Durable Food Cover

Abstract

An article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover is disclosed. The durable food cover includes multiple shaped enclosure for protecting items of food, a durable mesh-like airflow food cover, a dome-shaped top having a ring handle coupled to a top surface, an adjustable lattice framework supporting the durable mesh-like airflow food cover, and an opening to permit access within the enclosure. The adjustable lattice framework includes one or more levels of orientation coupled to the durable mesh-like airflow food cover for suspending the food cover above the food items, a plurality of support arm forming the dome-shaped top, and a plurality of side support arms configured to couple together forming the multiple shaped enclosure. Each of the one or more level having one or more side walls of the durable mesh-like airflow food cover from the dome-shaped top to a base.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing food cover, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover.

BACKGROUND

During food preparation and while it is being served, some parts of a meal are waiting to be used or served, typically in a bowl or container that is open to the air. While these food items are waiting to be used, they need to be protected from flying insects, dust, particulates, and the like, especially when sitting at a barbecue, parties, tabletops, and on kitchen counters and islands. In order for the fruits and foods to be accessible and yet protected in all of these locations, a cover is needed that is lightweight, adjustable up to plurality of heights, washable and easily dried, easy to fold down into a small size for storage, and easy enough to unfold and safely place on flat surfaces such as kitchen counters, islands, tabletops, and any catered engagements. Providing a combination of adequate protection, light weight, and ease of use is typically not found in existing devices and methods.

Therefore, a need exists for an article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover. The present invention attempts to address the limitations and deficiencies in prior solutions according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by providing an article of manufacture for a soft-sided durable food cover according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the present invention is an article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover. The durable food cover includes multiple shaped enclosure for protecting items of food, a durable mesh-like airflow food cover, a dome-shaped top having a ring handle coupled to a top surface, an adjustable lattice framework supporting the durable mesh-like airflow food cover, and an opening to permit access within the enclosure.

In another aspect of the present invention, the adjustable lattice framework includes one or more levels of orientation coupled to the durable mesh-like airflow food cover for suspending the food cover above the food items.

In another aspect of the present invention, the adjustable lattice framework further includes a plurality of support arm forming the dome-shaped top, and a plurality of side support arms configured to couple together forming the multiple shaped enclosure.

In another aspect of the present invention, each of the one or more level having one or more side walls of the durable mesh-like airflow food cover from the dome-shaped top to a base.

In another aspect of the present invention, the opening to the multiple shaped enclosure is on a bottom surface of the durable food cover.

In another aspect of the present invention, the plurality of support arm forming pivot about a center point attached to the ring handle for folding the durable food cover into a closed orientation.

In another aspect of the present invention, the multiple shaped enclosure comprises one of the following shapes: square, rectangular, round, oval, and pyramid.

In another aspect of the present invention, the adjustable lattice framework comprises a pair of arching and stretchable support members coupled to an inside surface of the durable mesh-like airflow food cover. The pair of arching and stretchable support members support the durable mesh-like airflow food cover to form the multiple shaped enclosure when in a popped up configuration.

In another aspect of the present invention, the opening to the multiple shaped enclosure is located along a top surface of the durable mesh-like airflow food cover. The opening being configured to be opened and closed with a flap of the durable mesh-like airflow food cover on opposite sides of the opening engage each other.

In another aspect of the present invention, the opposite sides of the flap in the durable mesh-like airflow food cover couple together using a closing device comprising a zipper, one or more snaps, a pair of magnets, and mating Velcro™ fabric.

In another aspect of the present invention, the durable food cover further comprises a bottom surface of material forming an inner surface within the multiple shaped enclosure.

In another aspect of the present invention, the pair of stretchable supports 202a-b are made of semi-rigid support members connected together with elastic or bungie cord material.

In another aspect of the present invention, the durable mesh-like airflow food cover comprises fabric made of natural and synthetic material.

In another aspect of the present invention, the fabric comprises cotton, silk, polyester, nylon, and silicone materials.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It also should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2a-d illustrate a second example embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover according to the present invention.

FIGS. 3a-b illustrate a third example embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover according to the present invention.

FIGS. 4a-e illustrate a fifth example embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing food cover, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover according to the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a needle” includes reference to one or more of such needles and “etching” includes one or more of such steps. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

The terms “diner” and “user” refer to an entity, e.g., a human, using a soft-sided durable food cover associated with the invention. The term user herein refers to one or more users.

