US20060118562A1

US20060118562A1 - Food containers with hinged handles

Info

Publication number: US20060118562A1
Application number: US11/272,374
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeffrey Plantz; Dmitriy Faktorovich; Erin Riddell
Original assignee: Pactiv LLC
Current assignee: Pactiv LLC
Priority date: 2004-11-09
Filing date: 2005-11-09
Publication date: 2006-06-08

Abstract

A food container comprises a base member having at least one handle hingedly coupled thereto and a lid coupled to the base member for movement between an open position and a closed position. The base member and the lid cooperatively define a first receptacle therebetween when the lid is in a closed position. The lid has a cavity defined in an upper surface thereof to hold contents separate from the first receptacle. A second compartment can be provided that defines a second receptacle, where the cavity is configured to receive the second compartment.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/626,364, filed Nov. 9, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to containers for carrying food items.
2. Description of the Related Art
A wide variety of specialty packaging configurations exist for various food items in grocery stores and restaurants. Generally, such packaging is configured to accommodate food items that are to be pre-packaged in a specific arrangement, without opportunity for selection or variation by the user. Furthermore, such packaging generally is not configured to accommodate separate associated items, such as condiments or utensils, as may be desired by the user. Indeed, such items are often placed in a bag or on a tray with the specialty packaging for carrying by the user. Such bags or trays facilitate relatively easy carrying of all of the necessary items, but can be awkward and wasteful.
Accordingly, there is a need for a versatile and economical container that is capable of overcoming these drawbacks of conventional packaging and containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the invention. Additional advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the devices particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.
The present invention relates to containers with hinged handles to facilitate carrying by a user. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a food container is provided that comprises a base member having at least one handle hingedly coupled thereto and a lid coupled to the base member for movement between an open position and a closed position. The base member and the lid cooperatively define a first receptacle therebetween when the lid is in a closed position. The lid has a cavity defined in an upper surface thereof to hold contents separate from the first receptacle.
Further, the food container can include a second compartment that defines a second receptacle therein, in this case the cavity can be configured to receive the second compartment, which, in-turn, can include an upper member and lower member coupled together for movement between an open position and a closed position to form a clam-shell configuration. A third receptacle can be defined between an upper surface of the lid and a lower surface of the second compartment. The lid can be separable from the base member or hingedly attached thereto.
The handle can be configured to be moveable between a first position to allow the lid to be removable from the base member to an open position and a second position to secure the lid in the closed position, and can be further configured to hold contents within the cavity when in the second position. Further, the handle can be hingedly coupled to the base member by a first hinge, and can include a second hinge between a first portion of the handle and a second portion of the handle. Also, the handle can include at least one surface feature to enhance gripping. Further, a second handle can be hingedly coupled to the base member, and the first and second handles can be mutually engageable.
The base member and the handle can be of a single-piece construction, in which case the handle can be defined by a line of weakness formed in a portion of the base member.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a food container is provided that comprises a base member having a bottom surface, sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom surface, the bottom surface having a plurality of cavities defined therein, at least one cavity configured to hold a corresponding vessel and at least one handle hingedly coupled to the base member. Additional features of this aspect of the invention can include those of the first aspect, described above.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a food container is provided that comprises a base member, a first lid portion hingedly coupled to one side of the base member, a second lid portion hingedly coupled to a second side of the base member opposite the first side, and at least one handle hingedly coupled to at least one of the first and second lid portions. The base member and the first and second lid portions cooperatively define a first receptacle therebetween when the first and second lid portions are in a closed position. The handle is moveable between a first position to allow the first and second lid portions to be moved to an open position and a second position to secure the first and second lid portions in the closed position. Additional features of this aspect of the invention can also include those of the first aspect, described above.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are not drawn to scale, but show only relative dimensions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a food container assembly with hinged handles;
FIGS. 2-7 are left side, right side, top, bottom, front, and rear views of the food container assembly shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the food container assembly shown in FIG. 1 depicting a closed configuration of a clam-shell compartment included in the food container assembly;
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the food container shown in FIG. 1 depicting an open configuration of a clam-shell compartment included in the food container assembly;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a food container with hinged handles;
