CA2130863A1 - Disposable microwavable food container - Google Patents
Disposable microwavable food containerInfo
- Publication number
- CA2130863A1 CA2130863A1 CA 2130863 CA2130863A CA2130863A1 CA 2130863 A1 CA2130863 A1 CA 2130863A1 CA 2130863 CA2130863 CA 2130863 CA 2130863 A CA2130863 A CA 2130863A CA 2130863 A1 CA2130863 A1 CA 2130863A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- container
- base
- lid
- container recited
- recited
- 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
DISPOSABLE MICROWAVABLE FOOD CONTAINER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A container for deli food has a base and a removable lid with male and female locking members extending around the periphery thereof. Stiff tabs extend from the periphery of the base and the lid. The tabs are displaced one from the other for easy opening of the container. The tabs are embossed with visual instructions for unlocking. The base of the container is formed of opaque plastic and the lid is clear plastic. The plastic materials are suitable for placing the container in a warming oven and for reheating the food in a microwave oven.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A container for deli food has a base and a removable lid with male and female locking members extending around the periphery thereof. Stiff tabs extend from the periphery of the base and the lid. The tabs are displaced one from the other for easy opening of the container. The tabs are embossed with visual instructions for unlocking. The base of the container is formed of opaque plastic and the lid is clear plastic. The plastic materials are suitable for placing the container in a warming oven and for reheating the food in a microwave oven.
Description
F-7197-L~SGC) ~130~63 DISPOSABLE MICROWAVABLE FOOD CONTAINER
Relat d Applications This is a continuation-in-part of Application Serial Number 07/800,159, filed on November 27, 1991, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to improvements in thermoformed plastic containers for deli food and more particularly, to such a container for packaging pre-prepared foods of the type commonly referred to as "deli foods".
Containers for food or other articles thermoformed 15 from plastic material normally comprise a lid and base which may be hinged to each other or may be separate parts. In order to hold the lid and base of the container in closed condition, it is necessary that the lid and base have a closure which can be manually opened and closed with relative ease. However, the 20 closure should be capable of securely closing the container to avoid accidental opening or leakage of the contents. Containers for deli foods should have a lock which seals against liquid spillage.
Various types of closures have been proposed in the 25 past. Some have included latching or locking structures. For example, cylindrical male and female locking elements have been proposed as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,576,330. U.S. Patent 4,452,356-Dahl shows a container in which tabs are provided for opening the container. U.S. Patent 5,046,659 is an example of 30 a food container made of clear plastic which presents an attractive appearance for the food, plus a unique locking closure.
However, deli foods are most often packaged in foil bags, plastic bags, foil pans with deli overwraps or polystyrene 35 foam trays with overwraps. It is an object of the present invention to improve the presentation of foods in containers which can be used for microwave heating of the contents.
F-7197-L(SGC) ~13~3 . ~
Relat d Applications This is a continuation-in-part of Application Serial Number 07/800,159, filed on November 27, 1991, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to improvements in thermoformed plastic containers for deli food and more particularly, to such a container for packaging pre-prepared foods of the type commonly referred to as "deli foods".
Containers for food or other articles thermoformed 15 from plastic material normally comprise a lid and base which may be hinged to each other or may be separate parts. In order to hold the lid and base of the container in closed condition, it is necessary that the lid and base have a closure which can be manually opened and closed with relative ease. However, the 20 closure should be capable of securely closing the container to avoid accidental opening or leakage of the contents. Containers for deli foods should have a lock which seals against liquid spillage.
Various types of closures have been proposed in the 25 past. Some have included latching or locking structures. For example, cylindrical male and female locking elements have been proposed as disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,576,330. U.S. Patent 4,452,356-Dahl shows a container in which tabs are provided for opening the container. U.S. Patent 5,046,659 is an example of 30 a food container made of clear plastic which presents an attractive appearance for the food, plus a unique locking closure.
However, deli foods are most often packaged in foil bags, plastic bags, foil pans with deli overwraps or polystyrene 35 foam trays with overwraps. It is an object of the present invention to improve the presentation of foods in containers which can be used for microwave heating of the contents.
F-7197-L(SGC) ~13~3 . ~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A thermoformed plastic container used primarily for packaging pre-prepared foods has a base and a domed lid of clear plastic. A closure including a male ridge around 5 the periphery of the flange of the base engages a mating female groove in the flange of the lid. An upwardly extending wall of the cover engages a mating wall on the base to form a tight, double-sealed, liquid-proof seal.
