PORTABLE FOOD PRODUCT CONTAINER

Abstract

Apparatus and method for temporarily fastening a food package to a support surface. A portable food package includes at least one compartment having a plurality of side walls, adapted to provide lateral support to contain food product within the food compartment, and a substantially planar bottom attached to the side walls. The bottom has an inner side disposed in the food compartment and an underside disposed outside of the food compartment. The portable food package also includes an adhesive strip affixed to the underside of the bottom, the adhesive strip adapted to temporarily adhere the bottom of the food package to a substantially horizontal support surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to food containers, and more particularly portable food containers adapted to temporarily affix to a support surface.

BACKGROUND

Eating and traveling share a long history. For centuries, travelers have sought to pass the time journeying with meals and refreshments. In today's busy, time-sensitive culture of drive-thru's, condensed schedules, and long, daily commutes, eating-on-the-go has become even more common, drivers and passengers seeking to “multi-task” during their meals. Responding to the dine-and-travel demand, designers of modern vehicles have conceived and installed dining cars in locomotives, buffet banquets in cruise ships, and stowed trays in airplanes. Indeed enterprising travel providers have built meal services into the fares of nearly every mode of mass transportation. The design of personal vehicles has also been adapted in many ways to cater to the (literal) appetites of their passengers, cup holders and retractable food trays often gracing modern automobile interiors. In higher-occupancy and luxury vehicles, passengers sometimes enjoy even more exotic eating and drinking accommodations, such as retractable tables, refrigerators, wine coolers, kitchenettes, and other amenities.

Despite the convenience of eating on the go, nearly all modern passengers can attest that with eating while traveling, comes spilling while traveling. Vehicles, by definition, move, making eating difficult. Consequently, many of the in-vehicle eating accommodations take into account that eating and drinking surfaces in a train or car or plane will shift, tilt, vibrate, shake, or jolt while the vehicle is in motion. For example, designers make cup holders deep in order to provide sufficient lateral support for drink containers otherwise prone to tip as cars stop and turn. Trays and tables in mass transport vehicles are often provided with raised lips and other indentations to prevent dishes and food items from slipping off of the trays. Indeed, in some modern cars, the top of the center console has been shaped like a shallow dish or tray, providing a convenient platform for food, as well as other valuables, easily reachable by the driver or other passengers. While most in-vehicle eating accommodations have been implemented within the vehicles themselves, some foods and food containers have been designed with the in-vehicle diner in mind. For example, drink cups and other food containers have been developed with dimensions conforming to typical in-vehicle cup holders, allowing the food containers to be cup-holder compatible.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for temporarily fastening a food package to a support surface. A portable food package can include at least one compartment having a plurality of side walls adapted to provide lateral support to contain food product within the food compartment, and a substantially planar bottom attached to the side walls. The bottom can have an inner side disposed in the food compartment and an underside disposed outside of the food compartment. An adhesive strip can be affixed to the underside of the bottom, the adhesive strip adapted to temporarily adhere the bottom of the food package to a substantially horizontal support surface.

The food package can further include a removable outer wrapper enclosing the entire food package. A portion of the outer wrapper can be adapted as a removable backer so that, when the backer is removed, an adhesive surface of the adhesive strip is exposed. The food package can further include a removable top closure adapted to seal food product within the at least one compartment. The top closure can be a film adapted to cover an upper opening formed by the compartment side walls. The film can be an impermeable plastic film adapted to reattach and reseal the compartment after being opened. The compartment walls terminate at an upper end with outwardly disposed flanges adapted for receiving the top closure. The compartment and bottom can be a unitary piece and can be made of thermoformed plastic. In some implementations, the compartment and bottom can be made from at least one of cardstock, cardboard, or polystyrene.

