Configured For Use As A Food Service Tray Patents (Class 220/556)
  • Patent number: 10974868
    Abstract: A container lid and base assembly includes lid and base stacking features, as well as base chamfers that align with vents provided in the lid. When a plurality of the container assemblies is stacked, the lid and base stacking features nest with each other, while the chamfers align with corresponding vents in the stacked assemblies so that none of the vents is blocked by a next-higher container assembly. The stacking features can be centrally located, and the vents can be peripherally located. A plurality of the container assemblies can have differing sizes and/or shapes, while including mutually compatible stacking features, thereby enabling container assemblies of differing sizes to be stacked without blocking any of the vents thereof. The vents can be holes or “C” vents. The lid and/or base can be manufacturable by thermoforming. The lid and base can be separate, or joined by a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Waddington North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell L Simms, II
  • Patent number: 10689146
    Abstract: An oriental food takeout box and plate assembly and method of folding provides a unitary body, which is interchangeable between a planar eating surface configuration and a takeout box configuration along a folding and unfolding path. The takeout box configuration is defined by two opposing side faces with each side face forming at least one side container aperture, two opposing lateral faces, an enclosed bottom face, an inner upper face opposing the enclosed bottom face and defining two parallel spaced-apart slits forming a loop, and an outer upper face defining a loop aperture with the loop protruding therethrough. At least one utensil passes through the loop to fasten the outer upper face to inner upper face, so as to retain the unitary body in the takeout box configuration. Side container apertures form in the side faces to retain side containers that contains a condiment for consuming with the oriental food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Chadrick Deon Hugley
  • Patent number: 9216849
    Abstract: A plastic container includes a first portion including an outwardly extending peripheral flange and a second portion including an outwardly extending peripheral flange. The first portion and the second portion define a container volume. The plastic container also includes a hinge joining the peripheral flange of the first portion and the peripheral flange of the second portion. The hinge includes a pivot line and two arcuate segments proximate to respective ends of the pivot line. The pivot line is tangent the peripheral flange of the first portion and tangent to at least a portion of each arcuate segment. The flange of the first portion can extend further than the flange of the second portion proximate each end of the pivot line to create a seamless periphery about the hinge relative to a periphery of the first portion when the container is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Inline Plastics Corp.
    Inventors: Steven Pham, Thomas Iaquinto
  • Patent number: 8985379
    Abstract: A beverage container holder is provided, consisting of an elongated body having a planar upper support surface having alternative engagement mechanisms on opposing ends thereof. At one end an aperture is formed, having an elongated ledge-like support that extends downwardly to a horizontally-extending terminus that underlies a portion of the aperture to receive and retain a beverage container—both cylindrical and goblet-shaped. At an opposing end and at a midpoint of the planar upper support surface, a pair of apertures cooperates with the thumb and fingers of a user's hand, to position and secure a food plate against an upper surface of the beverage container holder. The thumb and fingers extend through the apertures from a position below the holder, and in gripping the food plate, the user is also grasping the holder—which in turn may be carrying a beverage container held within the beverage-receiving aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald G. Evans
  • Patent number: 8960467
    Abstract: A lunch box assembly having a main housing having a lid rotatably, hingedly attached to a base to provide access to an opened interior of one or more compartments is disclosed. The lid can have ferrously magnetic material and recesses to accept magnets. The magnets can be shaped to fit the recesses. The base can have compartments aligned with corresponding compartments in the lid. The base and the lid can form one or more closed food storage compartments that separate the contents from the neighboring compartments. A latch on the base and lid can produce a clamping force on a small lidded container or containers placed in one or more of the compartments. The clamping force can clamp the lidded container closed and prevent leakage of fluids in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: PlanetBox, LLC
    Inventors: Robert H. J. Miros, Caroline S. Miros
  • Patent number: 8960480
    Abstract: A clamshell-style food container having a beverage holder that can also act as a closure mechanism for securing the container in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the food container also has multiple compartments for separating food items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald Clark
  • Patent number: 8844752