FIG. 10A illustrates an exploded perspective view of the food container shown in FIG. 10;
FIGS. 11-14 are side, top, bottom, and front views of the food container shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary use of the food container shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a food container with hinged handles;
FIGS. 17 and 18 are front and side views of the food container shown in FIG. 16.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a food container with hinged handles depicting fluid-carrying vessels disposed in the food container;
FIG. 20 is a top view of the food container shown in FIG. 19 depicting the hinged handles in a rest configuration;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a food container with hinged handles depicting the handles in a rest configuration;
FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the food container shown in FIG. 21 depicting food items disposed in the food container and the handles in an operative configuration;
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a food container with hinged handles depicting items disposed in a top portion of the food container;
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the food container shown in FIG. 23;
FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary use of the food container shown in FIG. 23;
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a food container with a hinged handle depicting the handle in a operative configuration;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the food container shown in FIG. 26 depicting the handle in a rest configuration;
FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary use of the food container shown in FIG. 26; and
FIG. 29 illustrates a stacking of two of the food containers shown in FIG. 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
The present invention is directed to a food container with hinged handles comprising a base member having at least one handle hingedly coupled thereto and a lid coupled to the base member for movement between an open and a closed position. The base member and the lid cooperatively define a first receptacle therebetween when the lid is in a closed position. The lid has a cavity defined in an upper surface thereof to hold contents separate from the first receptacle. For the purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an exemplary embodiment of the container in accordance with the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-9 and is designated generally by reference character 100.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that each disclosed food container can be adapted and modified to provide alternative embodiments of food containers for other applications, and that other additions and modifications can be made to the disclosed food containers without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, features of the illustrative embodiments can be combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged to generate other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 1-9 are views of an embodiment of a food container assembly having hinged handles. As shown in FIGS. 1-9, the food container assembly 100 includes a tray container or base 110, a lid 120 removably and replaceably attached to the tray container 110, and a clam-shell compartment 130 removably and replaceably attached to the lid 120. The tray container 110 includes a tray sidewall 135 having upper and lower tray-sidewall edges, a tray bottom surface 140 adjacent the lower tray-sidewall edge, a tray top surface 145 adjacent the upper tray-sidewall edge, and a pair of handles 150 hingedly attached to opposite ends of the tray top surface 145. The lid 120 includes a lid sidewall having upper and lower lid-sidewall edges and a lid top surface 155 that is adjacent to the upper lid-sidewall edge. The clam-shell compartment 130 includes upper and lower clam shells 165 and 160 that are hingedly attached to each other at a first end 170 and releaseably attached to each other at a second opposite end 175 (e.g., via a clasp). The tray top surface 145 preferably defines a groove 180 therein that surrounds the upper tray-sidewall edge and that is sized and shaped to releasably engage the lower lid-sidewall edge 190. The lid top surface 155 is recessed or otherwise offset from the upper lid-sidewall edge so as to form a cavity that is sized and shaped to receive and support the clam-shell compartment 130. The upper lid-sidewall edge defines a first notch 195 therein for receiving and supporting a lower part of the clasp of the clam-shell compartment 130 and a second notch therein for receiving and support the hinge of the clam-shell compartment 130. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the clasp and/or the hinge of the compartment 130 is sized and shaped so as to fit snugly into the cavity. In such embodiments, the upper lid-sidewall edge does not include first and/or second notches. Preferably, each of the tray container 110, lid 120, and clam-shell compartment 130 has a unitary or one-piece construction. If desired, the tray container 110 and lid 120 can be hingedly connected together to form a clam-shell configuration.
The tray container 110 and the lid 120, e.g., the tray sidewall, tray bottom surface, lid sidewall, and lid top surface, cooperatively define a receptacle therebetween for storing one or more items therein. Such items can include, but are not limited to, one or more food items, such as one or more breakfast food items (e.g., biscuits; breakfast meats, such as bacon, ham and sausages; eggs; pancakes; and potatoes, such as hash browns), one or more salad items (e.g., bread items, such as breadcrumbs or croutons; and vegetables, such as tomatoes and lettuces), one or more lunch or dinner food items (e.g., sandwiches, hamburgers, steaks, and potatoes), and/or one or more dessert items (such as cakes, ice creams, pastries, and pies).
Similarly, the lid 120 and the clam-shell compartment 130, i.e., the lid top surface and the lower shell, define a chamber for storing one or more items. Such items can include, but are not limited to, condiment packages, eating utensils, and napkins.
