FOOD CONTAINER

Abstract

A collapsible, disposable food container for containing a food product. The food container includes a main body portion being selectively positionable between a collapsed and stowed configuration and an expanded and operable configuration, and a bottom portion extending from the main body portion. In some embodiments, a separable strip is provided and formed in at least one of the front panel, the back panel, and the one or more side panels. The separable strip is removable, in some embodiments, to bifurcate the associated panel to permit the main body portion and the bottom portion to be laid substantially flat without removal of the food product.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/431,103, filed on Jan. 10, 2011. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to containers for food products and, more particularly, relates to a container for food products that can include a perforated detachable zipper portion, a sharing-size container, and/or a container for food products that is shaped to be received within a vehicle beverage or cup holder.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. This section also provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

Food product containers have become an increasingly important part of the consumer experience. These food product containers not only deliver the food product to the consumer, but may also aid in the consumption of the food and/or the convenience of the dining experience.

There have been a number of containers offered in the marketplace that attempt to make the dining experience more engaging, more convenient, and/or more satisfying. However, unfortunately, many containers have failed to provide a simple and convenient solution to such problems as food accessibility, family-sized portioning, and/or retention in a vehicle.

According to the principles of the present teachings, a collapsible, disposable food container is provided for containing a food product. The food container includes a main body portion being selectively positionable between a collapsed and stowed configuration and an expanded and operable configuration, and a bottom portion extending from the main body portion. The bottom portion and the main body portion together define a food pocket for substantially containing the food product. The main body portion and the bottom portion are made of a single, unitary piece of flat stock material folded to define a front panel, an opposing back panel, one or more side panels interconnecting the front panel and the opposing back panel to form lateral boundaries of the food pocket. In some embodiments, a separable strip is provided and formed in at least one of the front panel, the back panel, and the one or more side panels. The separable strip is removable, in some embodiments, to bifurcate the associated panel to permit the main body portion and the bottom portion to be laid substantially flat without removal of the food product.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective quartering-front view illustrating a food container according to the principles of the present teachings having a perforated portion;

FIG. 2 is a perspective quartering-rear view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective side-rear view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective top view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 1 prior to opening of the perforated portion;

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 1 during opening of the perforated portion;

FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 1 after opening of the perforated portion and laying flat as a food tray;

FIG. 8 is a top flat view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 1 prior to assembly;

FIG. 9 is a perspective quartering-front view illustrating a food container according to the principles of the present teachings having a shape conducive to be received within a vehicle beverage or cup holder;

FIG. 10 is a perspective quartering-rear view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective side-rear view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective top view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a top view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a top view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 9;

FIG. 16 is an environmental view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 9 being used in a motor vehicle beverage or cup holder;

FIG. 17 is a top flat view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 9 prior to assembly;

FIG. 18 is a perspective quartering-front view illustrating a food container according to the principles of the present teachings having a lid portion;

FIG. 19 is a perspective quartering-rear view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective top view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a front view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 18 in a closed position;

FIG. 22 is a front view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 18 in an opened position; and

FIG. 23 is a top flat view illustrating the food container according to FIG. 18 prior to assembly.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

With reference to the several figures, a collapsible, disposable, food container 10 is provided for use with a food product 500 (see FIG. 16) according to the principles of the present teachings. The food container 10 generally comprises a main body portion 12 and a bottom portion 14 generally enclosing main body portion 12 to form a receptacle or food pocket 16 for receiving food product 500. Food container 10 is selectively adjustable between an expanded and operable configuration and a collapsed and stowage configuration, once assembled from its original material stock, which will be discussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments, food container 10 can comprise additional features that improve its operation, assembly, use, and/or function.

Generally, food container 10 of the present teachings is constructed of a unitary piece of flat stock material 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 17) that is folded or otherwise shaped and then glued or otherwise fastened to define a plurality of walls and/or surfaces configured to define food pocket 16. It should be appreciated that food container 10 of the present teachings can be used for any one of a number of food products or foodstuffs, including french fries, onion rings, chicken, or any other foodstuff.