    Abstract: A food plate comprising a first surface, a second surface, and an edge, wherein at least the first surface or each of the first surface and the second surface has a slope, which optionally comprises at least one depression at the bottom of the slope and adjacent to the edge, wherein (i) at least each portion of the edge that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope forms a rim or (ii) substantially all or all of the edge forms a rim and at least each portion of the rim that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope is pronounced or more pronounced than a portion of the rim that is not adjacent to the bottom of the slope; an adapter for a conventional food plate comprising a graduated, optionally flexible, rim, which, upon attachment to the food plate, causes the food-bearing side of the food plate to have a slope; a method of making a food plate; and a method of making an adapter for a conventional food plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Seth Sirota, Michele Sirota
  • Patent number: 8833595
    Abstract: A package for food products, including a cup (2) adapted to contain a food substance and a sealing member (6) applied to the mouth profile of the cup and in combination a take-up member (12) for taking up the food substance, such as a spatula or the like. The base wall (8) of the cup (2) has a depression (10) wherein the eating member (12) is housed and wherein the package includes a laminar member (14) applied to cover the depression (10) and the eating member (12); preferably, the laminar member (14) has on its face facing toward the eating member (12) a peripheral region (20) having an adhesive, which allows its fastening by adhesion to at least a portion of the wall of the cup (2) adjacent to the depression (10) and an internal non-adhesive region (16) overlying the eating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Soremartec S.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Raballo
  • Publication number: 20140238982
    Abstract: There is provided a sealing sectioned container assembly including recessed compartments. The sectioned container assembly comprises a sectioned container comprising a container platform, wherein the container platform includes a downward facing lip at its edges and a plurality of inlaid compartments in the container platform, wherein the plurality inlaid compartments extend in a direction of the downward facing lip, and wherein the plurality of inlaid compartments extends past the downward facing lip. Additionally, the container may comprise an attachable lid for sealing each of the plurality of compartments and an attachable cushion, using fabric hook and loop attachment straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Michele Dabney-Wiggs
  • Patent number: 8746456
    Abstract: A food and/or beverage tray includes a tray body portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, a first portion of the lower surface of the tray body portion configured to rest on the forearm of the user, a second portion of the lower surface of the tray body portion configured to rest on the hand of the user; a notch provided in a first end of the tray body portion, the notch configured to receive a cross-sectional portion of an arm of the user near the elbow; and at least one finger aperture disposed through the tray body portion, the at least one finger aperture configured to accommodate a finger of the hand of the user, the at least one finger aperture being located proximate to a second end of the tray body portion that is disposed generally opposite to the first end of the tray body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Joseph Bradley
  • Patent number: 8720734
    Abstract: A food serving plate with features that cooperatively interact with utensils to provide fun assistance to children with their effort to load food onto their utensils. The features on the plate include either or both of: a vertically slotted ramp that accepts the tines of an eating utensil, such as a fork, which allows a person to load food onto the utensil by pushing the food up the ramp and then sliding the utensil under the food when it has reached sufficient height; and a ramp with a nested depression that accepts the leading perimeter contours of a utensil with a food-receiving bowl, such as a spoon, which allows a person to load food onto the utensil by positioning the utensil within the nested depression and by pushing the food up the ramp and over the nested depression with a second utensil with a blunt profile, such as a pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Carter T. Malcolm, Jacqueline K. Malcolm
  • Patent number: 8662340
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for increasing portion control in a diet. In one illustrative embodiment, the portion control device includes a cover member sized to cover at least a portion of an eating surface of a plate. The cover member may include a first surface having one or more openings therein defined by an opening perimeter. One or more compartment walls may be attached to the first surface adjacent to the perimeter of the one or more openings and may extend a distance therefrom. The openings and the compartment walls may define a portion compartment that may help to manage, and in some cases, measure, portions of food. Additionally, in some embodiments, the compartments may have labels indicating the food group to be placed therein to help achieve a balanced diet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Patricia Cocchiarella