This container is unlocked by separating stiff tabs 10 on the lid and the base. The tabs have embossed instructions, such as "HOLD" and "LIFT", to facilitate easy opening of a container which is otherwise tightly sealed.
The container is generally oval in shape with one end rounded and pointed and the other end rounded and flat. The 15 shape of the container conforms generally to the food contained therein, such as a whole roasted chicken. The handles are formed by flat portions at both ends which are inwardly offset with respect to the vertical walls of the base.
The base has a raised bottom with grooves therein so that food can rest on the bottom of the base with the liquid from the food being contained in the grooves. The vertical walls have scallops which add to the rigidity of the base~ The base and the clear plastic lid are made of materials such that the packaged food product can be displayed in a 25 warming oven in the store, and then the container can also be used for microwave heating of the contents at home.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following more detailed description and appended claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a view of the container in the closed ~-position;
Fig. 2 shows the container with a low dome lid;
Fig. 3 is a view with the lid removed from the base;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the high domed lid in the closed position;
Z l ~ 3 F-7197-L(SGC) Fig. 5 is a plan view with the lid partially broken away;
Fig. 6 is a side elevation;
Fig. 7 is a cross-section through the section 7-7 of 5 Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail of the seal mechanism;
Fig. 9 is an end view of the round pointed end;
Fig. 10 is an end view of the flat rounded end of the base showing the handle;
Fig. 11 is a view of an embodiment of the container having a mid-dome lid in the closed position;
Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the container with the mid-dome lid;
Fig. 13 is a top plan view of the mid-dome lid removed from the base; and Fig. 14 is an plan view of the flat rounded end of the container having a mid-dome lid, the container shown in the closed condition.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments A food container has a base 11 with a horizontal flange 12 extending around the periphery thereof~ A lid 13 has a horizontal flange 14 extending around the periphery. Flange 25 14 engages flange 12 when the container is in the closed condition. A male locking member 15 extends around the periphery of the flange 12 on the base. Female locking member 16 is a groove which extends around the periphery of the flange 14 on the lid. Male locking member 15 is slightly smaller than, 30 but fits snugly into, female locking member 16 to form one part of a double seal which will be resistant to leakage.
In order to open the container, a stiff tab 17 extends from the periphery of base 11. A stiff tab 18 extends from the flange of the lid. The tabs are in proximity to one another and 35 slightly displaced from one another. Disengagement of the seal can be accomplished by holding the tab 17 and lifting the tab 18. The instructions "HOLD" and ~'LIFT" are embossed onto the ~ ~ 2130g63 F-7197-L(SGC) tabs 17 and 18 respectively. These provide visual instructions for unlocking the container.
The container is generally oval in shape. Handles 25 and 26 are formed in both ends of the container as best shown 5 in Figs. 9 and 10.
The base 11 has vertical walls with a rim 23 extending between the vertical walls and the flange 12. (Fig. 6). The vertical walls of the base have scallops 33 which add rigidity to the base and make it serviceable for its intended purpose 10 even though the base is thermoformed from relatively thin plastic.
The vertical wall, at the flat rounded end of the base, has a flat portion 19 which is offset inwardly with respect to the vertical wall ~Fig. 9). Handle 25 is a generally 15 horizontal protrusion which extends between the flat portion 19 and the rim 23. At the other end of the container, a flat portion 20 is offset inwardly with respect to the vertical wall (Fig. 10). The handle 26 is a horizontal protrusion between the flat portion 20 and the rim 23.
As shown in Fig. 8, the rim 23 extends upwardly to form one vertical member 27 of the male locking member 15.
Vertical member 27 and vertical member 28 of the male locking member extend upwardly and outwardly. Because the male locking member has greater thickness at its topmost portion, it snaps 25 into the groove of the female locking member 16. An upwardly extending vertical member 34 on the lid engages vertical member 27 of the base. This also forms a seal so the container has a double seal. At the bottom of vertical member 34, the lid extends in the horizontal section 21, then extends upwardly from 30 the female locking member into the dome 13. This forms a good liquid-tight seal.