Alternatively and/or in combination, one or more items can be placed inside the clam-shell compartment 130 in an open configuration.
In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-9, the food container 100 includes three separate components, specifically, the tray container 110, the lid 120, and the clam-shell compartment 130. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the food container 100 can include only two separate components, e.g., the tray container 110 and the lid 120, or the tray and lid 120 combined as one component and clam-shell compartment 130 as another component. FIGS. 10-14 and 30 show views of an embodiment of a food container 300 that includes only a tray container or base 310 with a pair of hinged handles 350 and a lid 320. In some of such embodiments, one or more items can be placed on a cavity defined by the lid top surface 325 without the need for a clam-shell compartment.
Each of the handles 150 is hingedly attached to the tray top surface 145 at a hinge line 113. Each of the handles 150 is preferably formed from the material of the tray container 110, and each of the hinge lines 113 is preferably formed by scoring or otherwise weakening portions of the tray container material between the handle 150 and the tray top surface 145 so as to form a living hinge. A line of weakness can include, for example, a compressed region, a region of thinned material thickness, a perforation line or a score line. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, each handle 150 includes one or more dimples 115 defined therein to extend outwards from the handle 150 towards the receptacle and that are sized and shaped for receiving fingers of a hand so as to facilitate gripping of the handle 150. Alternatively and/or in combination, in some embodiments, each handle 150 can include one or more raised portions 117 (e.g., raised lines or raised cross-hatch surfaces) formed on one or both sides of the handle 150 to facilitate gripping of the handle or engagement of the lid to secure the tray container and lid in a closed configuration.
FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary and non-limiting use of the food container shown in FIG. 1. One or more food items can be placed into the tray container or base 110, and the lid 120 can be attached to the tray container 110 based on engaging the lower lid-sidewall edge 190 into the groove 180 (e.g., by press fitting or otherwise releasably engaging the lower lid-sidewall edge into the groove) so as to enclose the one or more food items in the resulting receptacle. One or more additional items can be placed in the clam-shell compartment 130 when in an open configuration, and then the clam-shell compartment 130 can be closed (e.g., via a clasp). The clam-shell compartment 130 can then be placed onto the cavity defined by the lid top surface 155 so that the lower part of the clasp rests in the first notch 195 defined by the upper lid-sidewall edge and the hinge of the clam-shell compartment 130 rests in the second notch. Alternatively and/or in combination, in some embodiments, one or more items can be placed onto the cavity defined by the lid top surface 155 before placing the clam-shell compartment 130 thereon, or without including the clam-shell compartment 130. The pair of hinged handles 150 can be lifted upwards from the tray top surface 145 and used to transport the food container 100 in a desired orientation (e.g., an upright orientation), thus inhibiting and/or preventing re-arrangement of the items (e.g., food items) stored therein. For example, the hinged handles 150 can be used to transport the food container 100 in an up-right orientation for placement in a bag or other article for carrying the food container. Also for example, the hinged handles 150 can be used to stack one or more of the food containers 100 in a desired orientation (e.g., an up-right orientation) in the bag or other article for carrying the food containers. Also for example, the hinged handles 150 can be used to remove the one or more food containers from the bag or other article in a desired orientation (e.g., an upright orientation).
As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the disclosed food containers can be modified to include one or more different and/or additional features than shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1-9. For example, the lid 120 can be removably and replaceably attached to the tray container 110 based on attachment methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In one such embodiment, the lid 120 can be hingedly attached to the tray container 110 at or along a first end and releasably attached to the tray container at or along a second end. Also for example, the shells 160 and 165 of the clam-shell compartment 130 can be removably and replaceably attached to each other in any manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
FIGS. 16-18 are views of another embodiment of a food container 500 with hinged handles. As shown in FIGS. 16-18, the food container 500 includes a base 510 and a lid 520 removably and replaceably attached to the base 520. The base 510 includes a base sidewall having upper and lower base-sidewall edges, a base top surface adjacent the upper base-sidewall edge, a base bottom surface adjacent the lower base-sidewall edge, and a handle 550 hingedly connected to the base top surface. The lid 520 includes a lid sidewall having upper and lower lid-sidewall edges and a lid top surface that is adjacent to the upper lid-sidewall edge. The base 510 and the lid 520, e.g., the base sidewall, base bottom, lid sidewall, and lid top surface, cooperatively define a receptacle therebetween for storing one or more items therein, such as, but not limited to, the food items previously described herein. The lid top surface also defines a cavity or chamber 517 for receiving one or more items, such as, but not limited to, the items previously described herein. The base top surface defines a groove therein that surrounds the upper base-sidewall edge and that is sized and shaped for releaseably engaging the lower lid-sidewall edge. Alternatively, the lid can be otherwise removably and replaceably attached to the base based on one or more different attachment methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, each of the base 510 and the lid 520 has a unitary or one-piece construction or can be connected together as a single piece, if desired.