In some aspects, the food package can be a disposable package adapted for one-time use. The adhesive strip affixed to the food package can have an adhesive surface having a removable backer, wherein the backer, when removed, exposes the adhesive surface. The adhesive strip can cover more than half of the surface area of the bottom. In other implementations, the adhesive strip can cover less than half of the surface area of the bottom. The adhesive strip can include a plurality of adhesive pieces. The bottom can be generally rectangular having a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension, the longitudinal dimension longer than the lateral dimension, with the at least one adhesive strip oriented in the longitudinal dimension. The adhesive strip can approximate the perimeter of the bottom of the food package. In some implementations, the adhesive strip can have a rounded geometry. The substantially horizontal support surface can be a console of a motor vehicle.

In another general aspect, a food package can be temporarily fastened to an automobile console. The food package can have at least one food compartment having a plurality of side walls adapted to provide lateral support to contain food product within the food compartment, and a substantially planar bottom attached to the side walls. The bottom can have an inner side disposed in the food compartment and an underside disposed outside of the food compartment. The food package can also have an adhesive strip affixed to the underside of the bottom, the adhesive strip adapted to temporarily adhere the bottom of the food package to a support surface. The adhesive strip, fastened to the underside of the food package, can be exposed. The exposed adhesive strip can be applied to a substantially horizontal support surface of an automobile console.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a food container temporarily adhered to a surface of a vehicle.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example food container having an adhesive strip for temporarily securing the container to a support surface.

FIG. 2B is a front view of the example food container of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a side view of the example food container of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the example food container of FIGS. 2A-2C including a reattachable film closure.

FIG. 2E is a perspective view of the example food container of FIGS. 2A-2C including an outer wrapper.

FIG. 3A is a bottom view of an example food container having an adhesive strip showing a first implementation of the adhesive strip for temporarily securing the container to a support surface.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of an example food container having an adhesive strip showing a second implementation of the adhesive strip for temporarily securing the container to a support surface.

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of an example food container having an adhesive strip showing a third implementation of the adhesive strip for temporarily securing the container to a support surface.

FIG. 3D is a bottom view of an example food container having an adhesive strip showing a fourth implementation of the adhesive strip for temporarily securing the container to a support surface.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

While few existing food containers are specifically adapted for use in moving vehicles, those that are typically have geometries designed to help the container adapt to the unsteady conditions of the traveling vehicle. For example, cups have been specifically designed with dimensions suited to fit within a standard vehicle cup holder. Adapting the physical dimensions of the food container, however, limits the potential applicability of the specific container design. First, the container's design is only compatible with those vehicles having features and dimensions conforming to the particular container design. Second, the dimensions of a food container can constrain what types of food product the food container can contain. For example, while small candies, beverages, or other bite-sized snack items may be able to fit within a container adapted to fit within a cup holder, a substantial number of food products cannot. Overcoming both of these shortcomings is a geometry-independent food container, adapted to temporarily adhere to surfaces within a vehicle, so as to position the food container near the driver or other vehicle occupant and keep the container and its contents from tipping or sliding during travel. Additionally, the container can be equipped with deep food compartments, as well as a resealable lid or package, to further assist in keeping food secure within the package.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example food container 100, in use within a vehicle. In this particular example, the food container 100 is temporarily adhered to a support surface comprising a center console 110 of an automobile, such as a car, truck, van, or sport-utility vehicle using an adhesive device 105. In other examples, the food container 100 can be secured to any number of other support surfaces within the vehicle. For example, the food container 100 can be secured to a front dashboard, adjacent passenger seat, arm rest, or other surface. In one implementation, the food container is secured using an adhesive strip 105, capable of adhering to surfaces of the vehicle. In some instances, the adhesive strip 105 may possess sufficient adhesive characteristics to adhere to nearly any surface within the vehicle, regardless of surface types. These might include a leather or fabric-upholstered seat, vinyl or other plastic surface. In other instances, to avoid damage to surfaces sensitive to certain adhesives or the removal of adhesives, the adhesive or glue used in the adhesive strip may be tailored to adhere to certain surface types and materials, such as plastics or hard vinyl used in an automobile interior. In other examples a weak adhesive may be used, chosen for its ease of removal from the vehicle surface.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an example food container 200 having an adhesive device 205 fixed to a bottom surface of the food container 200. The adhesive device 205 can allow the food container 200 to be temporarily secured to a support surface of a vehicle, such as a surface of an automobile console, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1. The food container 200 can be equipped with rigid side walls 210 and 215, to form one or more compartments in which the food product 220 can be stored. Although the compartment walls 210, 215 shown in FIG. 2A form a single rectangular compartment for housing food product 220, the dimensions and geometry of the container 200 and compartments within the container 200, can be specially adapted to the size, shape, quantity, and physical characteristics of the food product to be housed in the container 200. For instance, instead of a rectangular container, an oval or rounded container, with a rounded wall can be provided. In other instances, a container including a plurality of compartments can be provided. The compartments can be shaped to correspond with the geometry of the food product to be contained therein, providing more secure containment of the food product.

