Apparatus for Modifying or Maintaining the Temperature of Foods and/or Other Like Products and Methods for Using the Same

Abstract

An apparatus modifies or maintains the temperature of food products and/or other like products. Specifically, the apparatus is a container for holding food products and/or other like products requiring a reduced, increased or maintained temperature, such as a food serving bowl or a container of like configuration, wherein the container includes an outer shell, an inner shell, at least one void between the outer shell and the inner shell, and at least one vessel for containing temperature-increasing or temperature-reducing material, such as fluid, wherein the vessel is shaped to fill the void between the inner and the outer shells.

Description

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/336,541, filed on Jan. 25, 2010, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for modifying or maintaining the temperature of food products and/or other like products. Specifically, the present invention provides a container for holding food products and/or other like products requiring a reduced, increased or maintained temperature, such as a food serving bowl or a container of like configuration, wherein the food serving container includes an outer shell, an inner shell, at least one void between the outer shell and the inner shell, and at least one vessel for containing temperature-increasing or temperature-reducing material, such as fluid, wherein the vessel is shaped to fill the void section between the inner and the outer shells. The present invention further relates to a method of using the apparatus for reducing, increasing and/or maintaining the temperature of foods and/or other like products requiring reduced or increased temperatures.

BACKGROUND

It is, of course, generally known to utilize a container for the holding and/or serving of foods or other like products. Typically, food may be prepared, either by cooking or simply mixing ingredients together, to form a desired dish. The food may be best served either cool or cold, such as foods that are mixed with fresh ingredients that are not cooked. For example, one may blend fruit and/or vegetables together to form a salad or other like food product. The temperature of the food product should ideally be maintained at a lower temperature to keep the food products contained therein fresh.

Specifically, when a food product that must maintain reduced temperatures is made, it is typically transferred to a holding container and/or a serving container. Keeping the food product cool until eating may be as simple as storing the container within a refrigeration unit to reduce its temperature or to otherwise maintain its reduced temperature. However, it may be difficult to maintain the reduced temperature of the food contained therein when serving the food because the food is typically removed from the refrigeration unit upon serving the same. Moreover, it may be difficult to maintain the reduced temperature of the food product if the food product must be transported to an alternate site for serving the same. For example, a fruit salad may be prepared for a summertime barbecue. The fruit salad may be made and stored within a refrigeration unit until it is time to attend the summertime barbecue. Upon departure, the fruit salad may be removed from the refrigeration unit and transported. If the barbecue is on a particularly hot day, it may be very difficult to maintain the temperature of the fruit salad.

In addition, it may be difficult to reduce the temperature or maintain the temperature of a large batch of a food product, such as a large salad or the like. Typically refrigerators in people's home may only have a limited capacity, and may already be filled with other food products. If a large batch of a food product must maintain a reduced temperature, it may be difficult to accomplish since the food holding container or serving container may be too large to fit within a refrigeration unit.

Reducing the temperature or maintaining the reduced temperature of a food product may be important for a number of reasons. Of course, individuals may prefer to have foods served at reduced temperatures if the food is meant to be enjoyed at a reduced temperature. Moreover, food products may be susceptible to bacterial or fungal growth if not maintained at a reduced temperature.

In addition, many food products are cooked and are meant to be served hot or warm. These food products may be prepared by cooking, such as on a stove, in an oven, over an open flame, such as on a grill, via a microwave oven, or any other method known for preparing cooked food. However, it may be difficult to maintain the increased temperature of the food product after removal from a heat source. For example, chili may be prepared on a stovetop. Once the chili is removed from the heating element, it immediately begins to cool to ambient temperatures.

As with foods that are meant to be served cool, cooked food products may be preferred hot or warm by individuals. Likewise, some cooked food products may be preferred to be served or maintained at a reduced temperature, such as gelatin desserts or other like food products.

A need, therefore, exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby the apparatus holds and/or stores food products and/or other like products meant to be held and/or stored at reduced temperatures Likewise, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby the apparatus holds and/or stores food products and/or other like products meant to be held or stored at increased temperatures.