The handle 550 is preferably formed from the material of the base 510. Inmost embodiments, the handle 550 is defined by forming one or more perforations and a first pair of hinge lines 513 in the base top surface. Upon initial separation of the handle 550 from the base top surface (e.g., by separation along the perforations in the base top surface), the base top surface includes non-contiguous first and second portions 503 and 505, and the handle 550 is connected to opposite ends of the second portion 505 via the first pair of hinge lines. The first pair of hinge lines 513 allows the handle 550 to be rotated upwards from and downwards toward a rest position adjacent to or co-planar with the base top surface. Preferably, the perforations are arranged in a pattern for producing a handle having a shape configured for being gripped by fingers of a hand and more preferably including one or more pressure-exerting protrusions 563, i.e., one or more portions capable of applying pressure to the one or more items stored in the chamber 517 in an operative state of the handle. Additionally, in some embodiments, the perforations are arranged in a pattern so as to produce a handle 550 with a shape suitable for gripping by fingers of a hand for enhanced ergonomics, as well as for aesthetics. While an M-shaped handle is shown in FIG. 16, other shapes for the handle are possible. In some embodiments, the handle 550 includes a second pair of hinge lines 519 disposed between the first pair of hinge lines 513 and the outermost extent of the handle 550 from the first pair of hinge lines 513. The second pair of hinge lines 519 allows the portion of the handle 550 between the second pair of hinge lines 519 and the outermost extent of the handle 550 to be rotated upwards from and downwards towards an intermediate rest position, such as a rest position adjacent the lid top surface, as shown in FIG. 18. When fully deployed, the handle is in a locking position to secure the lid in position on the base as well as any items within the cavity 517.
In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16-18, the food containers 500 include a single handle 550. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the food containers 500 can include a second handle that is similar to the first handle 550 in both construction and operation.
An exemplary and non-limiting use of the food container shown in FIG. 16 will now be described. One or more food items are placed in the base, and the lid is attached to the base based on engaging the lower lid-sidewall edge into the groove (e.g., by press fitting or otherwise releaseably engaging the lower lid-sidewall edge into the groove) so as to enclose the one or more food items in the resulting receptacle. One or more additional items are placed into the cavity of the lid. The handle is lifted upwards from the base top surface to the fully deployed position so that the handle protrusion extends downwards toward the cavity and exerts pressure on the items stored therein, thereby inhibiting and/or preventing movement of the items or the lid. As shown in FIG. 17, for example, the handle protrusion can apply pressure to a condiment package stored in the chamber, causing the package to expand outwards from the chamber in the region of the protrusion. Preferably, the items define shapes that are complementary to the shape of the chamber, so as to enhance the securing of the items in the chamber. As shown in FIG. 18, the items in the chamber can be accessed by rotating the handle downwards about the second pair of hinge lines to a rest position on the lid top surface.
FIGS. 19 and 20 are views of another embodiment of a food container with hinged handles. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the food container 1000 includes a base 1010 having an undulating or contoured sidewall with upper and lower sidewall edges, a bottom surface adjacent the lower sidewall edge, a top surface 1030 adjacent the upper sidewall edge, and a pair of handles 1050, 1055 hingedly connected to the top surface. The undulating or contoured sidewall is sized and shaped to form one or more separate cavities 1060 for receiving one or more vessels (e.g., cups) carrying fluids or other items. Such fluids can include, but are not limited to, coffees, dairy beverages, juices, sodas, teas, soup and waters. Preferably, the food container has a unitary or one-piece construction. Any other items can be carried by the vessels sized to fit within the cavities.
FIG. 19 shows the handles 1050, 1055 in a rest configuration, and FIG. 20 shows the handles 1050, 1055 in an operative or deployed configuration. Each of the handles is preferably formed from the material of the base. In most embodiments, each handle is defined by forming one or more perforations and a pair of hinge lines in the base top surface. The pair of hinge lines allows the handle to be rotated upwards from and downwards toward a rest position adjacent the base top surface. Preferably, the perforations are arranged in a pattern for producing a handle having a shape configured for being gripped by fingers of a hand for enhanced ergonomics as well as for aesthetics. While M-shaped handles 1050, 1055 are shown in FIG. 19, otherwise shaped handles are possible. For example, the handles 1050, 1055 can have a shape similar to that of the handles in FIG. 22. When deployed, the handles can secure one or more vessels within the cavities, if desired, as shown in FIG. 19.
In some embodiments of the food containers shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the bottom surface and/or the lower sidewall edge that is adjacent a cavity can include a feature known by those of ordinary skill in the art to facilitate securing of a vessel into the chamber and inhibit and/or prevent movement of the vessel. For example, in some of such embodiments, the bottom surface and/or the lower sidewall edge can include a sleeve, a groove, a stepped portion, a textured surface and/or another feature formed thereon or therein to facilitate securing of the vessel.
In some embodiments of the food container shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 include multiple (i.e., two or more) cavities, wherein two or more of the multiple cavities can include different cross-dimensions or shapes so as to receive corresponding vessels having different cross-dimensions or shapes (e.g., so as to receive small, medium, and large fluid-carrying vessels).
FIGS. 21 and 22 are perspective views of another embodiment of a food container 1200 with hinged handles. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the food container 1200 includes a base 1210 having a sidewall with upper and lower sidewall edges, a bottom surface adjacent the lower sidewall edge, a top surface adjacent the upper sidewall edge, and a pair of handles 1250, 1255 hingedly connected to the top surface 1230 and formed based on the aspects described herein. The bottom surface of the base 1210 defines one or more cavity portions 1219 therein that are sized and shaped to receive one or more respective food items having different shapes. For example, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the bottom surface of the basket defines a substantially circular cavity portion 1219 a for receiving a fluid-carrying vessel (e.g., a cup), a polygonally-shaped cavity portion 1219 b for receiving an article for carrying fried potatoes, and an oval cavity portion 1219 c (obstructed by the base 1210 in the view of FIGS. 21 and 22) for receiving a sandwich. The bottom surface of the base 1210 can define one or more cavity portions with desired sizes and shapes for transporting one or more food items. Preferably, the food container has a unitary or one-piece construction.
An exemplary and non-limiting use of the food container shown in FIG. 21 will now be described. One or more food items are placed in the base 1210 in the corresponding cavity 1219 portions and the handles 1250, 1255 are lifted upwards from the top surface of the base. Upon lifting of the basket, the movement and force of gravity causes the food items to settle into and otherwise be releaseably engaged by the corresponding cutout portions 1219.
FIGS. 23 and 24 are views of another embodiment of a food container 1500 having hinged handles. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the food container includes a tray container or base 1510 and a lid 1520 removably and replaceably attached to the tray container 1510. The tray container 1510 and the lid 1520 cooperatively define a receptacle therebetween for storing one or more food therein (e.g., the food items previously described herein). The lid 1520 includes a lid lower edge and a lid top surface that defines a recessed chamber or cavity 1535 therein, preferably sized and shaped for receiving one or more items. The tray container 1510 includes a tray top surface that defines a groove therein sized and shaped for receiving the lid lower edge. Preferably, the tray container also includes two locking tabs 1543 that are disposed at opposite ends of the tray top surface and that extend inwards from the tray top surface towards the interior of the tray container 1510 for releaseably securing the lid 1520 to the tray container 1510. Alternatively, the lid 1520 can be removably and replaceably attached to the tray container 1510 based on methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, each of the tray container 1510 and the lid 1520 has a unitary or one-piece construction, or can be combined together as a single piece clam-shell configuration.
Each of the handles 1550 is hingedly attached to the tray top surface at a pair of hinge lines 1551. Each of the handles 1550 is preferably formed from the material of the tray container 1510. Each of the handles 1550 can be formed from the top surface of the tray container 1510 based on the aspects described herein, such as to lock the lid and contents of the cavity in position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, each handle 1550 includes an undulating or contoured lower edge that can facilitate gripping of the handle by fingers of a hand. Alternatively, each handle 1550 includes a smooth (i.e., non-undulating) lower edge, so that the tray top surface from which the handle 1550 is formed (e.g., by destruction of perforations in the tray top surface) includes a similarly smooth outer edge.
As shown in FIGS. 23, the recessed chamber or cavity 1535 can include one or more separate compartments or regions 1561 formed therein, and/or one or more cavities can be provided, each of which is sized and shaped to receive one or more items having different sizes. For example, the compartments 1561 can be sized and shaped to receive one or more condiment packages (e.g., salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, relish, and syrup packages). Additionally, one or more items can be placed on top of the one or more compartments. For example, as suggested in FIG. 23, eating utensils and/or napkins can be placed on top of the filled compartments.
FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary use of the food container shown in FIG. 23. As suggested in FIG. 25, one or more food items can be placed in the tray container, the lid can be removably and replaceably attached to the tray container, and the handles can be lifted upwards from the top surface and grabbed with the fingers of a hand to secure the lid and contents of the container in position, and to transport the food container in a desired orientation (e.g., an upright orientation). The handles can also be used to place a food container into, remove a food container from, and/or stack one or more of the food containers in a desired orientation in a bag or other article for carrying the food containers. The pairs of hinged handles can be removably and replaceably attached to each other based on aspects known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the first and second handles of a pair of handles can include one or more mating surfaces to facilitate attachment together. For example, as schematically shown in FIG. 25 at 1591, the first handle 1550 can include one or more male protrusions, and the second handle 1550 can include one or more mated female depressions to engage each other.
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a food container with a hinged handle depicting the handle in a operative configuration and FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the food container of FIG. 26 depicting the handle in a rest configuration. The food container 2000 includes a tray container or base 2010, first and second lid portions 2020 and 2030 that are each hingedly attached to the tray container 2010, and a handle 2050 that is hingedly attached to an upper surface 2018 of the first lid portion 2020. The tray container 2010 and the first and second lid portions 2020 and 2030 cooperatively define a receptacle that is sized and shaped for storing one or more items (e.g., one or more food items) therein.
As shown in FIG. 26, the first and second lid portions 2020 and 2030 can be disposed in a closed configuration, in which both lid portions 2020 and 2030 contact the tray container 2010 to define the receptacle therewithin. The first and second lid portions 2020 and 2030 can also be disposed in one or more open configurations, in which either or both lid portions 2020 and 2030 are rotated away from the tray container 2010 so to provide access to items stored therein. For example, with the handle 2050 of the food container 2000 in its rest configuration, the first and second lid portions 2020 and 2030 can be rotated outwards from the tray container 2010 into an open configuration so as to provide access to one or more food items stored in the food container 2000. In some embodiments, the first lid portion 2020 includes a groove adjacent the rear of the handle 2050 sized and shaped for receiving an outer edge 2090 of the second lid portion 2030 for flush alignment.
As shown in FIG. 26, the second lid upper surface 2038 defines an access opening 2057 to receive and access the handle 2050. A female compartment 2061 also can be provided that is recessed or otherwise offset from the second lid upper surface 2038. The female compartment 2061 is sized and shaped to releaseably engage a male protrusion 2069 extending outwards from the handle 2050.
FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary and non-limiting use of the food container shown in FIG. 26. As suggested in FIG. 28, one or more food items can be placed in the tray container. The first and second lid portions can be rotated to closed configuration, and the handle can be lifted upwards from the second lid portion top surface. Lifting of the handle into its operative configuration secures the first and second lid portions together, thereby inhibiting and/or preventing the release of the items stored in the food container. In some embodiments, the handle defines a cutout portion that is sized and shaped for receiving a finger of a hand to facilitate gripping of the handle. In its operative state, the handle can be used to transport one or more items stored in the container in a desired orientation (e.g., an upright orientation). The handle can also be used to place a food container into, remove a food container from, and/or stack one or more of the food containers in a desired orientation in a bag or other article for carrying the food containers.
FIG. 29 illustrates a stacking of two of the food containers 2000 a, 2000 b shown in FIG. 26. As shown FIG. 26, the top and bottom surfaces of each food container can include one or more mated surfaces to facilitate stacking and/or close packing of the food containers. In some embodiments, the top surface of each food container can include one or more male protrusions 2077 formed thereon and the bottom surface can define one or more mated female depressions therein. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the male protrusions can be formed on the bottom surface, and the female depressions can be defined by the top surface. In some of such embodiments, the food containers can be securely stacked upon one another by fitting the female depressions in the bottom surface of one food container around the male protrusions in the top surface of another food container. In some of such embodiments, the food containers can be stacked so as to oppositely orient the lid portions in each successive pair of stacked food containers.
The food containers shown and described herein can be fabricated using materials and processes known to those of ordinary skill in the art such as, but not limited to, the materials and the processes described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,257,401 and 6,349,847, the contents of which patents are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. For example, the food containers can be formed from one or more insulating foams, one or more plastics, one or more paper stocks, and/or one or more other materials known by those of ordinary skill in the art to be suitable for storage of food items. Also for example, the food containers can be thermoformed, vacuum-formed, molded, and/or otherwise formed using one or more processes known by those of ordinary skill in the art to be suitable for the fabrication of food containers.
The food containers shown and described herein can include one or more additional features known by those of ordinary skill in the art to enhance the stacking and/or close packing of the food containers. For example, the surfaces of the food containers can include one or more mated surfaces, e.g., surfaces with one or more male protrusions and one or more mated female depressions, to facilitate stacking and/or close packing.
The pairs of hinged handles of each food container shown and described herein can be removably and replaceably attached to each other based on aspects known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the first and second handles of a pair can include one or more mating surfaces to facilitate attachment. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the first handle can include one or more male protrusions, and the second handle can include one or more mated female depressions.
While the disclosed food containers have been shown and described with reference to the illustrated embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and/or be able to ascertain many equivalents to those embodiments. Such equivalents are encompassed by the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.
Unless otherwise provided, when the articles “a” or “an” are used herein to modify a noun, they can be understood to include one or more than one of the modified noun.