The container has a round pointed end 30 and a flat rounded end 31. The oval base and dome lid conform generally to the shape of a whole roasted chicken contained 35 therein to present an attractive appearance for the food. The high dome lid shown in Figs. 1 and 4 will accommodate a whole cooked chicken and presents an attractive package for the ~13~63 F-7197-L(SGC) _ . , chicken. The flat domed container shown in Fig. 2 is particularly adapted for accommodating cut food parts such as chicken wings or other deli foods.
A flat portion 32 of the lid provides space for S embossed cooking instructions. For example, instructions for microwaving the food contained therein may be embossed the flat portion 32.
Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Figs. 11-14, this embodiment employing a lid 10 referred hereinbelow as being of a mid-dome design. Referring now to Fig. 11 an embodiment of the container having a mid-dome lid is depicted in the closed position. The food container has a base 11 which advantageously is of the same design as the base depicted in Figs. 1-10 and, as such, like numerals will be used 15 to describe its like component parts. Base 11 has a horizontal flange 12 extending around the periphery thereof. The mid-dome lid 113 has vertical walls having scallops 133 which add rigidity to the lid 113 and make it serviceable for its intended purpose even though the lid 113 is thermoformed from relatively 20 thin plastic.
Mid-dome lid 113 has a horizontal flange 114 extending around the periphery. Flange 114 engages flange 12 when the container is in the closed condition. A male locking member 15 extends around the periphery of the flange 12 on the base.
25 Female locking member 116 is a groove which extends around the periphery of the flange 114 on the mid-dome lid 113. Male locking member 15 is slightly smaller than, but fits snugly into, female locking member 116 to form one part of a double seal which will be resistant to leakage.
Still referring to Fig. 11, in order to open the container, a stiff tab 17 extends from the periphery of base 11.
As with the previously described embodiment of Figs. 1-10, a stiff tab 118 extends from the flange of the lid. The tabs are in proximity to one another and slightly displaced from one 35 another. Disengagement of the seal can be accomplished by holding the tab 17 and lifting the tab 118. The instructions "HOLD" and "LIFT" are embossed onto the tabs 17 and 18 F-7197-L(SGC) 2130863 respectively. These provide visual instructions for unlocking the container.
The container is generally oval in shape. Again, handles 25 and 26 can be formed in both ends of the container 5 base as best shown in Figs. 9 and 10. The base 11 has vertical walls with a rim 23 extending between the vertical walls and the flange 12. (Fig. 6). The vertical walls of the base have scallops 33 which add rigidity to the base and make it serviceable for its intended purpose even though the base is 10 thermoformed from relatively thin plastic.
The vertical wall, at the flat rounded end of the base, has a flat portion 19 which is offset inwardly with respect to the vertical wall (Fig. 9). Handle 25 is a generally horizontal protrusion which extends between the flat portion 19 15 and the rim 23. At the other end of the container, a flat portion 20 is offset inwardly with respect to the vertical wall (Fig. 10). The handle 26 is a horizontal protrusion between the flat portion 20 and the rim 23.
As shown in Fig. 8, the rim 23 extends upwardly to 20 form one vertical member 27 of the male locking member 15.
Vertical member 27 and vertical member 28 of the male locking member extend upwardly and outwardly. Because the male locking member has greater thickness at its topmost portion, it snaps into the groove of the female locking member 116. An upwardly 25 extending vertical member 134 on the lid engages vertical member 27 of the base. This also forms a seal so the container has a double seal. At the bottom of vertical member 134, the lid extends in the horizontal section 121, then extends upwardly from the female locking member into the dome 113. This forms 30 a good liquid-tight seal.
The container having a mid-dome lid has a round pointed end 130 and a flat rounded end 131. The oval base and dome lid conform generally to the shape of a whole roasted chicken contained therein to present an attractive appearance 35 for the food. The mid-dome lid shown in Figs. 11-14 will accommodate one-half of a cooked chicken or cut food parts such as chicken wings or other deli foods.
~ F-7l97-L(SGC~ 2130~3 A flat portion 132 of the lid provides space for embossed cooking instructions. For example, instructions for microwaving the food contained therein may be embossed the flat portion 132.