Flat Stock Material—Perforated Configuration

Food container 10 of the present teachings can be made from a generally flat stock of material 20, such as a paper product. In some embodiments, flat stock material 20 can be a paperboard product well known in the art. Flat stock material 20 can furthermore be treated with a sealing coating to prevent the wicking or other transmission of foodstuffs into or through the paper product. Flat stock material 20 can be sufficiently thin to minimize its associated weight and shipping costs, yet sufficiently thick to provide suitable rigidity during use to hold and contain the food product 500.

Flat stock material 20 is typically made through a stamp process wherein industrial stamps are used to cut, print, indent, score, perforate, and the like to facilitate construction and assembly of the final food container.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 8, flat stock material 20 can be stamped to comprise a central section 22, a back wall section 24, and a unitary front wall and sidewall section 26. Back wall section 24 and unitary front wall and sidewall section 26 (herein after referred to as front wall section 26) can be coupled to and extend from central section 22. Specifically, back wall section 24 can be formed such that a score line 28 is formed between back wall section 24 and central section 22. Score line 28 can be an indentation formed in the flat stock material 20 to encourage a fold without cutting of flat stock material 20. Back wall section 24 can include a pair of radiating side edges 30 and a top edge 32, which in some embodiments can be arcuately shaped. Back wall section 24 will define a back panel 100 after assembly.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, front wall section 26 can be formed such that a score line 34 is formed between front wall section 26 and central section 22. Score line 34, like score line 28, can be an indentation formed in the flat stock material 20 to encourage a fold without cutting of flat stock material 20. In some embodiments, front wall section 26 can comprise an hourglass shape defined by score line 34, a top edge 36, and a pair of wing portions 38 extending outwardly from a front panel 102. Each of the wing portions 38 comprises a plurality of score lines 40, 42, and 44 (i.e. indentations) extending therethrough to encourage a fold without cutting of flat stock material 20. In some embodiments, score lines 40 extend from an intersection 46 of score line 34 and an outer edge 48 of central section 22 to a point 50 generally adjacent an arcuate edge 52 formed in top edge 36 of front panel 102. Similarly, score lines 42 and 44 can extend from a bottom edge 54 of wing portion 38 to a top edge 56 of wing portion 38. In some embodiments, score lines 42 and 44 can be substantially parallel to each other and to score line 40. However, it should be appreciated that variations of such score lines can be made to achieve a desired assembled shape of food container 10. In some embodiments, top edge 56 of wing portion 38 can define an arcuate shape complementary to the arcuate shape of arcuate edge 52. Wing portions 38 will define side panels 104 after assembly.

In some embodiments, central section 22 can comprise a score line 58 extending centrally therethrough to encourage a fold without cutting of flat stock material 20. Score line 58 can be used to define an inwardly-shaped peak in the bottom portion 14 of food container 10. This inwardly-shaped peak can provide improved structural integrity of the food container in its expanded and operable configuration.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, flat stock material 20 can be stamped to comprise a separable portion, such as a perforated section 60 formed in at least one of front panel 102, back panel 100, and/or side panels 104. Moreover, in some embodiments, perforated section 60 can span one or more panels, such as being defined at an intersection of two panels. In some embodiments, as illustrated, perforated section 60 can be centrally disposed in front panel 102. In some embodiments, perforated section 60 can be used to selectively separate front panel 102 to provide unobstructed access to food product 500 by a consumer. It should be recognized that variations exist in the construction of perforated section 60, such that alternative perforations can be used or other detachable systems, such as separable adhesives, mechanical structures, and the like.

With particular reference to FIG. 8, perforated section 60 can comprise a plurality of perforation pairs. Specifically, perforated section 60 can comprise a first pair of perforations 62 spaced apart from top edge 36 to form an uncut, unscored section 64 of flat stock material 20. Uncut, unscored section 64 is sized to prevent unintended separation of perforated section 60, thereby maintaining container integrity prior to separation by the consumer. The first pair of perforations 62 is comprise of, in mirrored arrangement, first section 66 and an angled section 68 extending from and formed integrally with first section 66. Angled section 68 is angled relative to first section 66. As illustrated, angled section 68 can be inwardly angled toward the other of the pair of perforations 62. However, it should also be appreciated that angled section 68 can be outwardly angled away from the other of the pair of perforations 62. In some embodiments, first section 66 is generally perpendicular to top edge 36 of flat stock material 20 and generally parallel to the other first section 66. Each of the remaining plurality of perforation pairs 70 of perforated section 60 can comprise a construction similar to the first pair of perforations 62—specifically, each of the remaining pairs of perforations 70 can comprise, in mirrored arrangement, a first section 72 and an angled section 74 extending from and formed integrally with first section 72. The remaining pairs of perforations 70 can be any number as desired depending on intended container use, perforation performance, and the like. Perforated section 60 can terminate in a final perforation 76. Final perforation 76 can comprise a generally circular shape section 77 beginning at a point 78 along score line 34 and extending to an opposing point 80 along score line 34. An intermediate section of final perforation 76, between point 78 and point 80, can extend through central section 22 of flat stock material 20. In some embodiments, anchor portions 82, which can include uncut, unscored material, can be disposed along final perforation 76 to interrupt section 77. In some embodiments, as illustrated, anchor portions 82 can be disposed at point 78, point 80, and any intermediate point therebetween along section 77.

Assembly—Perforated Configuration

Following stamping or construction of flat stock material 20 according to the principles set forth above, the flat stock material 20 can be assembled to form food container 10. Specifically, a folding machine common in the art can be used to fold and fasten the flat stock material 20 into food container 10.

To this end, back wall section 24 can be folded over front wall section 26 along score line 58 of central section 22, and further along score lines 28 and 34, if necessary. Wing portions 38 can then be folded along any one or more of score lines 40, 42, and 44 such that a distal end edge 84 (see FIG. 8) of each wing portion 38 can be brought in close contact with side edges 30 of back wall section 24. A suitable adhesive can be applied between distal end edge 84 of wing portion 38 and side edges 30 of back wall section 24 to fasten or otherwise adhere the associated sections together. This connection is not intended to be separated by a consumer. The resultant assembly can be in the collapsed and stowage configuration for convenient transport from the manufacturing facility to a separate facility, such as a restaurant.

Once ready for use, food container 10 can be positioned into its expanded and operable configuration and from its collapsed and stowage configuration. This can be achieved through the application of compression force, such as by an individual, at or near the assembled side walls of the container, namely near score lines 40, 42, 44 of wing portions 38. Application of this compression force, along with application of a compression force along score line 58 of central section 22 can cause the collapsed and stowed assembly to open into its expanded and operable configuration. In this configuration, front panel 102, back panel 100, and side panels 104 are spaced apart from one another to define food pocket 16. Central section 22 can be collapsed such that it becomes angularly oriented within the boundaries of front panel 102, back panel 100, and side panels 104. Central section 22 can define a bottom panel 106 of the final assembly. Front panel 102, back panel 100, side panels 104, and bottom panel 106 together define the volume of food pocket 16.

Food Container—Perforated Configuration

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, following manufacturing and assembly of food container 10, the food container 10 defines front panel 102, back panel 100, and side panels 104. Front panel 102 can be opposingly positioned relative to back panel 100, such that front panel 102 and back panel 100 are generally tapered from a top opening to bottom portion 14.

Operation—Perforated Configuration

In operation, food container 10 of the present teachings (see FIGS. 5-7) can be used to conveniently expose the contents of the food container 10 for consumption by a customer. Specifically, as discussed herein, food container 10 comprises a perforated section 60 extending along at least one of the front panel 102, back panel 100, and/or side panels 102. The perforated section 60 is configured to permit the consumer to readily open the food container 10 and position the food container 10 from the expanded and operable configuration to a fully-opened and tray-like configuration. This feature enables the consumer to quickly and hygienically expose the food product 500 of the food container 10 without requiring the removal of the food product 500 therefrom. In other words, the food container 10 can be used by a consumer to expose the food product 500 for the application of sauces and/or seasoning and the consumption thereof without needing to remove the food product from the food container 10, such as pouring the contents on a separate tray, napkin, plate, or other surface. The food container 10 can thus serve as both the containing device and a hygienic tray for consumption.

To this end, a consumer can retrieve food container 10 having food product 500 disposed in the food pocket 16 of the food container 10. The food container 10 can then be placed on any surface such that back panel 100 contacts the surface. In this position, the final perforation 76 is exposed to the consumer and can be readily grasped. In this way, the consumer can grasp final perforation 76, using it as a holding tab, and then pull up and away from front panel 102 to separate a central strip 88 of perforation section 60 from front panel 102 of food container 10 (see FIG. 6). Central strip 88 can continue to be pulled (like a zipper) and separated from front panel 102 to completely remove central strip 88 from food container 10, thereby bifurcating front panel 102 into two separate front sections 90 and 92. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, central strip 88 can be formed to separate from front panel 102 along only one side so as to remain attached to front panel 102 after bifurcation of front panel 102. This will simultaneously permit access to the food product and retention of central strip 88.

Once central strip 88 is removed from front panel 102, front sections 90 and 92 can be outwardly opened to reveal the food product 500 within food container 10. During this opening operation, front sections 90 and 92 are separated from central section 22 along score line 34. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to perforate score line 34 and/or cut along score line 34 to weaken this area and make separation of front sections 90 and 92 from central section 22 easier. As can be seen in FIG. 7, score line 34 can be cut completely, but for one or more uncut anchor sections 94, to simplify this opening operation.

Following removal of central strip 88 and separation of front sections 90 and 92 from central section 22, the remaining portion of food container 10 can be laid flat upon the surface, thereby revealing food product 500. As mentioned herein, sauces and/or seasoning can then be readily applied to the food product 500.

Flat Stock Material—Cup Holder Configuration

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 17, flat stock material 20 can be stamped to comprise a central section 22, a back wall section 24, and a unitary front wall and sidewall section 26. Back wall section 24 and unitary front wall and sidewall section 26 (herein after referred to as front wall section 26) can be coupled to and extend from central section 22. Specifically, back wall section 24 can be formed such that a score line 28 is formed between back wall section 24 and central section 22. Score line 28 can be an indentation formed in the flat stock material 20 to encourage a fold without cutting of flat stock material 20. Back wall section 24 can include a pair of radiating side edges 30 and a top edge 32, which in some embodiments can be arcuately shaped. As seen in FIG. 17, side edges 30 can be disposed in a tapered configuration having inwardly directed side edges 30a terminating at inwardly curved edges 30b. Edges 30a can be generally straight and inwardly curved edges 30b can define a radius from a point. Back wall section 24 will define a back panel 100 after assembly.

With continued reference to FIG. 17, front wall section 26 can be formed such that a score line 34 is formed between front wall section 26 and central section 22. Score line 34, like score line 28, can be an indentation formed in the flat stock material 20 to encourage a fold without cutting of flat stock material 20. In some embodiments, front wall section 26 can comprise an hourglass shape defined by score line 34, a top edge 36, and a pair of wing portions 38 extending outwardly from a front panel 102. Each of the wing portions 38 comprises a plurality of score lines 40, 42, and 44 (i.e. indentations) extending therethrough to encourage a fold without cutting of flat stock material 20. In some embodiments, score lines 40 extend from an intersection 46 of score line 34 and an outer edge 48 of central section 22 to a point 50 generally adjacent an arcuate edge 52 formed in top edge 36 of front panel 102. Similarly, score lines 42 and 44 can extend from a bottom edge 54 of wing portion 38 to a top edge 56 of wing portion 38. In some embodiments, score lines 42 and 44 can be substantially parallel to each other and to score line 40. However, it should be appreciated that variations of such score lines can be made to achieve a desired assembled shape of food container 10. In some embodiments, top edge 56 of wing portion 38 can define an arcuate shape complementary to the arcuate shape of arcuate edge 52. Wing portions 38 will define side panels 104 after assembly.

In some embodiments, central section 22 can comprise a score line 58 exceeding centrally therethrough to encourage a fold without cutting of flat stock material 20. Score line 58 can be used to define an inwardly-shaped peak in the bottom portion 14 of food container 10. This inwardly-shaped peak can provide improved structural integrity of the food container in its expanded and operable configuration.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 17, central section 22 can be shaped in an oblong shape terminating at opposing points 198. However, it should be appreciated that central section 22 can define other shapes, such as circular, non-circular, oval, etc. Specifically, score line 34 and outer edge 48 can be arcuately shaped in mirrored orientation with score line 28 and outer edge 96. In some embodiments, central section 22 can be sized and shaped to form bottom portion 14 such that when joined with back panel 100, front panel 102 and side panels 104, the bottom portion 14 of food container 10 is sized and shaped to be received within a beverage or cup holder in a vehicle. Although the bottom portion 14 may not be perfectly round, its resultant shape can be complementary to the cup holder of the vehicle to permit reliable retention of food container 10 therein.

Food Container—Cup Holder Configuration

With reference to FIGS. 9-14, following manufacturing and assembly of food container 10, the food container 10 defines front panel 102, back panel 100, and side panels 104. Front panel 102 can be opposingly positioned relative to back panel 100, such that front panel 102 and back panel 100 are generally tapered from a top opening to bottom portion 14. The food container 10 of the present teachings defines a generally narrowed bottom portion 14 that is sufficiently sized to be received with a vehicle cup holder to reduce handling difficulties and mess.

Flat Stock Material—Lid Configuration

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 23, flat stock material 20 can be stamped to comprise a central section 22, a unitary back wall and sidewall section 24, and a front wall section 26. Unitary back wall and sidewall section 24 (herein after referred to as back wall section 24) and front wall section 26 can be coupled to and extend from central section 22. Specifically, back wall section 24 can be formed such that a score line 28 is formed between back wall section 24 and central section 22. Score line 28 can be an indentation formed in the flat stock material 20 to encourage a fold without cutting of flat stock material 20. In some embodiments, back wall section 24 can comprise an hourglass shape defined by score line 28, a top edge 36, and a pair of wing portions 38 extending outwardly from a back panel 100. Each of the wing portions 38 comprises a plurality of score lines 40, 42, and 44 (i.e. indentations) extending therethrough to encourage a fold without cutting of flat stock material 20. In some embodiments, score lines 40 extend from an intersection 46 of score line 28 and an outer edge 48 of central section 22 to a point 50 generally adjacent an arcuate edge 52 formed in top edge 36 of back panel 100. Similarly, score lines 42 and 44 can extend from a bottom edge 54 of wing portion 38 to a top edge 56 of wing portion 38. In some embodiments, score lines 42 and 44 can be substantially parallel to each other and to score line 40. However, it should be appreciated that variations of such score lines can be made to achieve a desired assembled shape of food container 10. In some embodiments, top edge 56 of wing portion 38 can define an arcuate shape complementary to the arcuate shape of arcuate edge 52. Wing portions 38 will define side panels 104 after assembly.

With continued reference to FIG. 23, front wall section 26 can be formed such that a score line 34 is formed between front wall section 26 and central section 22. Score line 34, like score line 28, can be an indentation formed in the flat stock material 20 to encourage a fold without cutting of flat stock material 20. Front wall section 26 can include a pair of radiating side edges 30 and a top edge 32, which in some embodiments can be arcuately shaped in a generally concave direction. Front wall section 26 will define a front panel 102 after assembly.

Still referring to FIG. 23, flat stock material 20 can be stamped to comprise a lid portion 200 coupled to back panel 100 and/or back wall section 24 via a score line 202. Score line 202 can be provided to facilitate bending and/or a hinge-like function for lid portion 200 generally along top edge 36 of back wall section 24. Lid portion 200 can comprise a pair of first edges 204 extending from score line 202 at points at or near points 50. The pair of first edges 204 can extend to a pair of second edges 206 that join an outer arcuate edge 208 of lid portion 200. The combination of first edges 204, second edges 206, and edge 208 are shaped and sized to generally span and cover a top opening of the food container 10 when in the expanded and operable configuration to retain the food product 500 within food pocket 16 and/or maintain a temperature within food pocket 16 (i.e. maintain heat for warm/hot food products or maintain cold for cooler food products). Lid portion 200 can further comprise a latch portion 210. Latch portion 210 can, in some embodiments, comprise a protruding portion extending from arcuate edge 208. Latch portion 210 can be received within a correspondingly sized slot 212 formed in front wall section 26 to retain lid portion 200 in a closed position.

Food Container—Lid Configuration

With reference to FIGS. 18-23, following manufacturing and assembly of food container 10, the food container 10 defines front panel 102, back panel 100, and side panels 104. Front panel 102 can be opposingly positioned relative to back panel 100, such that front panel 102 and back panel 100 are generally tapered from a top opening to bottom portion 14. The food container 10 of the present teachings further defines a lid portion 200 that is foldable between an open position (see FIG. 22), exposing food pocket 16, and a closed position, concealing food pocket 16 (see FIG. 21).

It should be noted that the principles of the present teachings can be combined in any one of a number of variations, including a food container having a perforated section, a lid section, and/or being sized to be received within a vehicle cup holder. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the specific orientation of the described container can vary, such that the recited back wall section can be the front wall section and vice versa.

Still further, it should be appreciated that the food container of the present teachings can be used with other articles, such as heat retention liners or any other liners, sauce holders, and the like. Liners and such can be particularly useful in takeaway applications where a consumer will travel with the food product to another location for consumption.

Lastly, it should be appreciated that the food container of the present teachings can be made in any size or shape as desired. That is, the food container of the present teachings can be sized for individual serving or can be sized for two or more servings (aka family sized) as desired.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A collapsible, disposable food container for containing a food product, said food container comprising:

a main body portion being selectively positionable between a collapsed and stowed configuration and an expanded and operable configuration;

a bottom portion extending from said main body portion, said bottom portion cooperating with said main body portion to define a food pocket for substantially containing the food product,

wherein said main body portion and said bottom portion are made of a single, unitary piece of flat stock material folded to define a front panel, an opposing back panel, one or more side panels interconnecting said front panel and said opposing back panel to form lateral boundaries of said food pocket; and

a separable portion formed in at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels, said separable portion being selectively separated to bifurcate said at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels to permit said main body portion and said bottom portion to be laid substantially flat without removal of the food product.

2. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 1 wherein said separable portion comprises a separable strip formed in at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels, said separable strip being selectively removable therefrom to bifurcate said at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels to permit said main body portion and said bottom portion to be laid substantially flat without removal of the food product.

3. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 1 wherein said separable portion comprises a perforated section formed in at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels, said perforated section being selectively removable therefrom to bifurcate said at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels to permit said main body portion and said bottom portion to be laid substantially flat without removal of the food product.

4. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 3 wherein said perforated section comprises a removable strip detachable from said at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels.

5. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 3 wherein said perforated section comprises a plurality of perforation pairs extending along at least a portion of said perforated section in mirrored arrangement.

6. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 2 wherein said separable strip comprises a tab portion for grasping by a user.

7. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 6 wherein said tab portion is bound by anchor portions being uncut and unscored.

8. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 1, further comprising:

a lid portion pivotally extending from at least one of said front panel and said opposing back panel for selectively enclosing said food pocket to define a volume thereinside.

9. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 8 wherein said lid portion comprises a retention feature selectively connectable to the other of said front panel and said opposing back panel to retain said lid portion in a closed position.

10. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 9 wherein said retention feature comprises a tab extending from said lid portion, said tab being engageable with a slot formed in said other of said front panel an said opposing back panel.

11. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 1, wherein said main body portion and said bottom portion together being sufficiently sized to be received and retaining in a vehicle cup holder.

12. A collapsible, disposable food container for containing a food product, said food container comprising:

a main body portion being selectively positionable between a collapsed and stowed configuration and an expanded and operable configuration;

a bottom portion extending from said main body portion, said bottom portion cooperating with said main body portion to define a food pocket for substantially containing the food product,

wherein said main body portion and said bottom portion are made of a single, unitary piece of flat stock material folded to define a front panel, an opposing back panel, one or more side panels interconnecting said front panel and said opposing back panel to form lateral boundaries of said food pocket, said main body portion and said bottom portion together being sufficiently sized to be received and retaining in a vehicle cup holder.

13. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 12, further comprising:

a separable member formed in at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels, said separable member being selectively separated to bifurcate said at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels to permit said main body portion and said bottom portion to be laid substantially flat without removal of the food product.

14. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 13 wherein said separable member is a separable strip, said separable strip being selectively removable therefrom to bifurcate said at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels to permit said main body portion and said bottom portion to be laid substantially flat without removal of the food product.

15. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 13 wherein said separable member comprises a perforated section formed in at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels, said perforated section being selectively detachable to bifurcate said at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels to permit said main body portion and said bottom portion to be laid substantially flat without removal of the food product.

16. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 15 wherein said perforated section comprises a removable strip detachable from said at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels.

17. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 12, further comprising:

a lid portion pivotally extending from at least one of said front panel and said opposing back panel for selectively enclosing said food pocket to define a volume thereinside.

18. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 17 wherein said lid portion comprises a retention feature selectively connectable to the other of said front panel and said opposing back panel to retain said lid portion in a closed position.

19. A collapsible, disposable food container for containing a food product, said food container comprising:

a main body portion being selectively positionable between a collapsed and stowed configuration and an expanded and operable configuration;

a bottom portion extending from said main body portion, said bottom portion cooperating with said main body portion to define a food pocket for substantially containing the food product,

wherein said main body portion and said bottom portion are made of a single, unitary piece of flat stock material folded to define a front panel, an opposing back panel, one or more side panels interconnecting said front panel and said opposing back panel to form lateral boundaries of said food pocket; and

a lid portion pivotally extending from at least one of said front panel and said opposing back panel, said lid portion having a retention feature selectively connectable to the other of said front panel and said opposing back panel to retain said lid portion in a closed position.

20. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 19, further comprising:

a separable member formed in at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels, said separable member being selectively separated to bifurcate said at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels to permit said main body portion and said bottom portion to be laid substantially flat without removal of the food product.

21. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 20 wherein said separable member is a separable strip, said separable strip being selectively removable therefrom to bifurcate said at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels to permit said main body portion and said bottom portion to be laid substantially flat without removal of the food product.

22. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 20 wherein said separable member comprises a perforated section formed in at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels, said perforated section being selectively detachable to bifurcate said at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels to permit said main body portion and said bottom portion to be laid substantially flat without removal of the food product.

23. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 22 wherein said perforated section comprises a removable strip detachable from said at least one of said front panel, said back panel, and said one or more side panels.

24. The collapsible, disposable food container according to claim 19, wherein said main body portion and said bottom portion together being sufficiently sized to be received and retaining in a vehicle cup holder.