In addition, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby food products and/or other like products that are meant to be held and/or stored at reduced temperatures are maintained at the reduced temperature, especially after removal from a refrigeration unit. Likewise, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby food products and/or other like products that are meant to be held and/or stored at an increased temperature are maintained at the increased temperature.

Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby the apparatus contains removable vessels that may be filled with material at a reduced temperature or at an increased temperatures for reducing or increasing the temperature of food products and/or other like products contained within the apparatus and/or maintains the reduced or increased temperature of the food products and/or other like products contained within the apparatus.

Further, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby the apparatus provides removable and/or separable pieces for easily cleaning the apparatus and/or for removing the vessels for filling the same with material at reduced or increased temperatures.

Still further, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby the vessels may be removed and/or filled with temperature-reducing or temperature-increasing material and stored separate from the remainder of the apparatus until use, such as in a refrigeration unit, without necessitating the storage of the remainder of the apparatus to be stored within the refrigeration unit.

In addition, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same that allows a secure covering or lid to be disposed over the apparatus for further reducing or increasing the temperature of food products and/or other like products contained within the apparatus, or maintaining the reduced or increased temperature of the food products and/or other like products contained within the apparatus.

Moreover, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same that provides a secure covering or lid to be disposed over the apparatus, wherein the secure covering or lid may be easily removed therefrom when desired to obtain or access the food products and/or other like products contained within the apparatus.

Still further, a need exists for an apparatus and methods of using the same that allows an enclosure to form between an outer shell and an inner shell when the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, yet wherein the inner shell is easily removable from the outer shell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for modifying or maintaining the temperature of food products and/or other like products. Specifically, the present invention provides a container for holding food products and/or other like products requiring a reduced, increased or maintained temperature, such as a food serving bowl or a container of like configuration, wherein the food serving container includes an outer shell, an inner shell, at least one void between the outer shell and the inner shell, and at least one vessel for containing temperature-increasing or temperature-reducing material, such as fluid, wherein the vessel is shaped to fill the void between the inner and the outer shells. The present invention further relates to a method of using the apparatus for reducing, increasing and/or maintaining the temperature of foods and/or other like products requiring reduced or increased temperatures.

To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for modifying a temperature of a product or maintaining a modified temperature of a product is provided. The apparatus comprises an outer shell and an inner shell, wherein the inner shell is nested within the outer shell; a void between the outer shell and the inner shell, the void having a three-dimensional shape; and a vessel disposed in the void between the outer shell and the inner shell, the vessel having a shape, wherein the shape of the vessel is generally the same as the shape of the void between the outer shell and the inner shell, wherein the vessel contains a temperature modifying material therein.

In an embodiment, the outer shell and the inner shell are bowl-shaped.

In an embodiment, the inner shell has an outer surface and the outer shell has an inner surface and further comprises ribs disposed on the inner surface of the outer shell forming the void when the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, wherein the void is bounded by the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell and the ribs.

In an embodiment, the inner shell has an outer surface and the outer shell has an inner surface and further comprises ribs disposed on the inner surface of the outer shell forming a plurality of voids when the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, wherein the voids are bounded by the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell and the ribs.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of vessels, each of the plurality of vessels contained within one of the plurality of voids formed when the inner shell is nested with the outer shell.

In an embodiment, the temperature-modifying material is selected from the group consisting of a temperature reducing material and a temperature increasing material.

In an embodiment, the inner shell has an inner surface, and further wherein the inner shell comprises a plurality of chambers on the inner surface, the chambers separated by at least one wall for holding products within the plurality of chambers.

In an embodiment, the inner shell has an outer surface and the outer shell has an inner surface and further comprises ribs disposed on the inner surface of the outer shell forming a plurality of voids when the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, wherein the voids are bounded by the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell and the ribs; and a plurality of vessels, each of the plurality of vessels contained within a void formed when the inner shell is nested with the outer shell, wherein at least one of the plurality of vessels has a temperature reducing material therein, and one of the plurality of vessels has a temperature increasing material therein.

