CA2028802A1 - Popcorn container - Google Patents
Popcorn containerInfo
- Publication number
- CA2028802A1 CA2028802A1 CA 2028802 CA2028802A CA2028802A1 CA 2028802 A1 CA2028802 A1 CA 2028802A1 CA 2028802 CA2028802 CA 2028802 CA 2028802 A CA2028802 A CA 2028802A CA 2028802 A1 CA2028802 A1 CA 2028802A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- container
- popcorn
- bowl
- apertures
- insert
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
POPCORN CONTAINER
ABSTRACT
Disclosed is a popcorn container for holding popcorn for eating and having at least a bottom and sides with a partition having apertures located inside spaced from the bottom for creating two chambers. The chamber below the partition and the apertures is of a size and configuration to enable unpopped kernels, broken off of parts of popcorn, excess salt, or butter to pass through the apertures and accumulate in the lower chamber.
ABSTRACT
Disclosed is a popcorn container for holding popcorn for eating and having at least a bottom and sides with a partition having apertures located inside spaced from the bottom for creating two chambers. The chamber below the partition and the apertures is of a size and configuration to enable unpopped kernels, broken off of parts of popcorn, excess salt, or butter to pass through the apertures and accumulate in the lower chamber.
Description
288 [1%
POPCORN` CONTAINER
Field of the Invent _ This invention relates to a bowl and more particularly to a bowl for use in serving food such as popcorn.
Background of the Invention Popcorn is a snack food enjoyed by many people.
Historically popcorn was a food product which was primarily available at entertainment activities or locations such as sports events, movie theatres and exhibitions. More recently, there has developed a strong home market for popcorn and packaging means have been developed in which the kernels were sold in a closed pie plate like package with an expandable top, the plate being moved over a hot burner on a stove until the kernels were popped. Further, electric household popcorn makers such as hot air poppers, have become common.
More recently however, with the advent of microwaves, popcorn is packaged such that the package of kernels is simply placed in a microwave for three to four minutes. The package expands as the kernels pop.
In any case, however, with most home oriented means of popping corn, there are invariably kernels which do not pop. The unpopped kernels are initially intermixed with the popcorn when poured into a serving dish, bowl or container but then gradually fall to the bottom of the dish, bowl or container as the popcorn is eaten. The unpopped kernels are not usually separated from the popcorn before flavouring ingredients such as butter and/or salt are added. Once the popcorn is eaten, the unpopped kernels are usually thrown out due to the presence of a coating of salt and butter and cannot be re-used in hot air poppers.
' ,' ~' ~ ~ ' "' ` 202880~
Further, the popcorn at the bottom of the serving dish, bowl or container is itself usually saturated or soggy with excess butter and salt. Moreover, unpopped kernels, if accidentally included in a handful of popcorn inserted into the mouth, can prove to be detrimental to teeth or dental work if bitten. The above is also true with respect to the use of popcorn containers in commercial establishments such as theatres and the like.
With commercial containers such as the boxes or circular containers in which popcorn is sold in establishments such as movie theatres or sports events, the same problem exists.
Although there may be less unpopped kernels, often the popcorn is dried out and parts of the popcorn break off and like kernels gravitate to the bottom of the container along with butter and salt.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide a box, a dish, bowl or container for popcorn which will permit kernels to be easily separated from the popped corn. Further, there is a need to provide a box, a dish, bowl or container having an area for residue butter and salt thereby reducing the collection of salt and butter at the bottom of the box or container as well as soggy popcorn adjacent the bottom. Moreover, th~ removal of kernels will avoid possible dental problems otherwise resulting from biting a kernel in a handful of popcorn.
,,i.,..,~ ', - ;: ~ ' , 2~288~
Summary of the Invention The invention in one of its broader aspects provides a popcorn container comprising means for holding popcorn for eating having at least a bottom and sides and partition means having apertures and located inside the holding means spaced from the bottom for creating two chambers, the chamber below the partition means and the apertures being of a size and configuration to enable unpopped kernels, broken off of parts of popcorn, excess salt, or butter to pass through the apertures and accumulate in the lower chamber.
