INCREMENTAL EATING TOOL

Abstract

An incremental eating tool. The incremental eating tool can include a tray having a first end and a second end, the tray being transversely subdivided into a plurality of segments, each segment being hingedly attached to at least one adjacent segment, each segment further including at least one tab extending therefrom.

Description

BACKGROUND

It has become a common practice in modern society to consume food while “on-the-go.” That is, instead of sitting at a table to consume a meal, some individuals find it preferable to consume the meal while en route to a destination, whether on foot, or in a vehicle. Certain food items are well-adapted to being consumed on-the-go. Such food items are typically ones that can easily be held by the individual, for example, hamburgers, hot dogs, candy bars, or snacks provided in small bags. The provision of a bun, a wrapper, or a similar container allows the food item to easily be held during consumption and reduces the the need for utensils.

However, food items that lend themselves to being consumed on-the-go are typically not the healthiest foods available. Furthermore, such foods still require the individual to make contact between the hands and the food, thereby coating the hands with food particles, oils, and so forth. Portions of such food items can also be dropped by the individual. Additionally, if the individual decides to save a portion of the food item for later, the food item typically has to be enclosed in wrapping or packaging that may leak and may dirty the surroundings.

Furthermore, foods that contain a loose assortment of small and wet pieces of food, such as salads, are not well-adapted to being consumed on-the-go and without the use of utensils. To consume such foods, an individual would usually sit down at a table and eat the salad with a fork. Consequently, such food items are not a convenient option for on-the-go consumption.

Accordingly, a solution for easily consuming foods and storing foods while on-the-go is desirable.

SUMMARY

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, an incremental eating tool is disclosed. The incremental eating tool can include a tray having a first end and a second end, the tray being transversely subdivided into a plurality of segments, each segment being hingedly attached to at least one adjacent segment, each segment further including at least one tab extending therefrom.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a blank for a food tray is disclosed. The blank can include a sheet of material having a first end a second end, and a plurality of segments disposed between the first end and the second end, the segments transversely subdividing the blank, each segment being attached to at least one adjacent segment by at least one hinge, each segment further including at least one tab extending therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1a is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 1b is a perspective cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 1c is a top plan view of a first exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a second exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a third exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 7b is a top plan view of exemplary embodiment of a blank for another exemplary embodiment incremental eating tool.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a blank for a tray for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 9a is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a container for an incremental eating tool.

FIG. 9b is a top plan view of a sleeve for a cap for the container of FIG. 9a.

FIGS. 9c-9d are top plan views of exemplary embodiments of containers for an incremental eating tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of several terms used herein follows.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, an incremental eating tool is disclosed. The incremental eating tool can include a segmented tray. In some exemplary embodiments, the incremental eating tool can also include a container, with the tray being disposed in sliding relation within the container. Food may be placed on the segmented tray. To consume the food, the user can hold the tray and consume the portion of the food that is disposed on an outermost segment of the tray. Subsequently, the user can bend or tear off the outermost segment of the tray, thereby allowing the user to access the subsequent segment of the tray. In some exemplary embodiments, the tray may be received within the container. To consume the food, the user can incrementally withdraw the tray with one hand from the container while holding the container with another hand. The incremental eating tool can allow for convenient consumption of food without the need for additional tableware while minimizing contact between the user's hands and the food. Furthermore, the incremental eating tool can be sized to be portable and sealable to allow a user to consume the food in any desired location.

Referring now to FIGS. 1a-1c, container 102 may have a generally elongated configuration, and at least one sidewall 104 enclosing an interior cavity 108. Container 102 may also have an end wall 106 at a closed end thereof. However, in some exemplary embodiments, container 102 may not include an end wall and may be provided as a sleeve. The interior cavity 108 can be in communication with the outside environment via an open end 110. In some exemplary embodiments, open end 110 may be selectively covered by a cap 112. Cap 112 may be coupled to container 102 in any known manner. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, cap 112 may be removably coupled to the open end 110 of container 102. In other exemplary embodiments, cap 112 may be hingedly coupled to the open end 110 of container 102. In yet other exemplary embodiments, cap 112 may be slidably coupled to the open end 110 of container 102. Furthermore, cap 112 may be secured to container 102 by friction fit, compression fit, by clips, latches, tabs and grooves, by threading, or in any other manner known in the art. Coupling between cap 112 and container 102 may be liquid-impermeable. Liquid-impermeability may be facilitated by friction fit, gaskets or similar structures.

In some exemplary embodiments, a sidewall 104 of container 102 may have an aperture 114 defined therein. Aperture 114 may allow additional communication between cavity 108 and the outside environment. Aperture 114 may be selectively covered by a lid 116. Similarly to cap 112, lid 114 may be coupled to container 102 in any known manner. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, lid 114 may be removably, hingedly, slidably or otherwise coupled to container 102. Furthermore, lid 114 may be secured to container 102 by friction fit, by clips, latches, tabs and grooves, or in any other manner known in the art. Coupling between lid 114 and container 102 may be liquid-impermeable. Liquid-impermeability may be facilitated by friction fit, gaskets or similar structures.

It should be appreciated that while container 102 has a generally elongated configuration, the cross-section of container 102 may have any desired shape. For example, in some embodiments, container 102 may have a rectangular cross-section with four sidewalls 104. In other exemplary embodiments, the cross-section of container 102 may be triangular, hexagonal, or any other polygonal shape, with a corresponding number of sidewalls 104. In yet other exemplary embodiments, container 102 may have a circular or oval cross section, with a corresponding circular or oval sidewall 104. The cross-section of container 102 may be varied by altering the shape of the end wall 106 accordingly. The cross-section of container 102 may be contemplated and provided as desired based on any functional or aesthetic configurations and should not be considered as limited to the embodiments described herein.

Container 102 may be formed from any suitable material. In some exemplary embodiments, container 102 may be reusable, and may be made from any suitable polymer. In other exemplary embodiments, container 102 may be disposable, and may be made from any suitable polymer, metal foil, or paper-based product.

Disposed within container 102 and slidably movable with respect thereto may be a tray 150. The length of tray 150 may be substantially similar to the length of container 102, such that the whole of tray 150 can fit within cavity 108. Tray 150 may be formed from any suitable material. In the exemplary embodiments, tray 150 may be disposable, and may be made from any suitable polymer, metal foil, or paper-based product.

Tray 150 can be transversely subdivided into a plurality of segments 152. Each segment 152 may be hingedly connected to at least one other segment 152 via hinges 154. Hinges 154 can extend substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of tray 150. Tray 150 can further include a first end 156 and a second end 158. Hinges 154 may be provided by perforations in tray 150, so as to allow a segment 152 to hingedly deflect from an adjacent segment 152 without separating therefrom. Alternatively, hinges 154 may be provided as living hinges, as lines having less thickness or less rigidity than the rest of the material of tray 150, or in any other manner that enables tray 150 to function as described herein. Additionally, the perforated hinges 154 can also allow a user to detach a segment 152 from an adjacent segment 152, if desired.

Each segment 152 can include a tab 160 extending longitudinally with respect to tray 150 and towards first end 156. The tab 160 may be received within a cutout 162 of an adjacent segment 152 of tray 150. The edges of tab 160 may be separated from the edges of cutout 162, for example by cuts or incisions extending through the plane of tray 150. Alternatively, a cutout may not be provided, and the tab 160 may be layered over the adjacent segment 152. The width of tab 162 may be anywhere in the range of 5% through 99% of the width of segment 152, or any other width that allows incremental eating tool 100 to function as described herein. The length of tab 162 may be any desired length that allows incremental eating tool 100 to function as described herein. The length of tab 162 may be less than, equal to, or greater than the longitudinal distance between a leading hinge and 154 a trailing hinge 154 of a segment 152.

Disposed at second end 158 of tray 150 and hingedly coupled to an adjacent segment 152 may be an end wall 164. The end wall 164 can extend in a vertical or upwardly inclined direction from tray 150. In some exemplary embodiments, end wall 164 may be substantially parallel to end wall 106 of container 102. Side walls 165 may be coupled to end wall 164 and extend towards first end 156 therefrom, so as to form a cup 167. Alternatively, cup 167 may be molded as a unitary piece. In some exemplary embodiments where container 102 is provided as a sleeve, end wall 164 can be sized and shaped so as to seal an open end of container 102. Additionally, in some exemplary embodiments, end wall 164 may be provided at both ends of tray 150.

It should be appreciated that portions of incremental eating tool 100 may be made from any suitable materials. For example, portions the incremental eating tool 100 may be made from polymers such as PET, HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, polypropylene, or any other suitable polymer or polymer blend. Portions of incremental eating tool 100 may also be formed from paper-based products such as card stock, folding boxboard, paperboard, cardboard, and the like. Portions of incremental eating tool 100 may also be made from metal, for example aluminum foil or similar materials. Furthermore, the surfaces of paper-based portions of incremental eating tool 100 may include a coating, for example a wax coating, clay coating, polymer coating, or the like, so as to prevent the absorption of liquids and other particles from the food items disposed within tool 100. However, the above-enumerated materials should not be construed as limiting and it should be understood that incremental tool 100 may be formed from any material that enables it to function as described herein.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that portions of incremental eating tool 100 may be substantially rigid or substantially flexible. For example, reusable portions of incremental eating tool 100 may be made from rigid materials, for example thermoset plastics and manufactured by any suitable process, for example by extrusion, compression or injection molding. In such rigid embodiments, the shapes of such portions may be set during manufacture. Hinges for such embodiments may be provided by any structure that allows for incremental eating tool 100 to function as described herein, for example living hinges, or any other hinge structure. Disposable portions of incremental eating tool 100, for example tray 150, may be made from flexible materials, such as certain polymers, metal foil, or paper-based products. In such embodiments, tray 150 may be manufactured as blanks having desired configurations which can then be folded into the final shape. The blanks may further be provided with perforations so as to define hinges 154 and may provided with cuts for separating tabs 160 from cutouts 162. It should further be understood that the above-described manufacturing methods are exemplary, and any suitable manufacturing method known to one having skilled in the art may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In operation, when a user desires to place food into the incremental eating tool 100 for later consumption, the user can remove tray 150 from container 102, place the desired food items thereon, and replace tray 150 into container 102. The user can then seal open end 110 with cap 112. Alternatively, when tray 150 is disposed within container 102, the user may open lid 116 and place the food onto tray 150 through aperture 114. The user can then close lid 116.

When a user desires to consume the food within container 102, the user can open cap 112 so as to expose open end 110. The user can then utilize the tab 160 of a segment 152 located at first end 156 of tray 150 to incrementally withdraw tray 150 from the interior cavity 108 of container 112. To incrementally withdraw the tray, the user can withdraw a least one associated segment 152 from container 102. As tray 150 is withdrawn, the food items can be supported on the surface of segment 152 as well as on tab 160, which remains in the plane of segment 152. Furthermore, as tab 160 extends towards the user from segment 152, the tab 160 can be conveniently inserted into the mouth of the user, allowing the user to consume to food thereon. In such cases, the user may bend the tab prior to biting on the exposed food. In some exemplary embodiments, tab 160 may be separable from segment 152, or hingedly coupled to segment 152.

Once a desired portion of food is withdrawn from container 102, the user can bend the segment 152 on which the food is disposed below the plane of tray 150. The user can then consume that portion of food. The bending of segment 152 can be facilitated by hinges 154. Alternatively, the user can tear off the segment 152 on which the consumed food was disposed from tray 150. The separation of segment 152 can be facilitated by the perforations of hinges 154. The bending or separation of the segment 152 allows the portions of tray 150 that are no longer being used to support the food items to be moved out of the way so as to allow the user to conveniently access the subsequent portion of food on tray 150.

To access the subsequent portion of food, the user can simply further withdraw another increment or segment of tray 150 from container 102, for example by pulling on tab 160. If the user does not desire to consume any more food, they can re-insert tray 150 into container 102 and replace cap 112 so as to seal the container. Thus, incremental eating tool 100 can provide a convenient container for transporting food as well as consuming the food without the use of any additional tableware can further allow the user to maintain their hands substantially clean.

Tray 150 may have various configurations. Several configurations for the tray are described below; however, the scope of the invention should not be construed as limited to solely the enumerated embodiments. Exemplary embodiments of blanks that may be used for manufacture of tray 150 from substantially flexible materials are shown in FIG. 1c, as well as FIGS. 2-5. The blanks may be folded so as to form three-dimensional shapes for the tray. Various configurations for the shapes of the tray can be easily seen in these figures. It should also be appreciated that trays having substantially similar three-dimensional shapes may be thermoformed, molded, or formed by any other process. Substantially similar features between the various embodiments are indicated with similar reference numerals, but with different leading digits.

A first exemplary embodiment of tray 150 is shown in FIG. 1c. In the exemplary embodiment, tray 150 may be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 152. Hinges 154 can extend substantially transversely from the longitudinal edges of tray 150, defining partitions between segments 152. For each segment 152, a pair of cuts 155a can extend longitudinally from hinges 154, while a transverse cut 155b can extend substantially transversely between the ends of cuts 155a, thereby defining a tab 160. An end wall 164 may be hingedly attached to a segment 152 at second end 158. End wall 164 may be provided with tabs 163 for connecting to sidewalls 165 which are coupled to an adjacent segment 152, so as to facilitate forming a cup when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional shape.

A second exemplary embodiment of tray 250 is shown in FIG. 2. In the exemplary embodiment, tray 250 may be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 252. Hinges 254 can extend substantially transversely from the longitudinal edges of tray 250, defining partitions between segments 252. For each segment 252, a curvilinear cut 255 can extend parabolically between hinges 254, thereby defining a tab 260. The ends of cut 255 may extend into the corresponding segment 252. An end wall 264 may be hingedly attached to a segment 252 at second end 258. End wall 264 may be provided with tabs 263 for connecting to sidewalls 265 which are coupled to an adjacent segment 252, so as to facilitate forming a cup when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional shape.

A third exemplary embodiment of tray 350 is shown in FIG. 3. In the exemplary embodiment, tray 350 may be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 352. Hinges 354 can extend substantially transversely from the longitudinal edges of tray 350, defining partitions between segments 352. For each segment 352, a pair of cuts 355a can extend longitudinally from hinges 354, while a transverse linear or curvilinear cut 355b can extend substantially transversely between the ends of cuts 155a, thereby defining a tab 360. The length of tab 360 may be greater than the longitudinal distance between a pair of hinges 354 defining a segment 352. An end wall 364 may be hingedly attached to a segment 352 at second end 358. End wall 364 may be provided with tabs 363 for connecting to sidewalls 365 which are coupled to an adjacent segment 352, so as to facilitate forming a cup when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional shape.

A fourth exemplary embodiment of tray 450 is shown in FIG. 4. In the exemplary embodiment, tray 450 may be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 452. Hinges 454 can extend substantially transversely from the longitudinal edges of tray 450, defining partitions between segments 452. For each segment 452, a curvilinear cut 455 can extend parabolically between hinges 454, thereby defining a tab 460. A depression 461 may be defined within each tab 460 and a portion of the corresponding segment 452. The depression 461 can serve to create a basin for pooling any liquids that are part of the food that is placed in incremental eating tool 100. The shape and configuration of tab 460 may thus be simulative of a spoon. An end wall 464 may be hingedly attached to a segment 452 at second end 458. End wall 464 may be provided with tabs 463 for connecting to sidewalls 465 which are coupled to an adjacent segment 452, so as to facilitate forming a cup when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional shape. In embodiments where tray 450 is molded or thermoformed, the depression 461 may be formed during the molding process.

A fifth exemplary embodiment of tray 550 is shown in FIG. 5. In the exemplary embodiment, tray 550 may be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 552. Hinges 554 can extend substantially transversely from the longitudinal edges of tray 550, defining partitions between segments 552. For each segment 552, a series of curvilinear cuts 555 can extend parabolically between hinges 554, thereby defining a plurality of tabs 560. The shape and configuration of tabs 560 may thus be simulative of a fork. An end wall 564 may be hingedly attached to a segment 552 at second end 558. End wall 564 may be provided with tabs 563 for connecting to sidewalls 565 which are coupled to an adjacent segment 552, so as to facilitate forming a cup when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional shape. It should be appreciated that in further embodiments, the shape of tabs 560 may be simulative of any desired shape, including logos, fictional and cartoon characters, flora and fauna, various other objects, and so forth.

A sixth exemplary embodiment of tray 650 is shown in FIG. 6. In the exemplary embodiment, tray 650 may be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 652. Hinges 654b may extend substantially longitudinally between the transverse edges of tray 650. Hinges 654b can partition each segment 652 into a central portion 666 and flaps 668. Hinges 654a can extend substantially transversely and inwardly from hinges 654a, defining partitions between segments 652. For each segment 652, slits 655a can define a tab 660. Tray 620 can also include a plurality of slits 655b extending substantially transversely between hinges 654a and the longitudinal edges of the tray. An end wall 664 may be hingedly attached to a segment 652 at second end 658. End wall 664 may be provided with tabs 663 for connecting to flaps 668 of an adjacent segment 652, so as to facilitate forming a cup when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional shape.

Flaps 668 can extending laterally outward from each corresponding segment 652. While each flap 668 can be attached to a segment 652, each flap 668 can also be separated from any neighboring flaps 668. The separations may be defined by slits 655b extending between hinges 654b and the longitudinal edges of tray 650.

Hinges 654b can facilitate bending and positioning the flaps such that flaps 668 can also extend vertically above the plane of tray 650. Bending and positioning the flaps in such a manner can allow tray 650 to fit within the interior cavity of the container. When tray 650 is removed from the interior cavity of the container, flaps 668 can flatten out so as to provide a larger support area for the food on tray 650.

FIGS. 7a-7b show another exemplary embodiment of an incremental eating tool 700. In the exemplary embodiment, the incremental eating tool 700 can include a tray 750, and may be used without a container. Tray 750 may be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 152. Hinges 754a can extend substantially transversely from the longitudinal edges of tray 750, defining partitions between segments 752. For each segment 152, cuts 755 can define a tab 760.

A central segment 770 can be disposed between a pair of segments 752 and be hingedly coupled thereto by hinges 754a. Central segment can also include a pair of tabs 720 disposed longitudinally opposite each other. For all of tray 750, tabs 760 disposed between central segment 770 and first end 756 can extend towards first end 756, while tabs 760 disposed between central segment 770 and second end 758 can extend towards second end 758.

In some exemplary embodiments, a pair of extensions 772 can extend laterally outward from central segment 770. Hinges 754b, disposed substantially collinearly with the longitudinal edges of tray 750, can allow extensions 772 to bend out of the plane of tray 750. Furthermore, extensions 772 may be coupleable to each other by any coupling means, including fasteners or structures defined in extensions 772. In some exemplary embodiments, a first extension 772 may include a hooked tab 774 that is receivable within a slit 776 defined in a second extension 772.

In some exemplary embodiments, a single extension 772 can extend laterally outward from central segment 770 and be hingedly coupled thereto via a hinge 754b. The hinge 754b can allow the single extension 772 to bend above the plane of tray 750. The single extension 772 can have a length sufficient to allow extension 772 to be further bent such that the distal end of extension 772 can couple to a portion of central segment 770, for example to the bottom surface thereof. Coupling can be facilitated by any coupling means, including fasteners or structures defined in extension 772 and central segment 770.

In operation, the user can position the pair of extensions 772 so as to couple the extensions to each other, or to couple the single extension 772 to a portion of central segment 770. This can create a handle 778 above the plane of tray 750. The handle 778 can allow the user to hold tray 750 without contacting the food disposed thereon. This can allow tray 750 to be used as a standalone incremental eating tool, without a container.

An eight exemplary embodiment of tray 850 is shown in FIG. 8. In the exemplary embodiment, tray 850 may be segmented into substantially rectangular segments 852. Hinges 854a, which may be provided as perforations, can extend substantially transversely and inwardly from hinges 854a, defining partitions between segments 852. For each segment 852, a tab 860 may be defined by of hinges 854a and perforations 854c. The tab 860 may thus be hingedly and removably coupled to the segment 852, as well as removably coupled to an adjacent segment 852. This can allow the user to either tear off a segment 852 and tab 860 along hinge 854a, so as to create a substantially linear edge, or tear off a segment 852 along perforations 854c, so as to create a tab 860 extending from the next segment 852.

An end wall 864 may be hingedly attached to a segment 852 at second end 858. End wall 864 may be provided with tabs 863 for connecting to flaps 868 of an adjacent segment 852, so as to facilitate forming a cup when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional shape.

Hinges 854b can extend substantially longitudinally between the transverse edges of tray 850. Hinges 854b can partition each segment 852 into a central portion 866 and flaps 868. Flaps 868 can extending laterally outward from each corresponding segment 852. While each flap 868 can be attached to a segment 852, each flap 868 can also be separated from any neighboring flaps 868. The separations may be defined by cuts 855c extending between hinges 854b and the longitudinal edges of tray 850.

Hinges 854b can facilitate bending and positioning the flaps such that flaps 868 can also extend vertically above the plane of tray 850. Bending and positioning the flaps in such a manner can allow tray 850 to fit within the interior cavity of the container. When tray 850 is removed from the interior cavity of the container, flaps 868 can flatten out so as to provide a larger support area for the food on tray 850.

FIGS. 9a-9c show another exemplary embodiment of a container 902. Container 902 may be used with any embodiments of the trays disclosed herein, as well as with any embodiments of the trays disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/780,090, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Container 902 may have a generally elongated configuration and may include a sleeve 920 and a bag portion 932.

Sleeve 920 may be formed from any desired material, for example, any suitable polymer or paper-based product. Sleeve 920 may include a first end 922 and a second end 924. The outer edge of first end 922 may have a scalloped shape, while the outer edge of second end 924 may be substantially straight.

First end 924 may be selectively closeable by end wall 926. End wall 926 may be hingedly coupled to sleeve 920. End wall 926 may further include a tab 930 for ease of bending end wall 926 so as to open first end 922. Furthermore, end wall 926 may be detachably coupled to sleeve 920, for example by provision of perforations 928. Tab 930 can also allow the user to easily detach end wall 926 from sleeve 920.

Sleeve 920 may have any desired shape and cross-section, and may be sized so as to allow a tray to be easily withdrawn through the opening created by bending and/or detaching end wall 926. Furthermore, the scalloped edge of first end 922 can provide the user with a convenient “bite line” for consuming the food on a tray disposed within container 902.

An exemplary blank for sleeve 920 is shown in FIG. 9b. The blank may include a first portion 980, hingedly coupled to a second portion 982. Hinged coupling between portions 980, 982 may be provided by a hinge line 984 extending longitudinally between portions 980 and 982.

First portion 980 may be used to form a first sidewall 986a of sleeve 920 as well as end wall 926. Second portion 982 may be used to form a second sidewall 986b of sleeve 920. A tab 983 extending from second portion 982 may be adhered to a portion of first portion 980 so as to form a substantially tubular structure for sleeve 920. To facilitate forming the end wall 926, a first longitudinal end of first portion 980 may have an outwardly arcuate edge. Hinge line 990 provided in first portion 980 may have an inwardly arcuate shape substantially mirroring that of the edge of the first longitudinal end, and may serve to provide a hinged coupling between the first sidewall 986a and the end wall 926 of cap 912. The hinged coupling can allow end wall 926 to be moved between an open position and a closed position. Furthermore, hinge line 990 may be provided as perforations, allowing end wall 926 to be detachable from sidewall 986a.

Hinge lines 992 extending longitudinally along portions 980, 982 can partition each sidewall 986 into sections 994a, 994b, 994c. Additionally, hinge lines 992 can partition end walls 926 into three sections 996a, 996b, 996c so as to allow end wall 926 to bend inwardly to conform to the scalloped shape of the first end of sleeve 920.

It should be appreciated that the above-described blank for sleeve 920 should not be construed as limiting, and that sleeve 920 may have any desired shape, and be formed from any desired material, that enable container 902 to function as disclosed herein.

Bag portion 932 may be coupled to sleeve 920 and may be formed from a sheet of polyethylene or other suitable polymer. In some exemplary embodiments, bag portion 932 may be transparent. The polymer sheet may be folded and coupled to itself, so as to form a substantially tubular enclosure. The tubular enclosure may be sized and shaped so as to receive a tray therein. The polymer sheet may be coupled to itself, by any known manner, so as to form a longitudinal seal 934 and a transverse seal 936, thereby forming a closed end 938 disposed opposite sleeve 920.

In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9c, bag portion 932 may be coupled to sleeve 920 so as to leave first end 920 exposed. Container 902 may then be opened by detaching end wall 926 from sleeve 920. In other exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9d, sleeve 920 may not include an end wall 926, with bag portion 932 being coupled to and passing through sleeve 920. In such exemplary embodiments, bag portion 932 may be further sealed by a second transverse seal 940. Perforations 942 may be provided proximate second transverse seal 940. Container 902 may then be opened by detaching second transverse seal 940 so as to expose the first end 924 of sleeve 920, so as to provide access to the interior of container 902. Seals 934, 936 940 may be air-impermeable so as to preserve the contents of container 902.

The configuration of container 902 allows it to be easily adaptable to an assembly line food packaging arrangement. Furthermore, container 902 is formed from cost-effective materials that are easily adaptable to the disclosed configuration and that facilitate preservation of the food disposed within container 902. Container 902 thus provides a convenient solution for pre-packaging and distribution of food.

The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An incremental eating tool, comprising:

a tray having a first end and a second end, the tray being transversely subdivided into a plurality of segments, each segment being hingedly attached to at least one adjacent segment, each segment further including at least one tab extending therefrom.

2. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, further comprising a container for receiving the tray.

3. The incremental eating tool of claim 2, wherein the container further comprises at least one sidewall enclosing an interior cavity having an open end, the tray being receivable within the container.

4. The incremental eating tool of claim 2, wherein the container further comprises:

a sleeve having at least one sidewall, a selectively closeable end, and an open end; and

a bag portion coupled to the sleeve and having an open end and a closed end, the open end of the bag portion being in communication with the open end of the cap.

5. The incremental eating tool of claim 4, wherein the bag portion is formed from a single sheet.

6. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, the tray further comprising a end wall coupled to an end of the tray.

7. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, wherein each segment further comprises a cutout for receiving a tab of an adjacent segment.

8. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, wherein each segment is detachable from at least one adjacent segment.

9. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab is detachable from the segment.

10. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab further comprises a depression defined therein.

11. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, the tray further comprising a sleeve.

12. The incremental eating tool of claim 1, wherein each segment further comprises at least one flap extending laterally therefrom.

13. A blank, comprising:

a sheet of material having a first end a second end; and

a plurality of segments disposed between the first end and the second end, the segments transversely subdividing the blank, each segment being attached to at least one adjacent segment by at least one hinge, each segment further including at least one tab extending therefrom.

14. The blank of claim 13, wherein the at least one hinge includes perforations.

15. The blank of claim 13, wherein each segment further comprises a cutout for receiving a tab of an adjacent segment.

16. The blank of claim 13, wherein each segment is detachable from at least one adjacent segment.

17. The blank of claim 13, wherein the at least one tab is detachable from the segment.

18. The blank of claim 13, wherein the at least one tab further comprises a depression defined therein.

19. The blank of claim 13, further comprising a central segment, the central segment including at least one extension extending laterally therefrom.

20. The blank of claim 13, wherein each segment further comprises at least one flap extending laterally therefrom.

21. The blank of claim 20, wherein the flap is separated from a flap of an adjacent segment by a slit.

22. A method of incremental eating, comprising:

providing a tray having a first end and a second end, the tray being transversely subdivided into a plurality of segments, each segment being hingedly attached to at least one adjacent segment, each segment further including at least one tab extending therefrom;

supporting food items on the tray; and

consuming a portion of the food items disposed on at least one segment of the tray.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising bending at least one segment below the plane of the tray, the at least one segment being a segment on which food items are not supported.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising detaching at least one segment from the tray, the at least one segment being a segment on which food items are not supported.

25. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing a container for receiving the tray.

26. The method of claim 22, further comprising holding the tray by a handle coupled thereto.

27. A container for an incremental eating tool, comprising:

a sleeve having at least one sidewall and an open end; and

a bag portion coupled to the cap and having an open end, the open end of the bag portion being in communication with the open end of the cap.

28. The container of claim 27, wherein the bag portion is formed from a single sheet.

29. The container of claim 27, wherein the selectively closeable end is closeable by an end wall hingedly coupled to the cap.

30. The container of claim 29, wherein the end wall is detachable from the cap.