In an embodiment, the outer shell has an upper edge and further wherein the inner shell has an upper edge, further comprises an outwardly disposed flange running around the perimeter of the upper edge of the outer shell; an outwardly disposed flange running around the perimeter of the upper edge of the inner shell, wherein the outwardly disposed flange of the inner shell rests on the outwardly disposed flange of the outer shell when the inner shell is nested with the outer shell.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one depression in the outwardly disposed flange of the outer shell.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a method of using an apparatus for modifying a temperature of a product or maintaining a modified temperature of a product is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing an outer shell having an inner surface; disposing a vessel on the inner surface of the outer shell wherein the vessel contains a temperature-modifying material therein, and further wherein the vessel has a three-dimensional shape; providing an inner shell having an outer surface; nesting the inner shell within the outer shell; and forming a void between the outer shell and the inner shell, the void having a shape corresponding to the shape of the vessel, wherein the vessel is contained within the void.

In an embodiment, the outer shell and the inner shell are bowl-shaped.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing ribs disposed on the inner surface of the outer shell forming the void when the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, wherein the void is bounded by the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell and the ribs, and further wherein the vessel is contained within the void bounded by the ribs.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of providing ribs disposed on the inner surface of the outer shell forming a plurality of voids when the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, wherein the voids are bounded by the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell and the ribs; and providing a plurality of vessels, each vessel contained within one of the plurality of voids.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of filling the vessel with a temperature reducing material.

In an embodiment, the temperature-modifying material is selected from the group consisting of a temperature reducing material and temperature increasing material.

In an embodiment, the inner shell has an inner surface, and further wherein the inner shell comprises a plurality of chambers on the inner surface, the chambers separated by at least one wall for holding products within the plurality of chambers.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of providing a plurality of chambers within the inner shell for holding products; providing a first chamber disposed adjacent the first vessel filled with the temperature reducing material; and providing a second chamber disposed adjacent the second vessel filled with the temperature increasing material.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of providing an upper edge on the outer shell and an upper edge on the inner shell; providing an outwardly disposed flange running around the perimeter of the upper edge of the outer shell; providing an outwardly disposed flange running around the perimeter of the upper edge of the inner shell; and disposing the outwardly disposed flange of the inner shell on the outwardly disposed flange of the outer shell when the inner shell is nested with the outer shell.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of providing at least one depression in the outwardly disposed flange of the outer shell; removing the inner shell from the outer shell by separating the flange of the inner shell from the flange of the outer shell at the depression.

It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby the apparatus holds and/or stores food products and/or other like products meant to be held and/or stored at reduced temperatures. Likewise, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby the apparatus holds and/or stores food products and/or other like products meant to be held or stored at increased temperatures.

In addition, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby food products and/or other like products that are meant to be held and/or stored at reduced temperatures are maintained at the reduced temperature, especially after removal from a refrigeration unit. Likewise, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby food products and/or other like products that are meant to be held and/or stored at an increased temperature are maintained at the increased temperature.

Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby the apparatus contains removable vessels that may be filled with material at a reduced temperature or at an increased temperatures for reducing or increasing the temperature of food products and/or other like products contained within the apparatus and/or maintaining the reduced or increased temperature of the food products and/or other like products contained within the apparatus.

Further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby the apparatus provides removable and/or separable components for easily cleaning the apparatus and/or for removing the vessels for filling the same with material at reduced or increased temperatures.

Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same whereby the vessels may be removed and/or filled with temperature-reducing or temperature-increasing material and stored separately from the remainder of the apparatus until use, such as in a refrigeration unit, without necessitating the storage of the entirety of the apparatus within the refrigeration unit.

In addition, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same that allow a secure covering or lid to be disposed over the apparatus for further reducing or increasing the temperature of food products and/or other like products contained within the apparatus, or maintaining the reduced or increased temperature of the food products and/or other like products contained within the apparatus.

Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same provide a secure covering or lid to be disposed over the apparatus, wherein the secure covering or lid may be easily removed therefrom when desired to obtain or access the food products and/or other like products contained within the apparatus.

Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods of using the same that allows an enclosure to form between an outer shell and an inner shell when the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, yet wherein the inner shell is easily removable from the outer shell.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded side view of a container and nested parts for modifying or maintaining the temperature of food products and/or other like products contained therein in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a perspective view, a top view and a side view, respectively, of an outer bowl in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a section view along line III-III in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate a perspective view, a top view and a side view, respectively, of an inner bowl in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D illustrate a perspective view, a top view, a front view and a side view, respectively, of a temperature-modifying vessel in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded side view of a container and nested parts in an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an outer tray in the alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an inner tray in the alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a temperature-modifying vessel in the alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate temperature-modifying vessel in the alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to an apparatus for modifying or maintaining the temperature of food products and/or other like products. Specifically, the present invention provides a container for holding food products and/or other like products requiring a reduced, increased or maintained temperature, such as a food serving bowl or a container of like configuration, wherein the container comprises an outer shell, an inner shell, at least one void between the outer shell and the inner shell, and at least one vessel for containing temperature-increasing or temperature-reducing material, such as fluid, wherein the vessel is shaped to fill the void between the inner and the outer shells. The present invention further relates to a method of using the apparatus for reducing, increasing and/or maintaining the temperature of foods and/or other like products requiring reduced or increased temperatures. Specifically, the at least one vessel may be filled with a temperature-reducing or temperature-increasing material, such as a fluid, to reduce, increase or maintain the temperature of the food or other like products contained within the apparatus.

Now referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded side view of a container 10 and a plurality of nested parts for modifying or maintaining the temperature of food products and/or other like product contained therein in an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the container 10 includes an outer bowl 12 and an inner bowl 14. The inner bowl 14 nests within the outer bowl 12 forming voids between the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14. Preferably, the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14 are roughly the same shape, although the inner bowl 14 is smaller in shape and size to be nested within the outer bowl 12 and to provide the voids between the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14. Both the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14 may preferably be made from plastic or other like resilient material that may withstand the increase and decrease in temperature caused by the increased or reduced temperatures, as noted below.

Disposed between the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14 are one or more vessels 16. The vessels 16 may be shaped to fit the voids formed between the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14. Preferably, the vessels 16 have a three-dimensional shape and are generally identical in size and shape relative to the voids between the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14 to snugly fit in the voids, especially when the inner bowl 14 is nested within the outer bowl 12, and to maximize the energy transfer between the vessels and the food products and/or other like products for maintaining the reduced or increased temperature of the food products and/or other like products.

The vessels 16 may preferably be hollow to receive a temperature-modifying material therein. For example, the vessels 16 may receive a fluid, such as water or other like fluid, that may be disposed in a freezer for a period of time. Specifically, if the fluid is water or similar liquid, the vessels 16 may be disposed in a freezer until frozen, then placed within the outer bowl 12 in the voids and nested with the inner bowl 14. The cold or frozen water within the vessels 16 may maintain a reduced temperature of food products and other like products that may be disposed within the inner bowl 14. Alternatively, heated material, such as boiling water, may be disposed within the vessels 16 and the vessels may be placed within the outer bowl 12 in the voids and nested with the inner bowl 14. The hot water within the vessels 16 may maintain an increased temperature of food products and/or other like products that may be disposed within the inner bowl 14.

Preferably, a cap 18 is disposed on each vessel 16 to tightly seal the temperature-modifying material within the vessels 16. In an embodiment, the cap may be threaded so as to provide a tight seal to maintain the temperature-modifying material within the vessels 16 without leakage. Alternatively, a non-threaded cap may be utilized so long as the cap sufficiently seals the temperature modifying material therein. Preferably, the cap is easily removed for filling and/or emptying the contents of the vessels.

Alternatively, the vessels 16 may be permanently sealed, and may contain a material that may be reduced in temperature and/or increased in temperature. For example, the vessels 16 may include a material, such as a gel, fluid, solid, or other material that may be frozen or otherwise reduced in temperature and/or increased in temperature, such as heated via conventional heating means, such as an oven, stovetop container, microwave or other like heating means.