The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the invention being applied for via the patent application with the title “Durable Food Cover.” Invention may be used interchangeably with cover.

In general, the present disclosure relates to an article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover. To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover according to the present invention. The Durable Food Cover I 00_is suitable for use to protect fruits and foods from flying insects, dust, and particulates. The design is lightweight, adjustable up to plurality of heights, washable and dries in minutes, easy to fold down into a small size for storage, and easy enough to unfold and safely place on flat surfaces such as kitchen counters, islands, tabletops, and any catered engagements. This is a portable device designed to be used at barbecues, parties, and other events to protect food while leaving the dishes easy to access.

This durable airflow food cover 100 is designed to have multiple shapes such as square, rectangular, and round. All shapes have a dome design with a ring handle 103 used to place the unit in desired position. A durable airflow food cover 100 is adjustable into a plurality of increments with each increment measuring 2.5 inches. A range of openings on opposing sides, with magnetic strips or similar closing devices, provide easy access and immediate closure after each usage. The Durable Food Cover 100 is made from a hollow lattice framework 102a-b and mesh-like silicone material 101 to provide even airflow and is height-adjustable and lightweight for easy portability. The mesh-like silicone material 101 may be made using many different natural and synthetic materials including cotton, silk, polyester, nylon and the like. The mesh-like silicone material 101 typically does not provide an insulating layer as its use to cover fruits that are kept at a room temperature do not need insulation.

FIGS. 2a-d illustrate a second example embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover according to the present invention. FIG. 2a shows a second embodiment of a durable cover 200 that pops up from a flat configuration in FIG. 2b into a free-standing cover. The Durable Food Cover 200 utilizes a pair of stretchable supports 202a-b that are configured in an arching arrangement that provide a framework to hold the cover material 201 in place and create an internal volume in which the fruits and food may be placed.

The pair of stretchable supports 202a-b are made of semi-rigid support members connected together with elastic or bungie cord material. The semi-rigid members may be separated to allow the cover 200 to collapse down onto itself for compact storage. When the pair of stretchable supports 202a-b are pulled upward, the connecting elastic or bungie cord material stretches and then pulls the semi-rigid members together to create a support frame for the covering material 201. A flap 204 is provided in the covering material 201 that opens, as shown in FIG. 2d, to allow a user to reach into the Durable Food Cover 100 to place fruits and food items within the cover and to remove the items when needed. The flap 204 and opening 211 joins together to form a closing seam. The edges of the flap 204 and the opening 211 may include attachment mechanisms such as magnets, Velcro™, snaps, and similar devices to easily open and close the flap 204 when needed. These same attachment items also permit the flap 204 to be closed again when it is not needed.

As shown in FIG. 2c, the Durable Food Cover 100 utilizes a base ring member 202b to define a base upon which the durable airflow food cover 100 may rest. The stretchable support member 202a rises upward and downward about the flap 204 and corresponding opening 211 to provide the rising support members to hold the cover material 201 above the fruit and food inside.

FIGS. 3a-c illustrate a third example embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover according to the present invention. FIG. 3a shows a third embodiment of a Durable Food Cover 300 according to the present invention. The cover 300 is constructed roughly in the shape of a square or rectangle defined by a set of four support arms 302a-d that are joined in a center point with a connecting ring 303. Outward ends of the set of four support arms 302a-d may include a corner or arching member to direct the cover material downward at the edges of the cover 300.

The cover material 301 attaches to the underside of the four support arms to provide a top cover surface between the set of four support arms 302a-d. The cover material 301 also may provide side panels 331a-d and 332a-d when unfolded.

FIG. 3b shows a top portion of the Durable Food Cover 300 being lifted upward exposing a pair of side wall panels 331a-d and 332a-d falling downward from the set of four support arms 302a-d. A sets of side support members 311a-d and 312a-d are attached to the sides of the side wall panels 331a-d and 332a-d to provide support to hold the cover 300 in a deployed orientation. A pair of side support members 311a-d, 312a-d are attached between each of the side wall panels 331a-d, 332a-d at the corners of the Durable Food Cover 300. Each pair of side support members 311a-d, 312a-d engage each other to create a single upward support corner when deployed. Each pair of side support members 311a-d, 312a-d may be connected together using an elastic or bungie cord material to pull and hold them together. Alternatively, each pair of side support members 311a-d, 312a-d may mechanically engage each other to be deployed and separated to fold the Durable Food Cover 300 into a compact form when not in use.

FIGS. 4a-e illustrate a fourth example embodiment of an article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover according to the present invention. FIG. 4a shows a fully deployed cover 400 with four sets of side wall panels 411a-d, 412a-d, 413a-d, 414a-d. These four sets of side wall panels 411a-d, 412a-d, 413a-d, 414a-d are coupled to sets of corner side support members similar to the ones disclosed above in reference to FIG. 3. As with FIG. 3, the Durable Food Cover 400 is constructed using a set of four support arms 402a-d connected together at a center ring 403.

FIG. 4b shows the Durable Food Cover 400 in its compact storage configuration. The set of four support arms 402a-d are pushed together as each rotates about the center ring 403 until they are adjacent to each other. The cover material 401 is hanging downward in between each of the four support arms 402a-d. FIG. 4c shows the beginning of the deployment of the cover 400 as the set of four support arms 402a-d are beginning to rotate outward from each other around the center ring 403. FIG. 4c shows one of the set of four support arms 402a deployed. FIG. 4d shows three of the set of four support arms 402a, d and b-d in a deployed position. FIG. 4e shows all four of the set of four support arms 402a-d deployed. As each of four support arms 402a-d is deployed, the cover material between each of the support arms is stretched outward to form the cover material of the top of the Durable Food Cover 400. The side walls may be deployed downward once the set of four support arms 402a-d has been deployed. The legs or poles are telescoped for adjustability, so the length of the legs can be shortened for storage. The center ring is used to pull up the cord that is attached to the poles at the top of the cover to hold and support framework of the cover. The center ring when depressed, folds down cover by releasing the tension on the cord and break in the 45 degrees angle of the legs.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the present application, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In other words, any of the features mentioned in this application may be included in this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow the functionality required for the desired operations.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. An article of manufacture for providing a soft-sided durable food cover, the durable food cover comprises:

multiple shaped enclosure for protecting items of food;

a durable mesh-like airflow food cover;

a dome-shaped top having a ring handle coupled to a top surface;

an adjustable lattice framework supporting the durable mesh-like airflow food cover; and

an opening to permit access within the enclosure.

2. The durable food cover according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable lattice framework comprises one or more levels of orientation coupled to the durable mesh-like airflow food cover for suspending the food cover above the food items.

3. The durable food cover according to claim 2, wherein the adjustable lattice framework further comprises:

a plurality of support arm forming the dome-shaped top; and

a plurality of side support arms configured to couple together forming the multiple shaped enclosure.

4. The durable food cover according to claim 2, wherein each of the one or more level having one or more side walls of the durable mesh-like airflow food cover from the dome-shaped top to a base.

5. The durable food cover according to claim 4, wherein the opening to the multiple shaped enclosure is on a bottom surface of the durable food cover.

6. The durable food cover according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of support arm forming pivot about a center point attached to the ring handle for folding the durable food cover into a closed orientation.

7. The durable food cover according to claim 2, wherein the multiple shaped enclosure comprises one of the following shapes: square, rectangular, round, oval, and pyramid.

8. The durable food cover according to claim 2, wherein the adjustable lattice framework comprises a pair of arching and stretchable support members coupled to an inside surface of the durable mesh-like airflow food cover, the pair of arching and stretchable support members support the durable mesh-like airflow food cover to form the multiple shaped enclosure when in a popped up configuration.

9. The durable food cover according to claim 8, wherein the opening to the multiple shaped enclosure is located along a top surface of the durable mesh-like airflow food cover, the opening being configured to be opened and closed with a flap of the durable mesh-like airflow food cover on opposite sides of the opening engage each other.

10. The durable food cover according to claim 9, wherein the opposite sides of the flap in the durable mesh-like airflow food cover couple together using a closing device comprising a zipper, one or more snaps, a pair of magnets, and mating Velcro™ fabric.

11. The durable food cover according to claim 9, wherein the durable food cover further comprises a bottom surface of material forming an inner surface within the multiple shaped enclosure.

12. The durable food cover according to claim 11, wherein the pair of stretchable supports 202a-b are made of semi-rigid support members connected together with elastic or bungie cord material.

13. The durable food cover according to claim 2, wherein the durable mesh-like airflow food cover comprises fabric made of natural and synthetic materials.

14. The durable food cover according to claim 13, wherein the fabric comprises cotton, silk, polyester, nylon, and silicone materials.