed during molding, for example, by deforming a central region of the lid into a bump which has the shape of the projection. The socket 318 and projection 320 cooperate for a snap fit engagement such that the lid support device 300 can be attached to the top portion 306 and remain attached until removed by the customer. As with the lid support device 200, the top member 310 has concave cutouts 314, 316 suited to grasping by the user during sectioning a pizza and one or more legs 330, 332, 334 which depend from the top member. Leg 334 has a curved edge which serves as a cutter for separating pizza slices after the support device 300 has been detached from the pizza container lid 306.

As for the top 50, the illustrated lid 306 optionally defines a groove 340 between spaced sidewalls 342, 344. The groove receives the top member 310 of the lid support device 300 therein in a selected orientation and may assist in retaining the support device.

The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiment be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A pizza container comprising:

a first portion on which an associated pizza can rest;

a cover for covering the pizza, the cover optionally comprising a second portion sized to engage the first portion and substantially close the pizza container;

wherein at least one of the first portion and second portion of the pizza container is configured for folding into a pizza box which is smaller than the pizza container.

2. The pizza container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one of the first and second portions comprises fold lines comprising at least one of score lines, creases, and perforations for folding the respective portion into the pizza box.

3. The pizza container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one of the first and second portions comprises two spaced fold lines that define an area between the fold lines, the area defining a side wall of the pizza box when the at least one of the first and second portions is folded along the fold lines.

4. The pizza container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the cover comprises the second portion which is sized to engage the first portion and substantially close the pizza container.

5. The pizza container as set forth in claim 4, wherein the first and second portions are each configured for folding into pizza boxes.

6. The pizza container as set forth in claim 4, wherein the pizza boxes are substantially the same size, each having the capacity of approximately half of the original pizza container.

7. The pizza container as set forth in claim 4, wherein the second portion includes a transparent panel for viewing contents of the pizza container and of the pizza box formed therefrom.

8. The pizza container as set forth in claim 4, wherein the second portion is made substantially entirely of transparent plastic.

9. The pizza container as set forth in claim 4, wherein the second portion includes concentric ridges for insulating warm pizza from the relatively cool ambient air.

10. The pizza container as set forth in claim 4, further comprising:

a packet comprising disposable plates secured to the second portion.

11. The pizza container as set forth in claim 4, wherein the first and second portions are each formed from a separate blank.

12. The pizza container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one of the first and second portions includes opposed side walls comprising opposed notches that aid in folding the at least one of the first and second portions into the pizza box.

13. The pizza container as set forth in claim 12, wherein the at least one of the top and bottom portions includes flaps formed from the material of the notches.

14. The pizza container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one of the top and bottom portions is formed from a blank by folding without adhesive securement.

15. The pizza container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one of the top and bottom portions comprises four side walls of substantially equal length.

16. The pizza container as set forth in claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a thermally insulated bag that envelops the bottom portion, the bottom portion being configured for folding into the smaller pizza box.

17. The pizza container of claim 1, further comprising a lid support device for spacing the cover from the associated pizza.

18. The pizza container of claim 17, wherein the lid support device comprises a cutter for separating pizza slices.

19. The pizza container of claim 17, wherein the top portion includes a retainer for retaining the lid support device.

20. A lid support device comprising:

a top member with a substantially planar surface; and

at least one leg configured for supporting the top member in a substantially horizontal orientation, a first of the at least one legs comprising a cutting edge for separating pizza slices.

21. The lid support device of claim 20, wherein the at least one leg comprises at least two legs.

22. The lid support device of claim 20, wherein the first leg extends to a peripheral edge of the top member.

23. The lid support device of claim 20, wherein the top member has a length which is greater than a width of the top member.

24. The lid support device of claim 20, wherein the top member comprises opposed cutouts in a peripheral edge thereof.

25. The lid support member of claim 20, wherein the cutting edge is curved.

26. The lid support member of claim 20, wherein the cutting edge comprises a region for contacting an associated pizza container base portion and wherein the region is equally spaced from the top portion to a distal ends of at least one other of the legs.

27. In combination, a pizza box and the lid support device of claim 20 removably received within the pizza box.

28. The combination of claim 27, wherein at least a portion of the pizza box comprises fold lines configured for folding the at least the portion to form a smaller pizza box for storing leftover pizza.

29. The combination of claim 27, wherein the pizza box includes a top portion, the top portion including a retaining member for releasably retaining the lid support member.

30. In combination, a pizza container and a lid support device, the lid support device including a cutting edge for separating slices of pizza.

31. The combination of claim 30, wherein the lid support device is removable from the container such that the container remains intact.

32. The combination of claim 30, wherein the pizza container includes first and second portions and the support device includes a top member which cooperates with the pizza container to releasably attach the support device to the first portion of the pizza container and at least one leg which extends from the top member towards the second portion of the pizza container, the leg comprising the cutting edge.

33. A modular system comprising pizza container of claim 1, wherein the top portion comprises a plurality of alternate top portions, each of the alternate top portions being reconfigurable to form a smaller pizza box.

34. A method of storing leftover pizza comprising:

separating a pizza box top portion from a pizza box bottom portion;

folding at least a first of the pizza box top portion and pizza box bottom portion along two prefabricated fold lines, to form a smaller pizza storage box;

transferring leftover pizza to the smaller pizza storage box.

35. The method as set forth in claim 34, further comprising:

folding a second of the pizza box top portion and pizza box bottom pizza box bottom along two pre-fabricated fold lines, to form a second smaller pizza storage box substantially the same size as the first smaller pizza storage box; and

storing a portion of the leftover pizza in the second smaller pizza storage pizza box.

36. The method as set forth in claim 34, further including:

viewing contents of the smaller pizza storage box through a transparent window in the smaller pizza storage box.