More particularly, according to one preferred aspect of the inventlon there is provided a dish, bowl or container having a first portion with a perforated bottom and a second portion which can be detachably associated with the first container adjacent the bottom. The perforations in the perforated bottom are of a size so as to permit only unpopped kernels to pass therethrough, not popcorn. When the popcorn is poured into the first portion of the container and the container is tapped or shaken, the unpopped kernels gravitate to and pass through the perforated bottom into the second portion of the container. By separating the two container portions, the kernels may be removed from the second portion and repopped if desired or stored for future use.
Reassembly of the two container portions permits butter and salt or other flavouring materials to be added to the first container. Any excess flavouring materials will also gravitate or pass through the popcorn and the perforated bottom into the second portion of the container.
Preferably the material of both portions of the - 20288~3.'., container is of a suitable plastic which preferably can withstand some heat and microwave treatment for reheating as desired. The capacity of the portions and container may vary from small to large sizes. The second portion of the container, itself a bowl or bowl-like dish or container, may be from one to two inches in depth and detachably associated with the upper portion of the container or bowl by any suitable means including a "quick-snap"
connection, a "drawer-type" connection or a "twist-on"
connection. The size of the perforations in the bottom of the upper container or bowl portion are suitable for the passage of kernels and small pieces of popcorn broken off from other pieces.
A perforation in operative size of about 3/8 inches will suffice.
However, it will be appreciated variations in the sizing of the perforations is possible.
Another preferred aspect of the invention comprehends a box or container in which popcorn is commercially sold having a perforated spacer associated with the bottom thereof which will allow unpopped kernels or small pieces of broken off popcorn to pass through in addition to any excess butter and/or salt. This will reduce the problems noted above and enhance the enjoyment of eating popcorn from these types of commercial containers.
It will be appreciated that other variations in the ~
~i `design and construction of my invention are possible and the ;-following detailed description of the invention is therefore illustrative only of a best mode of carrying out the invention.
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20~88~.~
Brief Description of the Drawings FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the container or bowl showing the two portions in an exploded position.
FIGURE 2 is a top view of the container of FIGURE 1 assembled.
FIGURE 3 is a sectional side view of the container taken along lines 3 - 3 of FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 4 is an enlarged view of a "snap-on" connection between the container or bowl portions.
FIGURE 5 is an alternative of a snap-on connection.
FIGURE 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the container or bowl with portions assembled.
FIGURE 7 is a sectional side view taken along lines 7 -7 of FIGURE 6.
FIGURE 8 is an enlarged illustration of a modified connection between container or bowl portions in the form of a "drawer-type" connection.
FIGURE 9 is a further alternative for a detachable connection between contalner or bowl portions in the form of a "twist-type" connection.
FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a rectangular box for popcorn commonly available and sold through commercial `establishments.
FIGURES 11 and 12 are respectively a top view of a blank insert and a perspective view of the insert configured for insertion into the rectangular box.
FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of a circular - frusto-conical - shaped popcorn container commonly available and sold through commercial establishments. ;~
202880~, FIGURES 14 and 15 are respectively a top view of a blank insert and a perspective view of the insert configured for insertion into the circular container of FIGURE 13.
FIGURE 16 is a schematic perspective view of a cardboard blank with a screen blank associated therewith.
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Description of the Preferred Embodiment Turning to FIGURES 1 - 3, there is provided a circular or round container 10 having an upper or top bowl portion 12 and a lower or bottom bowl portion 14. Upper portion 12 has an open upwardly directed peripheral edge 16 with slightly convex side surface 18, lower side surface peripheral edge 20, and bottom 22.
Bottom 22 has a plurality of perforations 24, the array of which is not important but preferably uniformly located around the bottom. The size of the perforations 24 are such to permit kernels of unpopped corn to pass through, yet small enough, whereby popped kernels or popcorn does not pass through.
Bottom or lower portion 14 is itself bowl-like and has upper peripheral edge 30, slightly convex side surface 32 of a radius of curvature similar to that of upper portion side surface 18 and closed bottom 34.