The walls, compartments, and base of the food container 200 can be assembled as a unitary piece or from distinct pieces. In some implementations, the food container 200 can be a rigid, unitary container formed from a thermoformed plastic sheet. In other implementations, the food container can be formed of other common and future packaging materials such as cardstock, polystyrene, or cardboard. In some instances, additional pieces, such as plastic, cardboard, or paper dividers can be provided within the container to form individual compartments within the container. Other features can also be implemented in the container structure, including the container walls, such as ribbing and bracing to enhance the structural characteristics and protective capacity of the food container.

As shown in the front and side views of FIGS. 2B and 2C respectively, the compartment walls 210, 215 can be designed to be of sufficient height that they prevent food product 220 from tipping out of the container 200. For example, while the bottom 222 of the container can be temporarily secured to a support surface within a vehicle using adhesive device 205, keeping the container 200 from sliding or falling from the support surface, the orientation of the container can nonetheless change with the vehicle support surface itself as the vehicle banks, or climbs and descends uneven surfaces. In a container 200 holding food with dimensions exceeding the height of the container walls 210, 215, tilting the secured container 200 can nonetheless result in the food 220 tipping over the container wall and spilling, even while the container 200 is adhered to the vehicle.

Additionally, in some instances, as shown in FIG. 2D, the food container 200 can include a top closure comprising a re-attachable film 225 or lid, to further secure food within the container 200 and/or assist in maintaining the freshness of the food product in the container 200. Outwardly-extending flanges 230 can be provided at the top of the compartment walls 210, 215, the flanges 230 adapted to cooperate with resealable surfaces of the film 225. For instance, an adhesive can be provided on the outer edges of the film 225 and/or on the flanges 230, allowing the film 225 to reattach to the flange 230 after the film 225 has been initially opened.

The reattachable film 225, or lid, provided with the food container 200, can serve not only to secure food product within the container 200, but also to seal the food product 220 within the container 200, preserving the freshness of the food product 220. Indeed, the design of the film 225, rigid walls 210, 215, and rigid base can serve to protect the food product 220 as it is delivered through a product supply chain. Container 200 can be a disposable container adapted to protect and seal the food product 220 during transportation of the food product 220 from a manufacturing facility, to retailers, and then on to consumers. Additional packaging can also be provided to further protect and seal the food product. For example, as illustrated FIG. 2E, the container 200 and food product 220 can be delivered in an outer wrapper 250, for example, a sealed cellophane, paper, or other package provided around the outside of container 200. Such additional packaging, such as a cellophane bag, can also be useful to protect and preserve the integrity of the adhesive strip 205 provided on an otherwise exposed outer surface of the container 200.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A-3C, various implementations of adhesive devices 205 are shown, attached to a rigid bottom surface 222 of a food container 200. The dimensions, shape, and orientation of the adhesive device 205, can be adapted to the form and shape of the container, including the shape of the bottom surface 222, the perimeter of the container 200, as well as the expected weight distribution of food product within the container 200. For instance, in FIG. 3A, a single adhesive strip 205 can be provided, centered and running the length of the container 200. The adhesive strip 205 can include a removable backer 305. Removing the backer 305 from the adhesive strip 205 can expose an adhesive surface 310 of the strip 205. The backer 305 can protect and preserve the adhesive surface 310 until the a user is ready to expose the adhesive surface 310 and secure the container 200 to a surface using the adhesive strip 205. In some instances the backer 305 can be adapted to reapply to the adhesive surface 310, allowing for the container 200 to be secured, removed, and re-secured to a surface during the life of the adhesive strip 205 and container 200. While the backer 305 is shown in FIG. 3A as a strip corresponding to the size and shape of the adhesive strip 205, in some implementations, the backer 305 can be provided as or together with an outer packaging sleeve surrounding the entire container 200 (such as the example shown in FIG. 2E), to be removed prior to using the container 200 and adhesive strip 205. Removal of the sleeve can thereby expose the adhesive surface 310 of the adhesive strip 205.

Adhesive strips and devices can take on other dimensions and geometries. For instance, while the adhesive strip 205 in FIG. 3A is shown as a single, longitudinal strip, lateral strips can be provided. In the example of FIG. 3B, a bottom surface 222 of a food container 200 is shown with a plurality of adhesive buttons 205, positioned at the corners of the food container. Each button 205 can have its own backer 305 or share a single backer 305. In still another example, shown in FIG. 3C, an adhesive strip 205 can be provided conforming to the perimeter of the underside 222 of the container 200. Other geometries can also be provided, depending on the shape of the container 200 and mounting surface 222 of the container 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 3D, a rounded adhesive strip 205, such as a circle, oval, or other shape with rounded features, can be provided on bottom surface 222. A circular adhesive strip 205, such as shown in FIG. 3D, or donut-shaped strip 205, can also be adapted for use with a round or cylindrically-shaped container 200 having a bottom surface with a rounded perimeter. Additionally, some strip geometries may provide greater or lesser adhesive support than others. Depending on the application, it may be desirable to provide an adhesive strip 205 geometry that provides for adequate application of the strip to a vehicle support surface while still allowing a user to easily remove the strip and container from the vehicle support surface. For instance, a strip geometry can be selected that is less prone to ripping when a user attempts to remove the strip 205. Providing for easy removal of the strip 205 can be an important consideration, as removal of the strip 205 could potentially result in damage to the container 200 or strip 205, and/or result in residual adhesive substance or strip sections adhered to the vehicle support surface after removal of the container.

In one instance the adhesive surface 310 is an adhesive mass of pressure sensitive or contact adhesive, allowing the user of the container 200 to simply press the adhesive surface 310 against an adherent vehicle surface to secure the container 200. This adhesive mass can be, for example, rubber polymer, acrylic polymer, acrylic ester, silicon-based, or other adhesive substance capable of temporarily adhering the strip 205 to a surface. The adhesive mass, on strip surface 310, can be carried on a film, foam tape, or other backer, making up the body of strip 205. The strip 205 can be permanently, or semi-permanently, adhered to the underside 222 of the container 200. Consequently, in some instances both sides of the strip 205 can be manufactured so as to be coated in an adhesive, while in other applications, an epoxy, glue, or other bonding can be added to the underside 222 of the container or a non-adhesive side of the strip 205 to bond the strip 205 to the container 200. In a preferred implementation, the adhesive used on the strip surface adhering to the underside 222 of the container 200 is stronger than the adhesive mass on the strip surface 310 adapted to adhere to vehicle surfaces. This can assist in ensuring that, when the container is removed from the vehicle surface, the adhesive strip 205 is completely removed from the vehicle surface and remains adhered to the underside 222 of the container 200. With the adhesive strip 205 still fixed to the underside 222 of the container 200, the adhesive strip 205, in some instances, can be reused. For example, a user may expose the adhesive side 310 of the strip, securing the container 200 within the user's vehicle for one leg of a trip. After completing a first leg of a journey, the user may have food product left over and desire to continue eating the food product from the securable container on a future leg of the trip. In some examples, the user could replace a backer 305 on the adhesive surface 310 of the strip 205, later re-exposing the adhesive surface 310 when the user is ready to reapply the container 200 to a vehicle surface, and resume the user's travels.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A portable food package comprising:

at least one compartment having: a plurality of side walls adapted to provide lateral support to contain food product within the food compartment, and a substantially planar bottom attached to the side walls, said bottom having an inner side disposed in the food compartment and an underside disposed outside of the food compartment; and

an adhesive strip affixed to the underside of the bottom, the adhesive strip adapted to temporarily adhere the bottom of the food package to a substantially horizontal support surface.

2. The package of claim 1, wherein the substantially horizontal support surface is a console of a motor vehicle.

3. The package of claim 1, wherein the compartment and bottom are a unitary piece.

4. The package of claim 3, wherein the unitary compartment and bottom are made of thermoformed plastic.

5. The package of claim 1, wherein the compartment and bottom are made from at least one of cardstock, cardboard, or polystyrene.

6. The package of claim 1, wherein the adhesive strip comprises an adhesive surface having a removable backer, wherein the backer, when removed, exposes the adhesive surface.

7. The package of claim 1, wherein the food package is a disposable package adapted for one-time use.

8. The package of claim 1, further comprising a removable outer wrapper enclosing the entire food package.

9. The package of claim 8, wherein a portion of the outer wrapper is adapted as a removable backer, wherein when the backer is removed, an adhesive surface of the adhesive strip is exposed

10. The package of claim 1, further comprising a removable top closure adapted to seal food product within the at least one compartment.

11. The package of claim 10, wherein the compartment walls terminate at an upper end with outwardly disposed flanges adapted for receiving the top closure.

12. The package of claim 10, wherein the top closure comprises a film adapted to cover an upper opening formed by the compartment side walls.

13. The package of claim 11, wherein the film is an impermeable plastic film.

14. The package of claim 11, wherein the film is adapted to reattach and reseal the compartment after being opened.

15. The package of claim 1, wherein the adhesive strip covers more than half of the surface area of the bottom.

16. The package of claim 1, wherein the adhesive strip covers less than half of the surface area of the bottom.

17. The package of claim 1, wherein the adhesive strip comprises a plurality of adhesive pieces.

18. The package of claim 1, wherein the bottom is generally rectangular having a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension, the longitudinal dimension longer than the lateral dimension, and the at least one adhesive strip is oriented in the longitudinal dimension.

19. The package of claim 1, wherein the adhesive strip approximates the perimeter of the bottom of the food package.

20. The package of claim 1, wherein the adhesive strip has a rounded geometry.

21. A portable tray for supporting food product in an automobile comprising:

a compartment having a substantially rigid bottom and substantially rigid side walls, the compartment adapted to serve as a delivery container for the food product;

an adhesive strip disposed on an outside surface of the bottom of the compartment, the adhesive strip adapted to temporarily adhere to an interior support surface of an automobile.

22. A method for temporarily fastening a food package to an automobile console, the food package having at least one food compartment having a plurality of side walls adapted to provide lateral support to contain food product within the food compartment, and a substantially planar bottom attached to the side walls, the bottom having an inner side disposed in the food compartment and an underside disposed outside of the food compartment; and an adhesive strip affixed to the underside of the bottom, the adhesive strip adapted to temporarily adhere the bottom of the food package to a support surface, the method comprising:

exposing the adhesive strip fastened to the underside of the food package; and

applying the exposed adhesive strip to a substantially horizontal support surface of an automobile console.