The base is made of a microwavable plastic. The dome is made of a material which is suitable for covering foods during warming oven display and microwave heating. The generic materials for the base, and examples thereof, include: talc-filled polypropylene, polypropylene, styrene 10 maleic anhydride (Arco Dylark), polyphenylene oxide/polystyrene (General Electric Noryl) or crystallized polyethylene terephthalate (CPET). The base is constructed of opaque plastic, whereas the lid is constructed of clear plastic. The lid may be made from amorphous polyethylene-terephthalate, 15 oriented polystyrene or styrene maleic anhydride (Arco`s Dylark). The clear dome is coated with a suitable anti-fog agent to enhance product visibility during warming oven or refrigerator display.
While a particular embodiment of the invention has 20 been shown and described, various modifications are within true spirit and scope of the invention. The appended claims, are, th-refore, intended to cover all such modifications.
. -
A thermoformed plastic container used primarily for packaging pre-prepared foods has a base and a domed lid of clear plastic. A closure including a male ridge around 5 the periphery of the flange of the base engages a mating female groove in the flange of the lid. An upwardly extending wall of the cover engages a mating wall on the base to form a tight, double-sealed, liquid-proof seal.
This container is unlocked by separating stiff tabs 10 on the lid and the base. The tabs have embossed instructions, such as "HOLD" and "LIFT", to facilitate easy opening of a container which is otherwise tightly sealed.
The container is generally oval in shape with one end rounded and pointed and the other end rounded and flat. The 15 shape of the container conforms generally to the food contained therein, such as a whole roasted chicken. The handles are formed by flat portions at both ends which are inwardly offset with respect to the vertical walls of the base.
The base has a raised bottom with grooves therein so that food can rest on the bottom of the base with the liquid from the food being contained in the grooves. The vertical walls have scallops which add to the rigidity of the base~ The base and the clear plastic lid are made of materials such that the packaged food product can be displayed in a 25 warming oven in the store, and then the container can also be used for microwave heating of the contents at home.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following more detailed description and appended claims.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a view of the container in the closed ~-position;
Fig. 2 shows the container with a low dome lid;
Fig. 3 is a view with the lid removed from the base;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the high domed lid in the closed position;
Z l ~ 3 F-7197-L(SGC) Fig. 5 is a plan view with the lid partially broken away;
Fig. 6 is a side elevation;
Fig. 7 is a cross-section through the section 7-7 of 5 Fig. 6;
Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail of the seal mechanism;
Fig. 9 is an end view of the round pointed end;
Fig. 10 is an end view of the flat rounded end of the base showing the handle;
Fig. 11 is a view of an embodiment of the container having a mid-dome lid in the closed position;
Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the container with the mid-dome lid;
Fig. 13 is a top plan view of the mid-dome lid removed from the base; and Fig. 14 is an plan view of the flat rounded end of the container having a mid-dome lid, the container shown in the closed condition.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments A food container has a base 11 with a horizontal flange 12 extending around the periphery thereof~ A lid 13 has a horizontal flange 14 extending around the periphery. Flange 25 14 engages flange 12 when the container is in the closed condition. A male locking member 15 extends around the periphery of the flange 12 on the base. Female locking member 16 is a groove which extends around the periphery of the flange 14 on the lid. Male locking member 15 is slightly smaller than, 30 but fits snugly into, female locking member 16 to form one part of a double seal which will be resistant to leakage.
In order to open the container, a stiff tab 17 extends from the periphery of base 11. A stiff tab 18 extends from the flange of the lid. The tabs are in proximity to one another and 35 slightly displaced from one another. Disengagement of the seal can be accomplished by holding the tab 17 and lifting the tab 18. The instructions "HOLD" and ~'LIFT" are embossed onto the ~ ~ 2130g63 F-7197-L(SGC) tabs 17 and 18 respectively. These provide visual instructions for unlocking the container.
The container is generally oval in shape. Handles 25 and 26 are formed in both ends of the container as best shown 5 in Figs. 9 and 10.
The base 11 has vertical walls with a rim 23 extending between the vertical walls and the flange 12. (Fig. 6). The vertical walls of the base have scallops 33 which add rigidity to the base and make it serviceable for its intended purpose 10 even though the base is thermoformed from relatively thin plastic.
The vertical wall, at the flat rounded end of the base, has a flat portion 19 which is offset inwardly with respect to the vertical wall ~Fig. 9). Handle 25 is a generally 15 horizontal protrusion which extends between the flat portion 19 and the rim 23. At the other end of the container, a flat portion 20 is offset inwardly with respect to the vertical wall (Fig. 10). The handle 26 is a horizontal protrusion between the flat portion 20 and the rim 23.