As shown in FIG. 1, the outer bowl 12 may include a flange 20 running along the upper edge of the outer bowl 12. The flange 20 may include one or more depressions 22 disposed within the flange 20. The inner bowl 14 may further include a flange 24 disposed on the upper edge of the inner bowl 14 and running along the upper edge of the inner bowl 14. As the inner bowl 14 is nested with the outer bowl 12, the flange 24 of the inner bowl 14 may directly contact or otherwise rest upon the flange 20 of the outer bowl 12. Preferably, the flange 24 of the inner bowl 14 rests atop the flange 20 of the inner bowl 12 to generally fully enclose the voids and the vessels 16 contained therein. This may allow the temperature-modifying material to be maximally directed to the food products and/or other like products contained within the inner bowl 14.

The one or more depressions 22 contained within the flange 20 of the outer bowl 12 allows a finger of a user or other like instrument to separate the outer bowl 12 from the inner bowl 14 when the user wishes to access the vessels 16 disposed within the voids between the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14. As noted, the flange 20 includes at least one depression 22. Preferably, the flange 20 may include a plurality depressions 22 disposed around the entire flange 20 for ease in finding and using the depression to remove the outer bowl 12 from the inner bowl 14.

A lid 26 may be disposed on a top of the container 10 to enclose the nested inner bowl 14, the vessels 16, the outer bowl 12 and any food product or other like product contained therein. The lid may include a downwardly disposed flange 28 running the perimeter of the lid 26 that allows the lid to surround the flanges 20, 24 of the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14, respectively. The flange more fully encloses the container to allow the container to better maintain the reduced or increased temperature of the food products contained therein.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate various views of the outer bowl 12, in an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the outer bowl 12. As shown, the outer bowl 12 may include the flange 20 having the one or more depressions 22 disposed around the flange 20. Further, the outer bowl 12 may include one or more ribs 50 disposed on an inner surface of the outer bowl 12. The one or more ribs 50 may define the boundaries of the voids 52 contained within the outer bowl 12 and formed when the inner bowl 14 is nested within the outer bowl 12. The one or more ribs 50 may further contain the vessels 16 that may be disposed in the voids 52 between the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the outer bowl 12 in an embodiment of the present invention. As noted above, the outer bowl 12 includes the one or more ribs 50. As shown in FIG. 2B, the container preferably may have four ribs 50 that run, generally, from a top edge of the outer bowl 12 to the bottom of the outer bowl 12 on the inside surface of the outer bowl 12. FIG. 2B further illustrates the voids 52 defined by the ribs 50 and formed when the inner bowl 14 is nested inside the outer bowl 12.

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the outer bowl 12, and further shows the depressions 22 disposed in the flange 20 of the outer bowl 12. Preferably, the outer bowl includes a flat underside 54 so that the outer bowl 12 may lay flat on a table, counter, or other like surface and maintain its upward disposition. Further, the outer bowl 12 preferably may have a curved or otherwise arcuately-shaped outer and inner surface.

FIG. 3 is a section view of the outer bowl 12, viewed along line III-III, in an embodiment of the present invention. The outer bowl 12 may include the ribs 50 forming the voids 52 between the ribs 50 and formed when the inner bowl 14 is nested with the outer bowl 12. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ribs 50 further may be arcuately-shaped in the same manner as the outer and inner surfaces of the outer bowl 12. The inner bowl 14, when nested within the outer bowl 12, may rest on the ribs 50 thereby forming the voids 52 between the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14, and bounded by the ribs 50.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate various views of the inner bowl 14 in an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of the inner bowl 14. As shown in FIG. 4A, the inner bowl 14 may include the flange 24 disposed around the perimeter of the upper edge of the inner bowl. Food products and/or other like products requiring a reduced or increased temperature may preferably be contained within the inner bowl 14.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the inner bowl 14. The top view illustrates the flange 24 disposed around the perimeter of the upper edge of the inner bowl 14. FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the inner bowl 14. FIG. 4C illustrates the flange 24 and the side of the inner bowl, which is shown as curved or arcuately-shaped. Preferably, the shape of the side of the inner bowl 14 may be the same shape as the inner surface of the outer bowl 12, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3. By nesting the inner bowl 14 within the outer bowl 12, the voids 52 preferably may include parallel surfaces for disposing the vessels 16 therein. Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the inner bowl 14 preferably may have a flat bottom surface, similar to the flat bottom surface of the outer bowl 12.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D illustrate various views of a vessel 16 that may be contained between the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14, in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A illustrates the vessel 16 shaped to fit within a void formed by the nesting of the inner bowl 14 inside the outer bowl 12, and bounded by the ribs 50, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3. Moreover, the vessel includes a fill nozzle 60. Preferably, the fill nozzle 60 may be threaded to receive a cap to seal the vessel when filled with fluid. FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the vessel showing the fill nozzle 60. FIG. 5C illustrates a front view of the vessel 16, including the fill nozzle 60. Finally, FIG. 5D illustrates a side view of the vessel 16. FIG. 5D further illustrates the vessel 16 with curved or arcuately-shaped sides that fits snugly within the voids 52 formed between the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14. Moreover, the vessel 16 further may fit snugly in one of the voids 52 bounded by the ribs 50, as described above.

Further, as noted above, the vessel 16 may preferably be filled with a fluid that may be cooled or heated so as to maintain the reduced or increased temperature within the container 10. As illustrated, a plurality of vessels may be disposed within a plurality of voids between the outer bowl 12 and the inner bowl 14 for maintaining the reduced or increased temperature of food products and/or other like products contained within the inner bowl 14. Alternatively, one or more vessels 16 may be filled with a fluid maintaining a reduced temperature, and one or more vessels 16 may be filled with a fluid maintaining an increased temperature, such that the container maintains both a reduced temperature and an increased temperature within different locations within the container 10. Alternatively, the container 10 may further include dividers within the inner bowl 14 for maintaining a separation between the increased temperature products and the reduced temperature products. Alternatively, the inner bowl 12 may have chambers integrally formed within the inner bowl 12 for the placement of reduced temperature products and increased temperature products, respectively. Moreover, the chambers may maintain the reduced temperature or the increased temperature of a plurality of food products or other like products that are separated by the chambers.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment of present invention is illustrated. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded side view of a container 100 for holding food products and/or other like products. Specifically, the container 100 includes an outer tray 102 and an inner tray 104, one or more vessels 106 and 108 for disposing between the outer tray 102 and the inner tray 104. As with the previous embodiment illustrated and described above with respect to FIGS. 1-5D, the inner tray 104 may nest within the outer tray 102, and the vessels 106, 108 may be disposed in voids between the inner tray 104 and the outer tray 102 to hold temperature-modifying material, such as fluid, gel, solids and other like material for modifying or maintaining a reduced or increased temperature of food products and/or other like products contained within the container 100. A lid 110 may also be provided for holding the products within and for aiding in the modification of the temperature within the container 100 or maintaining a reduced and/or increased temperature within in the container 100.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the outer tray 102 of the container 100. As illustrated, outer tray 102 includes a plurality of chambers 112 separated by walls 114 that form the boundaries for the chambers 112. As illustrated, the chambers 112 are, generally, wedge-shaped and the walls 114 form spokes emanating from a central area 116, which is cylindrical. However, it should be noted that the shapes of the chambers 112 and/or the central area 116 may be any shape apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art and should not be limited as described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the inner tray 104 of the container 100. As illustrated, inner tray 104 includes a plurality of chambers 122 separated by walls 124 that form the boundaries for the chambers 122. As illustrated, the chambers 122 may be, generally, wedge-shaped and the walls 124 form spokes emanating from a central area 126, which is cylindrical in shape. However, it should be noted that the shapes of the chambers 122 and the central area 126 may be any shape apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art and should not be limited as described herein. The inner tray 104 may have, generally, the same shape as the outer tray 102 such that the inner tray 104 nests within the outer tray 102. Voids are formed between the inner tray 104 and the outer tray 102. Vessels 106, 108 may be disposed within the voids, as described above, and with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, below.

FIG. 9 illustrates the vessel 106 for disposing within a void formed between the inner tray 104 and the outer tray 102 when the inner tray 104 is nested within the outer tray 102. The vessel 106 includes a fill nozzle 130. The fill nozzle 130 allows the vessel 106 to be filled with a temperature reducing or temperature increasing material, as described herein. Further, a cap may be provided to seal the material within the vessel 106. The cap may be threaded or unthreaded as apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The vessel 106 may be generally wedge-shaped to fit within a wedge-shaped void formed by nesting the inner tray 104 with the outer tray 102. The vessel 106 may lay generally flat so as to be disposed beneath the chambers disposed in the inner tray 104. Preferably, the vessel 106 is made from a plastic material or other like material useful for allowing the temperature-modifying material to affect the food products contained within the container 100.

FIG. 10 illustrates the vessel 108 for disposing within a space formed between the inner tray 104 and the outer tray 102 when the inner tray 104 is nested within the outer tray 102. The vessel 108 includes a fill nozzle 132. The fill nozzle 132 allows the vessel 108 to be filled with a temperature reducing or temperature increasing material, as described herein. Further, a cap may be provided to seal the material within the vessel 108. The cap may be threaded or unthreaded as apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The vessel 108 may be generally cylindrically-shaped or partially cylindrically-shaped to fit between the inner tray 104 and the outer tray 102 in the location of the cylindrically-shaped central area 116 of the outer tray 102 and the cylindrically-shaped central area 126 of the inner tray 104. One or more vessels 108 may fit within a void formed by nesting the inner tray 104 with the outer tray 102. The vessel 108 may be disposed so as to wrap around the central area 126 of the inner tray 104. Preferably, the vessel 108 is made from a plastic material or other like material useful for allowing the temperature modifying material to affect the food products contained within the container 100.

The chambers 112 of the outer tray 102 and the chambers 126 of the inner tray may allow a plurality of different food products and/or other like products to be contained within the container 100 without mixing. For example, the food products may each require a reduced temperature such that all vessels contained within the container 100 have a temperature reducing material or otherwise maintain a reduced temperature within the container 100. Alternatively, the food products may each require an increased temperature such that all vessels contained within the container 100 have a temperature increasing material or otherwise maintain an increased temperature within the container 100. Moreover, the container 100 may hold some food products and/or other like products requiring a reduced temperature and some food products and/or other like products requiring an increased temperature. Thus, some of the vessels disposed between the outer tray 102 and the inner tray 104 may be filled with temperature reducing material and some of the vessels disposed between the outer tray 102 and the inner tray 104 may be filled with temperature increasing material. The vessels containing the temperature reducing material may be disposed in locations to maintain a reduced temperature of the chambers holding food products or other like products requiring a reduced temperature. Alternately, the vessels containing the temperature increasing material may be disposed in locations to maintain an increased temperature of the chambers holding food products or other like products requiring an increased temperature. Further, the container 100 may have insulating material in various locations, such as in the walls 114, 124 to better separate the local effect of the temperature reducing or temperature increasing material within the chambers 112, 122.

As noted herein, the containers 10 and 100, and the various components thereof, may be made from a thermoplastic material, although other materials, such as metal, wood, or any other material may be utilized apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art. Any method of manufacturing the containers 10, 100 and the various components thereof, as described herein, may be suitable, such as injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding or machining, as apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.

Claims

1. An apparatus for modifying a temperature of a product or maintaining a modified temperature of a product comprising:

an outer shell and an inner shell, wherein the inner shell is nested within the outer shell;

a void between the outer shell and the inner shell, the void having a three-dimensional shape; and

a vessel disposed in the void between the outer shell and the inner shell, the vessel having a shape, wherein the shape of the vessel is generally the same as the shape of the void between the outer shell and the inner shell,

wherein the vessel contains a temperature modifying material therein.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are bowl-shaped.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the inner shell has an outer surface and the outer shell has an inner surface and further comprising:

ribs disposed on the inner surface of the outer shell forming the void when the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, wherein the void is bounded by the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell and the ribs.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the inner shell has an outer surface and the outer shell has an inner surface and further comprising:

ribs disposed on the inner surface of the outer shell forming a plurality of voids when the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, wherein the voids are bounded by the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell and the ribs.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising:

a plurality of vessels, each of the plurality of vessels contained within one of the plurality of voids formed when the inner shell is nested with the outer shell.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the temperature-modifying material is selected from the group consisting of a temperature reducing material and a temperature increasing material.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the inner shell has an inner surface, and further wherein the inner shell comprises a plurality of chambers on the inner surface, the chambers separated by at least one wall for holding products with in the plurality of chambers.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the inner shell has an outer surface and the outer shell has an inner surface and further comprising:

ribs disposed on the inner surface of the outer shell forming a plurality of voids when the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, wherein the voids are bounded by the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell and the ribs; and

a plurality of vessels, each of the plurality of vessels contained within a void formed when the inner shell is nested with the outer shell, wherein at least one of the plurality of vessels has a temperature reducing material therein, and one of the plurality of vessels has a temperature increasing material therein.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the outer shell has an upper edge and further wherein the inner shell has an upper edge, further comprising:

an outwardly disposed flange running around the perimeter of the upper edge of the outer shell; and

an outwardly disposed flange running around the perimeter of the upper edge of the inner shell, wherein the outwardly disposed flange of the inner shell rests on the outwardly disposed flange of the outer shell when the inner shell is nested with the outer shell.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising:

at least one depression in the outwardly disposed flange of the outer shell.

11. A method of using an apparatus for modifying a temperature of a product or maintaining a modified temperature of a product comprising the steps of:

providing an outer shell having an inner surface;

disposing a vessel on the inner surface of the outer shell wherein the vessel contains a temperature-modifying material therein, and further wherein the vessel has a three-dimensional shape;

providing an inner shell having an outer surface;

nesting the inner shell within the outer shell; and

forming a void between the outer shell and the inner shell, the void having a shape corresponding to the shape of the vessel, wherein the vessel is contained within the void.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are bowl-shaped.

13. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of:

providing ribs disposed on the inner surface of the outer shell forming the void when the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, wherein the void is bounded by the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell and the ribs, and further wherein the vessel is contained within the void bounded by the ribs.

14. The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of:

providing ribs disposed on the inner surface of the outer shell forming a plurality of voids when the inner shell is nested within the outer shell, wherein the voids are bounded by the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell and the ribs; and

providing a plurality of vessels, each vessel contained within one of the plurality of voids.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the temperature-modifying material is selected from the group consisting of a temperature reducing material and temperature increasing material.

16. The method of claim 11 wherein the inner shell has an inner surface, and further wherein the inner shell comprises a plurality of chambers on the inner surface, the chambers separated by at least one wall for holding products within the plurality of chambers.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps of:

filling a first vessel with a temperature reducing material; and

filling a second vessel with a temperature increasing material.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of chambers within the inner shell for holding products;

providing a first chamber disposed adjacent the first vessel filled with the temperature reducing material; and

providing a second chamber disposed adjacent the second vessel filled with the temperature increasing material.

19. The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of:

providing an upper edge on the outer shell and an upper edge on the inner shell;

providing an outwardly disposed flange running around the perimeter of the upper edge of the outer shell;

providing an outwardly disposed flange running around the perimeter of the upper edge of the inner shell; and

disposing the outwardly disposed flange of the inner shell on the outwardly disposed flange of the outer shell when the inner shell is nested with the outer shell.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of:

providing at least one depression in the outwardly disposed flange of the outer shell; and

removing the inner shell from the outer shell by separating the flange of the inner shell from the flange of the outer shell at the depression.