Claims

1. A food container comprising:

a base member having at least one handle hingedly coupled thereto; and

a lid coupled to the base member for movement between an open position and a closed position, the base member and the lid cooperatively defining a first receptacle therebetween when the lid is in a closed position, the lid having a cavity defined in an upper surface thereof to hold contents separate from the first receptacle.

2. The food container of claim 1, further comprising:

a second compartment defining a second receptacle therein, the cavity being configured to receive the second compartment.

3. The food container of claim 2, wherein the second compartment includes an upper member and lower member coupled together for movement between an open position and a closed position to form a clam-shell configuration.

4. The food container of claim 2, wherein a third receptacle is defined between an upper surface of the lid and a lower surface of the second compartment.

5. The food container of claim 1, wherein the lid is separable from the base member.

6. The food container of claim 1, wherein the handle is moveable between a first position to allow the lid to be removable from the base member to an open position and a second position to secure the lid in the closed position.

7. The food container of claim 6, wherein the handle is further configured to hold contents within the cavity when in the second position.

8. The food container of claim 1, wherein the handle is hingedly coupled to the base member by a first hinge, the handle further including a second hinge between a first portion of the handle and a second portion of the handle.

9. The food container of claim 1, wherein the handle includes at least one surface feature to enhance gripping.

10. The food container of claim 1, further comprising a second handle hingedly coupled to the base member, the first and second handles being engageable together.

11. The food container of claim 1, wherein the base member and the handle are a single-piece construction.

12. The food container of claim 11, wherein the handle is defined by a line of weakness formed in a portion of the base member.

13. A food container comprising:

a base member having a bottom surface, sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom surface, the bottom surface having a plurality of cavities defined therein, at least one cavity configured to hold a corresponding vessel; and

at least one handle hingedly coupled to the base member.

14. The food container of claim 13, wherein the handle is moveable between a first position to allow the vessel to be removable from the corresponding cavity of base member and a second position to secure the vessel in the corresponding cavity.

15. The food container of claim 13, wherein the handle includes at least one surface feature to enhance gripping.

16. The food container of claim 13, further comprising a second handle hingedly coupled to the base member, the first and second handles being engageable together.

17. The food container of claim 13, wherein the base member and the handle are a single-piece construction.

18. The food container of claim 13, wherein the corresponding cavity has a surface feature to enhance engagement of the vessel therein.

19. A food container comprising:

a base member;

a first lid portion hingedly coupled to one side of the base member;

a second lid portion hingedly coupled to a second side of the base member opposite the first side, the base member and the first and second lid portions cooperatively defining a first receptacle therebetween when the first and second lid portions are in a closed position; and

at least one handle hingedly coupled to at least one of the first and second lid portions, the handle being moveable between a first position to allow the first and second lid portions to be moved to an open position and a second position to secure the first and second lid portions in the closed position.

20. The food container of claim 19, wherein the other of the first and second lid portions has an opening defined therein to receive the handle therethrough when in the second position.