As shown in Fig. 8, the rim 23 extends upwardly to form one vertical member 27 of the male locking member 15.
Vertical member 27 and vertical member 28 of the male locking member extend upwardly and outwardly. Because the male locking member has greater thickness at its topmost portion, it snaps 25 into the groove of the female locking member 16. An upwardly extending vertical member 34 on the lid engages vertical member 27 of the base. This also forms a seal so the container has a double seal. At the bottom of vertical member 34, the lid extends in the horizontal section 21, then extends upwardly from 30 the female locking member into the dome 13. This forms a good liquid-tight seal.
The container has a round pointed end 30 and a flat rounded end 31. The oval base and dome lid conform generally to the shape of a whole roasted chicken contained 35 therein to present an attractive appearance for the food. The high dome lid shown in Figs. 1 and 4 will accommodate a whole cooked chicken and presents an attractive package for the ~13~63 F-7197-L(SGC) _ . , chicken. The flat domed container shown in Fig. 2 is particularly adapted for accommodating cut food parts such as chicken wings or other deli foods.
A flat portion 32 of the lid provides space for S embossed cooking instructions. For example, instructions for microwaving the food contained therein may be embossed the flat portion 32.
Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Figs. 11-14, this embodiment employing a lid 10 referred hereinbelow as being of a mid-dome design. Referring now to Fig. 11 an embodiment of the container having a mid-dome lid is depicted in the closed position. The food container has a base 11 which advantageously is of the same design as the base depicted in Figs. 1-10 and, as such, like numerals will be used 15 to describe its like component parts. Base 11 has a horizontal flange 12 extending around the periphery thereof. The mid-dome lid 113 has vertical walls having scallops 133 which add rigidity to the lid 113 and make it serviceable for its intended purpose even though the lid 113 is thermoformed from relatively 20 thin plastic.
Mid-dome lid 113 has a horizontal flange 114 extending around the periphery. Flange 114 engages flange 12 when the container is in the closed condition. A male locking member 15 extends around the periphery of the flange 12 on the base.
25 Female locking member 116 is a groove which extends around the periphery of the flange 114 on the mid-dome lid 113. Male locking member 15 is slightly smaller than, but fits snugly into, female locking member 116 to form one part of a double seal which will be resistant to leakage.
Still referring to Fig. 11, in order to open the container, a stiff tab 17 extends from the periphery of base 11.
As with the previously described embodiment of Figs. 1-10, a stiff tab 118 extends from the flange of the lid. The tabs are in proximity to one another and slightly displaced from one 35 another. Disengagement of the seal can be accomplished by holding the tab 17 and lifting the tab 118. The instructions "HOLD" and "LIFT" are embossed onto the tabs 17 and 18 F-7197-L(SGC) 2130863 respectively. These provide visual instructions for unlocking the container.
The container is generally oval in shape. Again, handles 25 and 26 can be formed in both ends of the container 5 base as best shown in Figs. 9 and 10. The base 11 has vertical walls with a rim 23 extending between the vertical walls and the flange 12. (Fig. 6). The vertical walls of the base have scallops 33 which add rigidity to the base and make it serviceable for its intended purpose even though the base is 10 thermoformed from relatively thin plastic.
The vertical wall, at the flat rounded end of the base, has a flat portion 19 which is offset inwardly with respect to the vertical wall (Fig. 9). Handle 25 is a generally horizontal protrusion which extends between the flat portion 19 15 and the rim 23. At the other end of the container, a flat portion 20 is offset inwardly with respect to the vertical wall (Fig. 10). The handle 26 is a horizontal protrusion between the flat portion 20 and the rim 23.
As shown in Fig. 8, the rim 23 extends upwardly to 20 form one vertical member 27 of the male locking member 15.
Vertical member 27 and vertical member 28 of the male locking member extend upwardly and outwardly. Because the male locking member has greater thickness at its topmost portion, it snaps into the groove of the female locking member 116. An upwardly 25 extending vertical member 134 on the lid engages vertical member 27 of the base. This also forms a seal so the container has a double seal. At the bottom of vertical member 134, the lid extends in the horizontal section 121, then extends upwardly from the female locking member into the dome 113. This forms 30 a good liquid-tight seal.
The container having a mid-dome lid has a round pointed end 130 and a flat rounded end 131. The oval base and dome lid conform generally to the shape of a whole roasted chicken contained therein to present an attractive appearance 35 for the food. The mid-dome lid shown in Figs. 11-14 will accommodate one-half of a cooked chicken or cut food parts such as chicken wings or other deli foods.
~ F-7l97-L(SGC~ 2130~3 A flat portion 132 of the lid provides space for embossed cooking instructions. For example, instructions for microwaving the food contained therein may be embossed the flat portion 132.
The base is made of a microwavable plastic. The dome is made of a material which is suitable for covering foods during warming oven display and microwave heating. The generic materials for the base, and examples thereof, include: talc-filled polypropylene, polypropylene, styrene 10 maleic anhydride (Arco Dylark), polyphenylene oxide/polystyrene (General Electric Noryl) or crystallized polyethylene terephthalate (CPET). The base is constructed of opaque plastic, whereas the lid is constructed of clear plastic. The lid may be made from amorphous polyethylene-terephthalate, 15 oriented polystyrene or styrene maleic anhydride (Arco`s Dylark). The clear dome is coated with a suitable anti-fog agent to enhance product visibility during warming oven or refrigerator display.
While a particular embodiment of the invention has 20 been shown and described, various modifications are within true spirit and scope of the invention. The appended claims, are, th-refore, intended to cover all such modifications.
. -
Claims (22)
1. A container for food or the like comprising:
(a) a relatively thin base having a horizontal flange extending around the periphery thereof;
(b) a relatively thin transparent mid-dome lid having a horizontal flange extending around the periphery thereof and adapted for engagement with the horizontal flange of said base when said container is in a closed condition;
(c) a male locking member extending around the periphery of one of said flanges, said male locking member comprising, in cross-section, a horizontal linear top surface, a first substantially vertical linear member which extends upwardly and outwardly to intersect said top surface, and a second substantially vertical linear member which extends upwardly and outwardly to intersect said top surface;
(d) a mating female locking member extending around the periphery of the other flange, said female locking member comprising, in cross-section, a horizontal linear top member, a first substantially vertical surface which extends upwardly and outwardly to intersect said top member, and a second substantially vertical linear surface which extends upwardly and outwardly to intersect said top member;
(e) a first stiff tab extending from the periphery of said base; and (f) a second stiff tab extending from the flange of said lid, said tabs being in proximity to one another and slightly displaced from one another whereby said second substantially vertical linear surface of said female locking member will be separated from said second substantially vertical linear member of said male locking member when said first and second tabs are relatively displaced, thereby facilitating a smooth fast separation between said male and female locking members.
(a) a relatively thin base having a horizontal flange extending around the periphery thereof;
(b) a relatively thin transparent mid-dome lid having a horizontal flange extending around the periphery thereof and adapted for engagement with the horizontal flange of said base when said container is in a closed condition;
(c) a male locking member extending around the periphery of one of said flanges, said male locking member comprising, in cross-section, a horizontal linear top surface, a first substantially vertical linear member which extends upwardly and outwardly to intersect said top surface, and a second substantially vertical linear member which extends upwardly and outwardly to intersect said top surface;
(d) a mating female locking member extending around the periphery of the other flange, said female locking member comprising, in cross-section, a horizontal linear top member, a first substantially vertical surface which extends upwardly and outwardly to intersect said top member, and a second substantially vertical linear surface which extends upwardly and outwardly to intersect said top member;
(e) a first stiff tab extending from the periphery of said base; and (f) a second stiff tab extending from the flange of said lid, said tabs being in proximity to one another and slightly displaced from one another whereby said second substantially vertical linear surface of said female locking member will be separated from said second substantially vertical linear member of said male locking member when said first and second tabs are relatively displaced, thereby facilitating a smooth fast separation between said male and female locking members.
2. The container recited in claim 1 wherein said tabs are embossed with visual instructions for unlocking.
3. The container recited in claim 1 and a double seal lock which includes said male and female locking members, said female locking member being on said lid, said lid extending upwardly from said female locking member into a dome.
4. The container recited in claim 3 wherein said base has vertical walls with a rim extending between said walls and said flange on said base.
5. The container recited in claim 4 wherein said rim extends upwardly to form said first substantially vertical linear member of said male locking member.
6. The container recited in claim 5 wherein said lid comprises said first substantially linear surface which engages said vertical linear member of said male locking member.
7. The container recited in claim 1 wherein said container is generally oval in shape and wherein a handle is formed in both ends of said base.
8. The container recited in claim 4 wherein the vertical wall at both ends of said base has flat portions which are offset inwardly with respect to said vertical walls, said handles being generally horizontal protrusions between said flat portions and said rim.
9. The container recited in claim 1 wherein the base of said container has a raised bottom with grooves therein, so that said food can rest on the bottom of said base with the liquid from said food being contained in said grooves.
10. The container recited in claim 7 wherein one end of said oval-shaped container extends to a round point and wherein the other end of said container extends to a flat rounded end.
11. The container recited in claim 7 wherein said container has a squared oval base.
12. The container recited in claim 11 wherein said oval base and said mid-domed lid conform generally to the shape of the food contained therein to present an attractive appearance for said food.
13. The container recited in claim 12 wherein said lid is of a shape which will accommodate one-half of a chicken or the like.
14. The container recited in claim 12 wherein said container can accommodate cut food parts.
15. The container recited in claim 1 wherein said base is made of microwavable plastics and said dome is made of clear plastic suitable for warming oven display and covering foods during microwave heating.
16. The container recited in claim 15 wherein said microwavable plastics for the base are selected from group consisting of talc-filled polypropylene, polypropylene, styrene maleic anhydride, polyphenylene oxide/polystyrene or crystallized polyethylene-terephthalate.
17. The container recited in claim 16 wherein said dome materials are selected from the group consisting of oriented polystyrene, amorphous polyethylene-terephthalate, and styrene maleic anhydride.
18. The container recited in claim 11 wherein said domed lid has a flat portion at the top thereof; and cooking instructions embossed upon said flat portion.
19. The container recited in claim 1 wherein said lid is constructed of clear plastic and said base is constructed of opaque plastic.
20. The container recited in claim 19 wherein said lid is impregnated with an anti-fog agent.
21. The container recited in claim 4 wherein said walls of said base are scalloped to add rigidity to said base.
22. The container recited in claim 4 wherein said walls of said lid are scalloped to add rigidity to said lid.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/800,159 US5607709A (en) | 1991-11-27 | 1991-11-27 | Disposable microwavable food container |
| US12991493A | 1993-09-30 | 1993-09-30 | |
| US08/129,914 | 1993-09-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2130863A1 true CA2130863A1 (en) | 1995-03-31 |
Family
ID=26828027
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2130863 Abandoned CA2130863A1 (en) | 1991-11-27 | 1994-08-25 | Disposable microwavable food container |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2130863A1 (en) |
-
1994
- 1994-08-25 CA CA 2130863 patent/CA2130863A1/en not_active Abandoned
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5607709A (en) | Disposable microwavable food container | |
| CA2596400C (en) | A container | |
| US4742934A (en) | Container structure | |
| US5094355A (en) | Hinged-lid food container with sealable compartments employing front and side latching means | |
| US20070119743A1 (en) | Container | |
| AU2007205980B2 (en) | Containers with interlocking gripping tabs covers | |
| US4940158A (en) | Container and seam ring for container | |
| US20030155354A1 (en) | Plate container with detachable cover | |
| US20030155353A1 (en) | Plate container with detachable cover | |
| NZ560383A (en) | A container with stackable and lockable lids | |
| WO1993023303A1 (en) | Latch for a container | |
| NZ564244A (en) | Venting container | |
| US20170283129A1 (en) | Container and lid assembly | |
| US20020113074A1 (en) | Lockable tray container | |
| US20150298871A1 (en) | Container and lid assembly | |
| US20190106247A1 (en) | Container and lid assembly | |
| JPH10129742A (en) | Container with lid | |
| WO1990014294A1 (en) | Packaging container | |
| GB2194515A (en) | Composite containers | |
| GB2297536A (en) | Multi-compartment container with removable compartment | |
| CA2130863A1 (en) | Disposable microwavable food container | |
| GB2227632A (en) | Containers for packaging and microwaving food | |
| JP2875196B2 (en) | Food packaging containers | |
| CA2582313A1 (en) | Domed food container system | |
| JP3060898U (en) | Packaging containers |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |