ES1192608U - Food container (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Food container, with a container (1) open at one end, characterized in that it comprises a perimeter tray (2) close to the opening of the container (1). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

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FOOD CONTAINER SECTOR OF THE TECHNIQUE

The present invention relates to a food container, for use during the consumption of a series of small-sized elements, such as french fries. It comprises both a container and a protection and carrier tray, so it is especially advantageous for transport while it is consumed.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Among the food products that can be distributed in stalls or stores for consumers to take them down the street, in the seats of a cinema, ... some may require the use of sauces or condiments, or they may have a risk of falling on the consumer and stain him.

In the first case, sometimes the sauce or seasoning is poured into the container, with the food, increasing the complication of consumption. The consumer will have to take the fried potato, the nacho, ... with the fingers (not all of these products can be eaten with a fork) trying to avoid staining the fingers.

In the second case, one of the moments of greatest risk is nothing more than leaving the vertical of the container, when a product that is poorly held or dragged by the adjoining can fall on the consumer's lap.

On the other hand, if consumed using a fork, the consumer must keep it all the time in his hand, so he cannot perform other basic activities (say hello, pick up the phone or wallet, ...)

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention consists of a food container according to the claims. The most advanced version solves all the problems of the state of the art, while the particular embodiments are intended for specific uses.

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The most basic version of the invention offers a food container, with a container open at one end, and also comprising a perimeter tray near the opening of the container. The width of the tray (from the container to the outer edge) will vary, but a minimum of 5 cm is recommended.

As a first particular solution, the tray may have deposits for a dose of sauce or condiments. The two preferred ways of making these deposits are:

- Through some holes made in the tray, where glasses are arranged. These glasses are removable and can be removed if deemed necessary (for example, if a table or shelf becomes available for placement).

- A second solution, simpler in that it reduces the elements of the container, is that the deposits are formed by some sunk in the upper surface of the tray. They can be sunk of small size distributed by the perimeter of the container, a single sunk that runs all its perimeter, or other combinations.

To reduce the necessary space while it is not being used, the container will be made in food carton or other flexible and flat material (plastic sheets with folding lines, ...). In this way, the container can be made removable from the tray and deployable. Just before its use, the seller will assemble one or more containers, limiting the space unused by it.

Preferably, the fixation between the container and the tray will be carried out by a series of tabs (in the container or in the tray) that will be inserted into the grooves of the other part. A second option is by adhesive (with or without tabs that increase the contact surface)

If you want to be able to free the hands of consumers, you can arrange a series of small holes in the tray to place forks or disposable chopsticks.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, the following figures are included.

Figure 1: Schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

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Figure 2: Top view of an example of an unfolded container.

Figure 3: Top view of an example tray.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A mode of realization of the invention is briefly described below, as an illustrative and non-limiting example thereof.

Figure 1 shows an example of embodiment of the container, formed by the two pieces similar to the parts of Figures 2 and 3. The container comprises a container (1) open on one side (which we will call "upper") and is where introduce the food to be consumed, for example french fries.

In the upper contour (that is, near the opening) of the container (1) a perimeter tray (2) is arranged, which in use position will be approximately horizontal, as shown in figure 1. This tray (2 ) performs a double function. On the one hand it serves to carry one or more doses (3) of sauce or condiments. On the other hand, it also protects the hands and clothing of any food or sauce that falls during consumption.

The doses (3) can be arranged in several ways. The one shown in figure 1 corresponds to several holes (4) made in the tray (2) where a glass (5) can be placed with the doses (3). Likewise, if the tray (2) is sufficiently waterproof and hygienic, one or more sunken (6) (figure 3) can be performed to perform the functions of the aforementioned vessel (5). These sunken (6) can be distributed by the tray (2) or correspond to a single sunken (6) that runs the entire perimeter.

The preferred material for the tray (2) and the container (1) will be the food carton or a flat, flexible, similar material. This allows both to be kept in an unfolded position (figures 2 and 3), reducing the space for storage. Thus, the product seller can assemble both before supplying it to the customer. In that case, the natural shape of the container (1) will be substantially conical, as shown in Figure 1.

The fixing between both pieces will depend, among other factors, on the material used. In the case of corresponding to food carton, the preferred solution will be a series of

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tongues (7) to be inserted in corresponding slots (8). The number of tabs (7) and slots (8) will depend on the size of the container, as! as of the aesthetic aspect that is desired. A larger number increases the strength of the fixation, reduces the probability of sauce or material broths in the interstices and improves the aesthetic appearance, but complicates the assembly of the container. A second option is for adhesive, such as an adhesive strip at one end, for example using foldable inner sheets (not shown) to approximate and arrange some parts of the tray (2) parallel to the container (1). The adhesive may also be in tabs that will be more easily foldable.

On the other hand, if the material is rigid plastic, the fixation can be by tongue and groove, whether removable or not, or manufactured directly by molding.

If desired, the container (1) may be recoverable (made of rigid and washable plastic) while the tray (2) may be disposable. In that case, the container (1) could have a horizontal channel (not shown) near its opening where the inner part of the tray (2) would be introduced, which could have a series of small cuts to facilitate it.

In the tray (2) you can also define a series of small holes (9) that serve to place disposable forks or chopsticks. In the case of being provided for forks, they may have a slightly elongated shape.

One of the advantages of the invention is the aesthetic freedom, which allows playing with the sizes and shapes of the container, for example by making it have the shape of an inverted Mexican hat (for nachos with guacamole) or to comprise an oval tray (2) if provided. to share. Both the tray (2) and the container (1) can carry any type of decoration or advertising, especially if they are produced in food carton.

Claims (1)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 1- Food container, with a container (1) open at one end, characterized in that it comprises a perimeter tray (2) close to the opening of the container (1). 2- Food container, according to claim 1, whose tray (2) has deposits for doses (3) of sauce or condiments. 3- Food container, according to claim 2, whose deposits are formed by holes (4) made in the tray (2) where glasses (5) are arranged. 4- Food container, according to claim 2, whose deposits are formed by one or more sunken (6) on the upper surface of the tray (2). 5- Food container, according to claim 4, with a sink (6) that runs through the entire perimeter of the container. 6- Food container, according to claim 1, made of food carton or other flexible flat material. 7- Food container, according to claim 6, whose container (1) is removable from the tray (2) and deployable. 8- Food container, according to claim 7, whose fixing between the container (1) and the tray (2) is carried out by a series of tabs (7) that can be inserted into two grooves (8). 9- Food container, according to claim 7, whose fixing between the container (1) and the tray (2) is carried out by adhesive. 10- Food container, according to claim 1, whose tray (2) has a series of small holes (9) for placing disposable forks or chopsticks. 11- Food container, according to claim 1, whose container (1) is conical.