    Inventor: Patricia Cocchiarella
  • Patent number: 8540074
    Abstract: A reusable multi-functional pad/filtration device for providing an easy and unique way to absorb fluids from raw, thawed, or cooked foods. The device features two outer layers that sandwich two middle layers and an absorbent gasket. The gasket is positioned between the two middle layers. Borders are disposed on each side edge of the device. The device may be used in combination with a holding system that includes a base and a serving tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Lewis Matthews, III
  • Publication number: 20130153578
    Abstract: A tray body fabricated of a molded cardboard material defines a generally rectangular recess having at least one support member extending downwardly. The tray body further defines a center cup receptacle having a receptacle wall extending downwardly beyond tray body. A pair of side receptacles is formed on the opposing end of the recess. A pair of middles receptacles is formed in the center of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Denny Mansell
  • Publication number: 20130140314
    Abstract: Improvements introduced in a sealed recipient to accommodate food products with one or more compartments, more precisely, it is a sealed recipient (1) to accommodate food products in general, mainly, of the type of frozen fruit pulp (P); being said sealed recipient (1) configured in a single piece, conforming one structural cup (2) of flat base (2a), with at least one compartment to accommodate (C1) respective food products, mainly frozen fruit pulps (P); each compartment (C1) is developed from the flat base (2a) so as to reach the trimming peripheral border (2b), which is conformed by a reverser neck (2c) conforming a side wall (2d); the flat top portion (2e) of the border (2b) receives the sealing (3), on its turn, configured by an opaque or translucid blade (3a), the compartmenting of said recipient (1) may vary depending on the needs of final volume and on the individual characteristics of each pulp accommodated (P), and may vary between one and eight compartments (C1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Marcos Roberto Pinotti
  • Patent number: 8331877
    Abstract: A wireless serving tray including a support base having an ergonomic handle attached to the support base along a central longitudinal axis of the support base lower surface, a plurality of drink buttons disposed on the handle that wirelessly operationally engage a central processing unit which wirelessly communicate with a kitchen unit to order drinks, a trigger that selectively opens an aperture within the support base into which tip coins may be inserted and which pass into a reservoir beneath the support base, and a gap between the handle and lower surface of the support base through which a user passes his forearm to grasp the handle, thereby balancing the support base of the tray, as well as a U-shaped stabilizer member against which the user braces his inner elbow to further balance the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher P. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8196771
    Abstract: A portable organizer for a food product, such as hot dogs or sausages, related food items such as buns, and related utensil and condiments, that is compact and easily carried. The organizer comprises a base and a lid, the base having a plurality of rows of compartments for food products and condiments. The organizer also has drawers for storing utensils. The organizer is of an appropriate size and made of an appropriate material to be stored in a cooler and may also have wheels and be used as a rolling serving tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Joanne Gathings
  • Patent number: 8083090
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for increasing portion control in a diet. In one illustrative embodiment, the portion control device includes a cover member sized to cover at least a portion of an eating surface of a plate. The cover member may include a first surface having one or more openings therein defined by an opening perimeter. One or more compartment walls may be attached to the first surface adjacent to the perimeter of the one or more openings and may extend a distance therefrom. The openings and the compartment walls may define a portion compartment that may help to manage, and in some cases, measure, portions of food. Additionally, in some embodiments, the compartments may have labels indicating the food group to be placed therein to help achieve a balanced diet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Patricia Cocchiarella
  • Publication number: 20110302953
    Abstract: A food service system is formed using a plurality of units capable of being interlocked together in a variety of customizable configurations. The units of the food service system include a food service bar with buffet pan chillers, a work table, a cashier station, and variety of connecting pieces for linking each of the units together. The food service bar comprises a sneeze guard that protects the food contained within the bar on three sides and can be broken down and folded down and into itself when the bar is being transported or stored. The buffet pan chillers are double sided and configured such that when frozen, may accommodate a shallow food pan on one side and then flipped over to accommodate a deep food pan on the other side while still maintaining the same serving height. Each unit is configured to receive multiple sizes of wheels or casters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: CAMBRO MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: Larry Maddux
  • Publication number: 20110210119
    Abstract: A clamshell-style food container having a beverage holder that can also act as a closure mechanism for securing the container in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the food container also has multiple compartments for separating food items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald Clark
  • Patent number: 7992714
    Abstract: A toddler food tray assembly includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. The panel has a plurality of apertures therein extending through the top and bottom sides. The perimeter edge has a front edge. A plurality of sleeves is provided. Each of the sleeves has a closed lower end and an upper edge defining an access opening. Each of the apertures has a peripheral edge that is attached to and coextensive with one of the upper edges of the sleeves. The sleeves each extend downwardly from the panel. A plurality of food supporting members is provided. Each of the food holding supporting members has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. Each of the bottom walls includes a mount that is extendable into one of the sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventors: Diane M. Devault, Steven E. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7874449
    Abstract: A thermoformed dispensing container comprises a plastic tray with a dispensing cavity having side walls that include a circular radial side wall portion with a gap, and a disc-shaped thermoformed plastic lid positioned for rotation within the circular radial side wall portion of the tray, the lid having side walls that include a door. The dispensing container can be placed in an open condition by rotating the lid to align the door of the lid with the gap of the tray, or in a closed position by moving the door of the lid away from the gap of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Plastic Ingenuity, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Studee, Robert G. LaMasney
  • Patent number: 7735674
    Abstract: A sealed food box includes a cover and a body. On the lower end face of the cover, there are grooves, which envelope the edges of the mouth. The inner walls of the grooves are fastened together with the inner side of the mouth by locking fasteners. A convex block on its outer wall inwardly presses the outer side of the mouth, firmly holding the cover and the body together. The inside of the body is divided into several partitions. The outside of the edges of the cover are provided with an opening lug and “Unused” mark. This product provides enhanced compression strength and sealing performance, prevents the outflow of food liquid and the influences of food with each other, and also avoids repeated use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Cangyang Cai
  • Patent number: 7718924
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple-compartment insulated food tray and lid for storage and service. The insulated food trays allow for two or more stacked strays to be mechanically unified using the weight of the top tray on the bottom tray in any orientation where the weight of the second tray remains on the first tray. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a polymer with foam and blowing agents are used during the molding process to create in a first phase a hard shell in contact with the mold. In a second phase, insulation is created in the hard shell by thermal treatment and expansion of the residual polymer inserted in the mold. In a third embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulated food trays, when stacked, can be placed in a nondiscriminatory arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Claffy
  • Publication number: 20100108686
    Abstract: A two cell cup for a cup holder is provided. The two cell cup includes a first cavity housing, a second cavity housing and a first rim. The first cavity housing forms a first cavity with a first opening. The second cavity housing forms a second cavity with a second opening. The first rim is generally circular in shape. Moreover, the first rim partially defines the first and second openings to the first and second cavities. The first and second openings of the first and second cavities are located within the first rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Craig A. Reichel
  • Patent number: 7591391
    Abstract: The Invention is a tray for serving a beverage in a nightclub or tavern. A tray body defines a reservoir adapted to contain a beverage. A reservoir aperture communicates through the tray body and is controlled by a valve. A dispensing opening is defined by the bottom side of the tray body and aligns the drinking vessel with the reservoir aperture. The valve is actuated when a drinking vessel is placed in engagement with the dispensing opening. A plurality of drinking vessel receptacles located on the top side of the tray are adapted to support drinking vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20090206092
    Abstract: The present invention is food container assembly comprising, a container having a food compartment, a semi-flexible sheet fitted within the container, a doily attached to one edge of the semi-flexible sheet with the opposite edge attached to the container and one or more moistened towelettes or sanitizing agent sealed within an airtight enclosure affixed to the flexible sheet. The doily is folded in a manner that maintains the doily under the flexible sheet and away from the food such that when the flexible sheet is withdrawn from the container the doily is extended across an eating or food preparation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Patricia N. ERBERICH
  • Patent number: 7552840
    Abstract: A disposable plate for carrying and serving food is disclosed. One particular aspect of the invention includes a plate with a substantially circular food-contact area with a substantially oval rim periphery. The rim is formed to make the plate easy to hold, with grooves adapted to accommodate fingers and/or thumbs. The present invention may be designed to segment the food storage areas of the plate into multiple compartments by using a divider wall. Also, the food-contact area can be slightly domed to force food to shift to the outer portion of the food-contact area and inhibit the food from slipping to the middle of the plate, thus keeping the plate center from sagging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: John Stewart Gitschlag, Stephen Alan Smith, James Tam Joines, Jr., Kimberly Vaile Healy, Warren Giles Wiedmeyer, Bryce G. Rutter, John Howard Loudenslager, Ryan J. Bruce, Brian C. Bone, Jan R. Stillerman
  • Patent number: 7542910
    Abstract: A food and drinks serving tray is created to include two separate areas for drinks and glassware. The separate areas are formed by an outer rim and inner rim which partially or fully prevents spillage on or off of the tray. The food and drinks serving tray includes a billfold drawer and a coin reservoir to collect and conceal a waitress' cash payment for the orders she takes. A handle can be added to the underside of the tray for easy tray handling. The food and drinks serving tray can be manufactured of different materials and have different shades of color. In addition, the food and drinks serving tray has a flat base surface which can be manufactured to come in different shapes such as a circle or rectangle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventors: Desiree Kellough, Lenora Kellough
  • Publication number: 20090120832
    Abstract: A tray for holding multiple baby food, baby food jars, containers, plates, bowls and cups designed to be held with one hand by inserting the thumb of a user through a centrally located hole in the tray and using the remaining fingers on the bottom of the tray as support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Debbie Munden
  • Patent number: 7428864
    Abstract: A server apparatus for food items which provides a deposit location for unwanted, discardable, or inedible portions of the food, or ancillary utensils such as tooth picks, and is convenient, sanitary and appealing for serving food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventor: Cathryn Wengrovsky
  • Publication number: 20080061065
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a food containment system comprising at least one container including a primary receptacle and one or more secondary receptacles. The food containment system further comprising at least one lid attached to the at least one container and enclosing the primary and secondary receptacles, wherein the primary receptacle includes a primary food and the one or more secondary receptacles include a secondary food. Method for packaging the containers described above is also contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Jack Aronson, Annette Aronson, Anthony S. Latella
  • Patent number: 7337943
    Abstract: Disposable containers include peripheral tabs which are useful for positioning and processing the containers and operate as separators. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs correspond to tabs on a paperboard blank where the tabs are useful for controlling the orientation of the blanks so that printed and shape features may be kept in registration during manufacturing of a disposable servingware container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Albert D. Johns, Mark B. Littlejohn, Jay S. Lester, Mircea Sofronie, Thomas W. Zelinski, William R. Pucci, Richard J. Rogers, Erik J. Sjogren
  • Publication number: 20080023482
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a service caddy are presented. In one embodiment, the service caddy allows a server to transport one or more service items. The service caddy is comprised of a top surface adapted to hold one or more of the plurality of items; a bottom surface having a gripping indenture to allow a user to grip the service caddy; a sidewall connecting the top surface and the bottom surface; and, a resting indenture on the sidewall, the resting indenture being at an angle to the top surface, the angle being less than ninety degrees towards the center of the bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: The Round, LLC
    Inventor: FABRIZIO RICCIARDI
  • Patent number: 7249686
    Abstract: A hand-portable serving tray having a compartmented food carrier releasably engaged over a collector tray, the food carrier comprising a plurality of upstanding walls dividing a plurality of close-pack compartments. Within each compartment is at least one hole on a compartment bottom that drains food exudates to the collector tray below. Each compartment bottom is configured to direct fluid to its drain hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Violeta C Aesquivel
  • Patent number: 7185763
    Abstract: A lap tray to securely hold finger food and a beverage cup on one's lap while parked in a vehicle or watching a spectacle either at home, at a movie theater, or in a stadium. The cup receptacle consists of a well positioned at the center of gravity of the tray. The well extends below the lower surface of the tray to fit between the thighs, and also provides, in cooperation with some undersurface fins, a convenient way to grab and carry the tray with one hand. The top surface area surrounding the well is slanted toward it. The ribs project into the cupholding well to keep the cup at a slight distance from the wall and bottom so that any spillage is drained to a reservoir area formed at the bottom of the well. A central depression in the front edge of the tray provides some clearance for a steering wheel. Slots provide for holding common eating utensils and the attachment of a carry strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Waiel Ali
  • Patent number: 7121422
    Abstract: A disposable plate for carrying and serving food is disclosed. One particular aspect of the invention includes a plate with a substantially circular food-contact area with a substantially oval rim periphery. The rim is formed to make the plate easy to hold, with grooves adapted to accommodate fingers and/or thumbs. The present invention may be designed to segment the food storage areas of the plate into multiple compartments by using a divider wall. Also, the food-contact area can be slightly domed to force food to shift to the outer portion of the food-contact area and inhibit the food from slipping to the middle of the plate, thus keeping the plate center from sagging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: John Stewart Gitschlag, Stephen Alan Smith, James Tam Joines, Jr., Kimberly Vaile Healy, Warren Giles Wiedmeyer, Bryce G. Rutter, John Howard Loudenslager, Ryan J. Bruce, Brian C. Bone, Jan R. Stillerman
  • Patent number: 7000799
    Abstract: A hand held serving tray includes a slotted well for stemmed and regular glasses, and a hole adjacent for gripping the top surface with a thumb and supporting the bottom surface with finger loosely surrounding the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Roger Hamre
  • Patent number: 6988636
    Abstract: A carrier especially for fast food comprising a tray section secured to the top edge of a frame section. The frame is made preferably of heavy paper to facilitate printing of advertisement thereon. The tray section is a a thermoplastic panel with depressions for receiving food. In one embodiment, the frame has a floor panel arranged to support a drawer between the tray section and frame section. A front panel of the frame section has a slot that is constructed to permit withdrawing the drawer positioned from inside the container through the slot. The drawer is positioned on top of a napkin that has a corner extending through the slot and is withdrawable from the carrier when required. A suction cup with a hook integrally formed on the convex side is provided to attach the carrier to window of an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Bill Loh
  • Patent number: 6840395
    Abstract: A food product container includes a molded tray having at least one cell for holding a food product. A removable cover, such as lidding film, seals the cell in preparation for shipment. A utensil, such as a spoon or knife or the like, is integrally molded with the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Surendra Agarwal, Carolina Alejandra Castellanos, Neil Enciso, Kyle Robert Karsten
  • Patent number: 6752288
    Abstract: A serving tray is provided with multiple compartments, each compartment having distinct peripheral walls having a pair of bands of accordion, style pleats separated by a smooth section of wall running the entire perimeter of the walls. The bands of accordion style pleats allow the container to be folded at the pleats to compress the container to provide three volumes which are easily identifiable. The band of accordion style pleats include pleat locks which can be manually activated to prevent the band of accordion style pleats from being compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: The Swift Group of Universal Packaging
    Inventor: Lawrence F. Swift
  • Patent number: 6726049
    Abstract: A covered food container or serving platter incorporates a cover stand as part of the structure of the container. The cover may be temporarily stored on the stand while the user obtains access to the container. In one embodiment a portion of the cover is received within a suitably configured retention area formed within the container. Another covered serving container utilizes a central support extending from the platter and a corresponding support that extends from the cover, with an interlocking possible at the maximum extension of each support, thus separating the cover from the platter. A further embodiment utilizes a pair of covers, one receivable upon another to enable a nesting storage with access available to the exposed container storage area. A surface rib and groove formed in corresponding surfaces of the two covers provides stability when in the nested configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Richard G. Brothers
  • Publication number: 20040056036
    Abstract: A utensil has two interchangeably nesting pieces stacked one above the other to form therebetween a space typically for receiving ice cubes or hot water. A first piece has a recessed area and an annular flange extending from a first wall which encloses the recessed area. The flange has a ridge extending downwardly from an outer periphery thereof. A second piece has a receiving area enclosed by a second wall and a first leg portion extending downwardly from an underside of the second piece. The first leg portion of the second piece is sized to be engaged with an inner periphery of the first wall of the first piece thereunder. Alternately the first piece can be mounted on and above the second piece with the wall of the second piece engaged with an inside of the ridge of the first piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Bi-Hua Tsai
  • Patent number: 6702141
    Abstract: A refreshment center capable of holding a plate and a beverage container, formed of a rigid mold having first and second ends, a recessed portion sized to receive and hold a plate in the first end, and a hole and at least one L-shaped prong located in the second end to receive and hold almost any type of beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Cinque
  • Patent number: 6629607
    Abstract: A pizza storage device for keeping leftover pizza slices fresher for longer periods of time. The pizza storage device includes a triangular-shaped container having top, side, and bottom walls, and also having an opening in a side thereof; and also includes a shelving assembly for supporting slices of pizza in the triangular-shaped container; and further includes a door being hingedly attached to the triangular-shaped container and being closable over the opening; and also includes a fastening assembly being attached to the triangular-shaped container and to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Danielle Gibson
  • Publication number: 20030173248
    Abstract: A container for containing, treating and dispensing a bun in a hot dog dispensing machine has a container element having an inner cavity for accommodating a bun, an open side an a bottom located opposite to the open side, and a projection provided on the bottom and formed so that it supports a bun accommodated in the cavity and can be engaged by a formation of transporting means for transporting the container with the bun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Leonid Leykin, Aleksandr Kofman, Leonid Khodor
  • Patent number: 6595366
    Abstract: Package for storing a food item, such as pizza. The package includes a bottom on which the foot item is supported and a lid that closingly engages the bottom. The lid includes a plurality of elements that project downward from the lid toward the bottom in a pattern corresponding to an intended pattern of food slices. The ribs help to strengthen the package, hold the foot item in place inside the package, prevent migration of toppings from slice to slice, and may form indentations in the food item that serve as a template for cutting slices when the food item is removed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: PWP Industries
    Inventor: Dean R. Brown
  • Patent number: 6471084
    Abstract: A food tray delivery system is provided having an upper surface, at least one food retention area, and a cover. The food retention area has a food retention area upper surface and a food retention area sidewall extending generally upwardly from the food retention area upper surface. The food retention area upper surface is spaced a distance below the upper surface and has a peripheral edge. The upper surface has a rib projecting upwardly adjacent the upper surface, with the rib above the upper surface having a width of less than 2 mm and a height of less than 2 mm and with the cover being secured to the upwardly projecting rib, preferably at its upper surface. In one embodiment of the invention, an intermediate raised area is positioned between the upper surface and the rib above the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Jones Metal Products Co.
    Inventor: Daniel P. Erb
  • Patent number: 6440509
    Abstract: A three-compartment, disposable food serving plate includes three ribs in an asymmetric array angularly joined to the bottom and sidewall of the plate. The plate preferably includes a four radius, smooth profile from the bottom to the outer rim and is formed from mineral-filled polyolefin sheet. Mica-filled polypropylene is particularly preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Mark B. Littlejohn, Anthony J. Swiontek, Margaret P. Neer, Cristian M. Neculescu, Brigitte K. Weigert
  • Patent number: 6412653
    Abstract: The invention relates to a moulded plastic container which defines at least one receptacle for receiving a food material or the like, the container further including a utensil such as a spoon which is frangibly detachable from the container when the utensil is to be used for mixing, stirring or eating purposes. In a preferred form of the invention the moulded plastic container has two receptacles adjacent each other wherein the utensil is provided between the two receptacles along a fold axis between each of the receptacles, the fold axis allowing for the pivoting of each of the receptacles relative to each other for the transferring of contents from one receptacle to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Carter Holt Harvey Limited
    Inventor: Peter John Waterhouse