Both upper and lower portions 12 and 14 may be molded of suitable non-toxic plastic material which is preferably capable of withstanding some heat such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
The lower peripheral edge 20 of upper portion 10 and the upper peripheral edge 30 cooperate in such fashion that the upper portion 12 and lower portion 14 are detachably securable together. In the embodiment of FIGURES 1 - 4, the detachable securing means 40 comprise a peripheral groove or recess 42 in the edge 20 into which the upper edge 30 of the lower portion 14 is pushed. It will be apparent in this embodiment that the thickness of the side 18 of the upper bowl 12 is greater than the side 32 or at least the edge 30 of the lower bowl 14. FIGURE 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a securement means 50 202~38~:
wherein the respective edges 20 and 30 of the upper and lower portions have cooperating shoulders 52, 54. The diametric extent of the respective shoulders 52, 54 being such that a tight but detachable connection is made.
FIGURES 6 and 7 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention wherein like features to the embodiment of FIGURES 1 -4 have like reference characters but with an "a" designation.
Bowl portions 12a and 14a are squarish with generally inwardly sloped respective sides 18a - 18d and 32a - 32d, bottoms 22a and 34a, bottom 22a being perforated by a plurality of perforations 24a.
In this second embodiment however the lower peripheral edges 20a and 20c and upper peripheral edges 30a and 30c are constructed whereby the bowl portions are detachably connected by a drawer type connection 50a more particularly shown in FIGURE 8.
Connection 50a includes cooperating tongues and grooves 60, 62 along opposite sides 18a and 18c and 30a and 30c of bowl portions 12a and 14a. Flat edges 20 of sides 18b and 18d cooperate face-to-face with respective edges 30 of sides 32b and 32d when the bowL portions 12a and 14a are assembled.
FIGURE 9 illustrates a simple twist-on threaded connection 50b which can be used for round bowls. Although not shown, a bayonet-type connection is also contemplated.
In use, popcorn, after being popped, is poured or put in container 10 with portions 12 and 14 connected together.
Container 10 is then tapped or shaken so that unpopped kernels will gravitate to the perforated bottom 22 and pass therethrough.
The portions 12 and 14 are then separated and unpopped kernels reheated or stored ~or future use. Portions 12 and 14 are then 20~88~
reconnected -together whereupon appropriate flavouring items such as melted butter and salt may be added.
Any excess salt and butter gradually moves to the bottom and passes through perforations 24, 24a to collect in lower bowl 14, 14a as do unpopped kernels and small broken off pieces of popcorn.
Turning to FIGURES ]0 - 15, there are shown two common shapes of popcorn boxes or containers used in movie theatres and at sports events, namely, the rectangular box 70 (FIGURES 10 -12) and circular - frusto-conical shaped open top container 100 (FIGURES 13 - 15).
More particularly, box 70 (FIGURES 10 - 12) is of rectangular configuration and has top and bottom 72 and 74, front and back 76, 78 and sides 80. Top 72 and bottom 74 having cooperating flaps 82, 84 with the usual tongue 86 and slit 88 connection, at least the top flaps being eas-ily openable, as is conventionally known. Insert 90 comprises a blank 92 having a top portion 94 and opposed side portions 96 and 98 suitably scored whereby the sides 96 and 98 may be folded so that the blank may be configured into a shape shown in FIGURE 12 for ;
insertion into the box 70 adjacent its bottom 74. Top portion 94 has apertures 100 of suitable size to pass unpopped kernels and to also allow excess butter and salt to pass through to reduce the possibility of soggy popcorn at the bottom of the box or container. It will be appreciated that the insert could be a . :.: .
flat sheet if there is some means within the container to keep the sheet off the bottom.
.......................................................................... ::- :
Turning to FIGURES 13 - 15, container 110 has open top ~ ~-112 with frusto-conical side 114 and bottom 116. Insert 120 has ~ -_ g _ ;Z ~Z88~
top portion 122 and three peripherally spaced legs 124 which may be scored so they can be folded down, the insert taking the configuration shown in FIGURE lS and adapted to be inserted into the container 110 and located adjacent bottom 116. Top portion 122 has apertures 126 of suitable size to pass unpopped kernels and also to allow excess butter and salt to pass through. With a frusto-conical shaped container, an apertured disc having a diameter congruent to that of a portion of the container spaced from the bottom could be used. However, such a disc might twist in the container during use and accordingly, some means above or below the disc to keep it from twisting is preferred.
With the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURES 10 - 15, it will be apparent that the insert is located in the box or container prior to filling the container with popcorn. Any unpopped kernels and small pieces of popcorn which ; have broken off popcorn will gravitate to the top portion of the insert (while the popcorn is being eaten) and pass through the apertures. Further, excess salt and butter will also pass through the apertures in the respective inserts.
FIGURE 16 shows schematically a box blank 130 for a box of the type shown in FIGURE 10. Blank 130 has the flaps identified with the same numbers as in FIGURE 10 but with prime notations. It also has end flaps 132. When the blank is formed into a flat box (not shown), flap 134 is secured to side 80 by giue or the like at 136. Flat boxes are shipped to the user who then expands the boxes for fiiling. As an alternative to the insert 90, screen means 140 having flap 142, apertured portion 144 and flap 146, may be secured to the blank 130 prior to its - formation into a flat box. Flap 142 is secured to the bottom of , .
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side 88' adjacent a flap fold line prior to formation of the flat box wherein flap 134 is secured to side 90' at 136. When the user expands the flat box, a hand inserted into the box can cause portions 144 and 146 to be folded over to assume the dotted line position within the expanded box, portion 144 being the apertured surface like that in previous embodiments.
Although we have shown certain configurations for the inserts 90 and 120 and in particular, the means such as sides 96 and 98 and legs 124 to support the top portion above the bottom of the respective box or container, it will be appreciated that many variations and modifications are possible within the spirit and concept of this aspect of the invention. Preferably the top portion of the insert would be supported or held about ~" above the bottom of the box container with apertures or openings of about 3/8" being appropriate.
Thus it will be seen that I have provided a simple but effective container or bowl device which enhances the enjoyment of eating popcorn in that unpopped kernels may easily be separated from popcorn and excess salt and butter does not collect at the bottom of the bowl in which the popcorn is located thus saturating and making soggy the last of the popcorn. ~ ~-It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that ~
,. ~:: :
other variations and modifications are possible to the embodiments of my invention and I seek to protect all those -:
within the scope of the claims appended hereto. ;;~
'~ ~
POPCORN` CONTAINER
Field of the Invent _ This invention relates to a bowl and more particularly to a bowl for use in serving food such as popcorn.
Background of the Invention Popcorn is a snack food enjoyed by many people.
Historically popcorn was a food product which was primarily available at entertainment activities or locations such as sports events, movie theatres and exhibitions. More recently, there has developed a strong home market for popcorn and packaging means have been developed in which the kernels were sold in a closed pie plate like package with an expandable top, the plate being moved over a hot burner on a stove until the kernels were popped. Further, electric household popcorn makers such as hot air poppers, have become common.
More recently however, with the advent of microwaves, popcorn is packaged such that the package of kernels is simply placed in a microwave for three to four minutes. The package expands as the kernels pop.
In any case, however, with most home oriented means of popping corn, there are invariably kernels which do not pop. The unpopped kernels are initially intermixed with the popcorn when poured into a serving dish, bowl or container but then gradually fall to the bottom of the dish, bowl or container as the popcorn is eaten. The unpopped kernels are not usually separated from the popcorn before flavouring ingredients such as butter and/or salt are added. Once the popcorn is eaten, the unpopped kernels are usually thrown out due to the presence of a coating of salt and butter and cannot be re-used in hot air poppers.
' ,' ~' ~ ~ ' "' ` 202880~
Further, the popcorn at the bottom of the serving dish, bowl or container is itself usually saturated or soggy with excess butter and salt. Moreover, unpopped kernels, if accidentally included in a handful of popcorn inserted into the mouth, can prove to be detrimental to teeth or dental work if bitten. The above is also true with respect to the use of popcorn containers in commercial establishments such as theatres and the like.
With commercial containers such as the boxes or circular containers in which popcorn is sold in establishments such as movie theatres or sports events, the same problem exists.
Although there may be less unpopped kernels, often the popcorn is dried out and parts of the popcorn break off and like kernels gravitate to the bottom of the container along with butter and salt.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide a box, a dish, bowl or container for popcorn which will permit kernels to be easily separated from the popped corn. Further, there is a need to provide a box, a dish, bowl or container having an area for residue butter and salt thereby reducing the collection of salt and butter at the bottom of the box or container as well as soggy popcorn adjacent the bottom. Moreover, th~ removal of kernels will avoid possible dental problems otherwise resulting from biting a kernel in a handful of popcorn.
,,i.,..,~ ', - ;: ~ ' , 2~288~
Summary of the Invention The invention in one of its broader aspects provides a popcorn container comprising means for holding popcorn for eating having at least a bottom and sides and partition means having apertures and located inside the holding means spaced from the bottom for creating two chambers, the chamber below the partition means and the apertures being of a size and configuration to enable unpopped kernels, broken off of parts of popcorn, excess salt, or butter to pass through the apertures and accumulate in the lower chamber.
More particularly, according to one preferred aspect of the inventlon there is provided a dish, bowl or container having a first portion with a perforated bottom and a second portion which can be detachably associated with the first container adjacent the bottom. The perforations in the perforated bottom are of a size so as to permit only unpopped kernels to pass therethrough, not popcorn. When the popcorn is poured into the first portion of the container and the container is tapped or shaken, the unpopped kernels gravitate to and pass through the perforated bottom into the second portion of the container. By separating the two container portions, the kernels may be removed from the second portion and repopped if desired or stored for future use.
Reassembly of the two container portions permits butter and salt or other flavouring materials to be added to the first container. Any excess flavouring materials will also gravitate or pass through the popcorn and the perforated bottom into the second portion of the container.
Preferably the material of both portions of the - 20288~3.'., container is of a suitable plastic which preferably can withstand some heat and microwave treatment for reheating as desired. The capacity of the portions and container may vary from small to large sizes. The second portion of the container, itself a bowl or bowl-like dish or container, may be from one to two inches in depth and detachably associated with the upper portion of the container or bowl by any suitable means including a "quick-snap"
connection, a "drawer-type" connection or a "twist-on"
connection. The size of the perforations in the bottom of the upper container or bowl portion are suitable for the passage of kernels and small pieces of popcorn broken off from other pieces.
A perforation in operative size of about 3/8 inches will suffice.
However, it will be appreciated variations in the sizing of the perforations is possible.
Another preferred aspect of the invention comprehends a box or container in which popcorn is commercially sold having a perforated spacer associated with the bottom thereof which will allow unpopped kernels or small pieces of broken off popcorn to pass through in addition to any excess butter and/or salt. This will reduce the problems noted above and enhance the enjoyment of eating popcorn from these types of commercial containers.
It will be appreciated that other variations in the ~
~i `design and construction of my invention are possible and the ;-following detailed description of the invention is therefore illustrative only of a best mode of carrying out the invention.
~'h` '?'.`.' i S'~,i, ,` ., .:,, .
20~88~.~
Brief Description of the Drawings FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the container or bowl showing the two portions in an exploded position.
FIGURE 2 is a top view of the container of FIGURE 1 assembled.
FIGURE 3 is a sectional side view of the container taken along lines 3 - 3 of FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 4 is an enlarged view of a "snap-on" connection between the container or bowl portions.
FIGURE 5 is an alternative of a snap-on connection.
FIGURE 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the container or bowl with portions assembled.
FIGURE 7 is a sectional side view taken along lines 7 -7 of FIGURE 6.
FIGURE 8 is an enlarged illustration of a modified connection between container or bowl portions in the form of a "drawer-type" connection.
FIGURE 9 is a further alternative for a detachable connection between contalner or bowl portions in the form of a "twist-type" connection.
FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a rectangular box for popcorn commonly available and sold through commercial `establishments.
FIGURES 11 and 12 are respectively a top view of a blank insert and a perspective view of the insert configured for insertion into the rectangular box.
FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of a circular - frusto-conical - shaped popcorn container commonly available and sold through commercial establishments. ;~
202880~, FIGURES 14 and 15 are respectively a top view of a blank insert and a perspective view of the insert configured for insertion into the circular container of FIGURE 13.
FIGURE 16 is a schematic perspective view of a cardboard blank with a screen blank associated therewith.
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~0288~
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Turning to FIGURES 1 - 3, there is provided a circular or round container 10 having an upper or top bowl portion 12 and a lower or bottom bowl portion 14. Upper portion 12 has an open upwardly directed peripheral edge 16 with slightly convex side surface 18, lower side surface peripheral edge 20, and bottom 22.
Bottom 22 has a plurality of perforations 24, the array of which is not important but preferably uniformly located around the bottom. The size of the perforations 24 are such to permit kernels of unpopped corn to pass through, yet small enough, whereby popped kernels or popcorn does not pass through.
Bottom or lower portion 14 is itself bowl-like and has upper peripheral edge 30, slightly convex side surface 32 of a radius of curvature similar to that of upper portion side surface 18 and closed bottom 34.
Both upper and lower portions 12 and 14 may be molded of suitable non-toxic plastic material which is preferably capable of withstanding some heat such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
The lower peripheral edge 20 of upper portion 10 and the upper peripheral edge 30 cooperate in such fashion that the upper portion 12 and lower portion 14 are detachably securable together. In the embodiment of FIGURES 1 - 4, the detachable securing means 40 comprise a peripheral groove or recess 42 in the edge 20 into which the upper edge 30 of the lower portion 14 is pushed. It will be apparent in this embodiment that the thickness of the side 18 of the upper bowl 12 is greater than the side 32 or at least the edge 30 of the lower bowl 14. FIGURE 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a securement means 50 202~38~:
wherein the respective edges 20 and 30 of the upper and lower portions have cooperating shoulders 52, 54. The diametric extent of the respective shoulders 52, 54 being such that a tight but detachable connection is made.
FIGURES 6 and 7 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention wherein like features to the embodiment of FIGURES 1 -4 have like reference characters but with an "a" designation.
Bowl portions 12a and 14a are squarish with generally inwardly sloped respective sides 18a - 18d and 32a - 32d, bottoms 22a and 34a, bottom 22a being perforated by a plurality of perforations 24a.
In this second embodiment however the lower peripheral edges 20a and 20c and upper peripheral edges 30a and 30c are constructed whereby the bowl portions are detachably connected by a drawer type connection 50a more particularly shown in FIGURE 8.
Connection 50a includes cooperating tongues and grooves 60, 62 along opposite sides 18a and 18c and 30a and 30c of bowl portions 12a and 14a. Flat edges 20 of sides 18b and 18d cooperate face-to-face with respective edges 30 of sides 32b and 32d when the bowL portions 12a and 14a are assembled.
FIGURE 9 illustrates a simple twist-on threaded connection 50b which can be used for round bowls. Although not shown, a bayonet-type connection is also contemplated.
In use, popcorn, after being popped, is poured or put in container 10 with portions 12 and 14 connected together.
Container 10 is then tapped or shaken so that unpopped kernels will gravitate to the perforated bottom 22 and pass therethrough.
The portions 12 and 14 are then separated and unpopped kernels reheated or stored ~or future use. Portions 12 and 14 are then 20~88~
reconnected -together whereupon appropriate flavouring items such as melted butter and salt may be added.
Any excess salt and butter gradually moves to the bottom and passes through perforations 24, 24a to collect in lower bowl 14, 14a as do unpopped kernels and small broken off pieces of popcorn.
Turning to FIGURES ]0 - 15, there are shown two common shapes of popcorn boxes or containers used in movie theatres and at sports events, namely, the rectangular box 70 (FIGURES 10 -12) and circular - frusto-conical shaped open top container 100 (FIGURES 13 - 15).
More particularly, box 70 (FIGURES 10 - 12) is of rectangular configuration and has top and bottom 72 and 74, front and back 76, 78 and sides 80. Top 72 and bottom 74 having cooperating flaps 82, 84 with the usual tongue 86 and slit 88 connection, at least the top flaps being eas-ily openable, as is conventionally known. Insert 90 comprises a blank 92 having a top portion 94 and opposed side portions 96 and 98 suitably scored whereby the sides 96 and 98 may be folded so that the blank may be configured into a shape shown in FIGURE 12 for ;
insertion into the box 70 adjacent its bottom 74. Top portion 94 has apertures 100 of suitable size to pass unpopped kernels and to also allow excess butter and salt to pass through to reduce the possibility of soggy popcorn at the bottom of the box or container. It will be appreciated that the insert could be a . :.: .
flat sheet if there is some means within the container to keep the sheet off the bottom.
.......................................................................... ::- :
Turning to FIGURES 13 - 15, container 110 has open top ~ ~-112 with frusto-conical side 114 and bottom 116. Insert 120 has ~ -_ g _ ;Z ~Z88~
top portion 122 and three peripherally spaced legs 124 which may be scored so they can be folded down, the insert taking the configuration shown in FIGURE lS and adapted to be inserted into the container 110 and located adjacent bottom 116. Top portion 122 has apertures 126 of suitable size to pass unpopped kernels and also to allow excess butter and salt to pass through. With a frusto-conical shaped container, an apertured disc having a diameter congruent to that of a portion of the container spaced from the bottom could be used. However, such a disc might twist in the container during use and accordingly, some means above or below the disc to keep it from twisting is preferred.
With the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURES 10 - 15, it will be apparent that the insert is located in the box or container prior to filling the container with popcorn. Any unpopped kernels and small pieces of popcorn which ; have broken off popcorn will gravitate to the top portion of the insert (while the popcorn is being eaten) and pass through the apertures. Further, excess salt and butter will also pass through the apertures in the respective inserts.
FIGURE 16 shows schematically a box blank 130 for a box of the type shown in FIGURE 10. Blank 130 has the flaps identified with the same numbers as in FIGURE 10 but with prime notations. It also has end flaps 132. When the blank is formed into a flat box (not shown), flap 134 is secured to side 80 by giue or the like at 136. Flat boxes are shipped to the user who then expands the boxes for fiiling. As an alternative to the insert 90, screen means 140 having flap 142, apertured portion 144 and flap 146, may be secured to the blank 130 prior to its - formation into a flat box. Flap 142 is secured to the bottom of , .
~,' ' : ' ,; '' ., ' : ~
side 88' adjacent a flap fold line prior to formation of the flat box wherein flap 134 is secured to side 90' at 136. When the user expands the flat box, a hand inserted into the box can cause portions 144 and 146 to be folded over to assume the dotted line position within the expanded box, portion 144 being the apertured surface like that in previous embodiments.
Although we have shown certain configurations for the inserts 90 and 120 and in particular, the means such as sides 96 and 98 and legs 124 to support the top portion above the bottom of the respective box or container, it will be appreciated that many variations and modifications are possible within the spirit and concept of this aspect of the invention. Preferably the top portion of the insert would be supported or held about ~" above the bottom of the box container with apertures or openings of about 3/8" being appropriate.
Thus it will be seen that I have provided a simple but effective container or bowl device which enhances the enjoyment of eating popcorn in that unpopped kernels may easily be separated from popcorn and excess salt and butter does not collect at the bottom of the bowl in which the popcorn is located thus saturating and making soggy the last of the popcorn. ~ ~-It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that ~
,. ~:: :
other variations and modifications are possible to the embodiments of my invention and I seek to protect all those -:
within the scope of the claims appended hereto. ;;~
'~ ~
Claims (10)
1. Popcorn container comprising:
means for holding popcorn for eating having at least a bottom and sides;
partition means having apertures and located inside the holding means spaced from said bottom for creating two chambers, the chamber below said partition means being substantially smaller than the chamber above the partition means and the apertures of the partition means being of a size and configuration to enable unpopped kernels, broken off parts of popcorn, excess salt or butter to pass through said apertures and accumulate in said lower chamber.
means for holding popcorn for eating having at least a bottom and sides;
partition means having apertures and located inside the holding means spaced from said bottom for creating two chambers, the chamber below said partition means being substantially smaller than the chamber above the partition means and the apertures of the partition means being of a size and configuration to enable unpopped kernels, broken off parts of popcorn, excess salt or butter to pass through said apertures and accumulate in said lower chamber.
2. The popcorn container of claim 1 wherein said partition means is an insert having an apertured surface means and having means for supporting the surface above said bottom.
3. Popcorn container comprising:
a first bowl portion having a perforated bottom with predetermined sized perforations therein; a second bowl portion having a closed bottom and open top; and means for detachably connecting said bowls together such that when popcorn is poured into the upper first bowl portion, unpopped kernels will gravitate to the perforated bottom and pass therethrough to the lower second bowl portion for selective reuse, the first bowl portion being substantially larger than the second bowl portion.
a first bowl portion having a perforated bottom with predetermined sized perforations therein; a second bowl portion having a closed bottom and open top; and means for detachably connecting said bowls together such that when popcorn is poured into the upper first bowl portion, unpopped kernels will gravitate to the perforated bottom and pass therethrough to the lower second bowl portion for selective reuse, the first bowl portion being substantially larger than the second bowl portion.
4. The popcorn container of claim 3 wherein the connection means is of a snap-connection type.
5. The popcorn container of claim 3 wherein the connection means includes cooperating drawer type, tongue and groove connection means on confronting edges of two opposed sides of the portions.
6. The popcorn container of claim 3 wherein the connection means includes means on the opposing confronting edges of the portions to permit for a twist connection.
7. The popcorn container of claim 3, 4 or 5 wherein the bowl portions are circular in cross-section.
8. The popcorn container of claim 3, 4 or 5 wherein the bowl portions are generally rectangular in cross-section.
9. An insert for a popcorn holding container wherein the container has a bottom comprising a flat sheet of material having a plurality of apertures therethrough and adapted to be positioned within the container spaced from the bottom thereof, the apertures being sized to permit unpopped kernels to pass through the sheet of material when the insert is in operative association with the container.
10. The insert according to claim 9 further including means for spacing said surface of the insert from the bottom of the container.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2028802 CA2028802A1 (en) | 1990-10-29 | 1990-10-29 | Popcorn container |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2028802 CA2028802A1 (en) | 1990-10-29 | 1990-10-29 | Popcorn container |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2028802A1 true CA2028802A1 (en) | 1992-04-30 |
Family
ID=4146284
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2028802 Abandoned CA2028802A1 (en) | 1990-10-29 | 1990-10-29 | Popcorn container |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2028802A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5958483A (en) * | 1997-10-25 | 1999-09-28 | Anders; Irving | Package for collecting and segregating particulate food debris |
| US6062468A (en) * | 1998-12-07 | 2000-05-16 | Tausanovitch; Peter | Serving container for food and condiment |
| WO2001053161A1 (en) * | 2000-01-24 | 2001-07-26 | Peter Tausanovitch | Serving container for food and condiment |
| WO2010075618A1 (en) * | 2008-12-30 | 2010-07-08 | Antonio Garios Vedih | Popcorn bowl with lid for separating unpopped kernels |
-
1990
- 1990-10-29 CA CA 2028802 patent/CA2028802A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5958483A (en) * | 1997-10-25 | 1999-09-28 | Anders; Irving | Package for collecting and segregating particulate food debris |
| US6062468A (en) * | 1998-12-07 | 2000-05-16 | Tausanovitch; Peter | Serving container for food and condiment |
| WO2001053161A1 (en) * | 2000-01-24 | 2001-07-26 | Peter Tausanovitch | Serving container for food and condiment |
| WO2010075618A1 (en) * | 2008-12-30 | 2010-07-08 | Antonio Garios Vedih | Popcorn bowl with lid for separating unpopped kernels |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |