US20030192897A1 - Container for holding food - Google Patents
Container for holding food Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030192897A1 US20030192897A1 US10/122,979 US12297902A US2003192897A1 US 20030192897 A1 US20030192897 A1 US 20030192897A1 US 12297902 A US12297902 A US 12297902A US 2003192897 A1 US2003192897 A1 US 2003192897A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- sidewall
- base
- simulate
- projections
- 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
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/34—Trays or like shallow containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/40—Details of walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to plastic dishware and more particularly to a basket shaped serving tray for holding sandwiches and the like in the food service industry.
- a primary object of this invention is to provide a low-cost, disposable container for delivery of food to restaurant customers.
- a further object of this invention is to save labor costs by removing the need for workers to separate food residue from the container by allowing the customer to dispose of the container entirely.
- Another object of this invention is to provide a liquid-proof container which will avoid the risk of food spilling or leaking, or limit the foods for which they can be used.
- Still another object of this invention is to provide a disposable container which can be used for customers who order carryout items.
- An additional object of this invention is to provide a disposable container for holding food that visually resembles a typical reusable container.
- the container is preferably made of high impact polystyrene (HIPS) having an embossed pattern on its sidewall simulating that of a woven container.
- HIPS high impact polystyrene
- the sidewall pattern in these containers replicates the holes in the reusable container, but is still a solid part for use of food-grade material.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a first invention.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2 - 2 in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
- FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, of an alternative embodiment, taken along 5 - 5 in FIG. 6.
- FIG. 6 is a side-view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a disposable container for holding sandwiches and the like.
- the container which can be oval-shaped, includes a lip 1 , a sidewall 2 , and a base 3 .
- the container is preferably made by thermoforming a sheet of high impact polystyrene. Of course, other materials or molding processes could be used without deviating from the invention.
- the base 3 is generally planar and is placed at the bottom of the container. Preferably there are no openings through the base 3 .
- the base 3 includes a downwardly extending annular projection 4 surrounding the parameter of the base. This projection defines the planar foot surface.
- the arcuate sidewall 2 extends upwardly and outwardly. It is integrally formed with the base 3 .
- the sidewall is embossed with projections in the form of intersecting, vertical ribs 5 and horizontal ribs 6 .
- the pattern of the ribs 5 and 6 embossed on the sidewall 2 of the container simulates a woven reed pattern of a container. However, unlike in a typical woven reed pattern, here the sidewall 2 has no openings through it.
- the top of the sidewall defines the open upper edge of the container. Surrounding the upper edge is a laterally extending lip 1 . As shown, the two ends 7 and 9 the container are rounded to provide the oval shape to the container when viewed from either the top or the bottom.
- FIGS. 4 - 6 show an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- the alternative embodiment has a base 10 , a sidewall 12 , and a laterally extending lip 13 surrounding the open upper edge.
- the sidewall 12 is embossed with outwardly projecting dimples 15 as opposed to ribs 5 .
- the dimples 15 are geometrically positioned and shaped to simulate a woven basket pattern.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
Abstract
A container for holding food embossed with a pattern along the sidewall to simulate a woven reed pattern. The container is formed by molding high impact polystyrene, allowing for an inexpensive and lightweight disposable container. Unlike a typical woven reed container, the base and sidewalls are void of openings.
Description
- I. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates generally to plastic dishware and more particularly to a basket shaped serving tray for holding sandwiches and the like in the food service industry.
- II. Discussion of the Prior Art
- In today's consumer culture, many customers do not have time to sit down for a “home cooked” meal, much less eat at a “sit-down” restaurant. Hundreds of millions of meals each year are consumed at quick service restaurants such as hot dog and burger establishments, sandwich shops, and delicatessens. The question for these establishments is how to deliver food to the customer in an inexpensive yet appealing way.
- Many food service operators use natural fiber baskets or injection-molded baskets to deliver hot and cold sandwiches and other food items to their dine-in customers. These baskets are commonly lined with deli paper and re-used until they become damaged or discolored. The customer is expected to throw the paper liner in the trash and stack the basket in a designated area. The baskets are then picked up by store personnel, wiped out, and stacked for re-use.
- Several problems arise from use of these baskets. First, customers do not always save the basket. In many cases, the customer will throw it, along with wrappings and left over food, into the trash. This depletes the restaurant's supply of baskets, requires the restaurant to re-order new baskets. Second, requiring the employees to collect and clean baskets contributes to an increase in the overall labor costs. Third, any time such an item is reused, hygiene and cleanliness issues arise. Fourth, presently the cost of such baskets is typically between $0.50 to $0.96 when purchased in quantity. Every basket that is damaged or lost increases operating costs. Fifth, the openings in these baskets allow leakage to occur. Sixth, use of the baskets inherently requires using of a secondary packaging item, such as a deli sheet made of either paper or plastic. This adds to cost.
- A primary object of this invention is to provide a low-cost, disposable container for delivery of food to restaurant customers.
- A further object of this invention is to save labor costs by removing the need for workers to separate food residue from the container by allowing the customer to dispose of the container entirely.
- Another object of this invention is to provide a liquid-proof container which will avoid the risk of food spilling or leaking, or limit the foods for which they can be used.
- Still another object of this invention is to provide a disposable container which can be used for customers who order carryout items.
- An additional object of this invention is to provide a disposable container for holding food that visually resembles a typical reusable container.
- These and other objects are achieved by providing a low-cost, attractive, one-piece container that is intended for a single use. The container is preferably made of high impact polystyrene (HIPS) having an embossed pattern on its sidewall simulating that of a woven container. The sidewall pattern in these containers replicates the holes in the reusable container, but is still a solid part for use of food-grade material.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a first invention.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line2-2 in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
- FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, of an alternative embodiment, taken along5-5 in FIG. 6.
- FIG. 6 is a side-view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a disposable container for holding sandwiches and the like. As shown FIG. 1, the container, which can be oval-shaped, includes a lip1, a
sidewall 2, and abase 3. The container is preferably made by thermoforming a sheet of high impact polystyrene. Of course, other materials or molding processes could be used without deviating from the invention. - The
base 3 is generally planar and is placed at the bottom of the container. Preferably there are no openings through thebase 3. Thebase 3 includes a downwardly extending annular projection 4 surrounding the parameter of the base. This projection defines the planar foot surface. Thearcuate sidewall 2 extends upwardly and outwardly. It is integrally formed with thebase 3. The sidewall is embossed with projections in the form of intersecting,vertical ribs 5 andhorizontal ribs 6. The pattern of theribs sidewall 2 of the container simulates a woven reed pattern of a container. However, unlike in a typical woven reed pattern, here thesidewall 2 has no openings through it. The top of the sidewall defines the open upper edge of the container. Surrounding the upper edge is a laterally extending lip 1. As shown, the twoends 7 and 9 the container are rounded to provide the oval shape to the container when viewed from either the top or the bottom. - FIGS.4-6 show an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Like the first embodiment, the alternative embodiment has a
base 10, asidewall 12, and a laterally extendinglip 13 surrounding the open upper edge. However, in the alternative embodiment, thesidewall 12 is embossed with outwardly projectingdimples 15 as opposed toribs 5. Thedimples 15 are geometrically positioned and shaped to simulate a woven basket pattern. - This invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to comply with the Patent Statutes and to provide those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct and use such specialized components as are required. However, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out by specifically different equipment and devices, and that various modifications, both as to the equipment details and operating procedures, can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention itself.
Claims (10)
1. A disposable container comprising:
a) a base forming a bottom of said container;
b) an upwardly and outwardly extending sidewall integrally formed with said base, wherein the base and sidewall are free of openings therethrough and the sidewall is embossed with projections to simulate a woven basket appearance;
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the bottom and sidewall are made of thermoformed high impact polystyrene.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein said container has a generally oval shape when viewed from the top or the bottom.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein said container has a pair of ends, each of which is rounded.
5. The container in claim 1 wherein the base includes a downwardly extending annular projection about a perimeter thereof defining a planar foot surface.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein said projections are dimples geometrically positioned to simulate a woven basket appearance.
7. The container of claim 1 wherein said projections are intersecting vertical and horizontal ribs which simulate a woven reed pattern.
8. A disposable container comprising:
a) a base of said container; and
b) an upwardly and outwardly extending sidewall integrally formed with said base, the base and sidewall being substantially free of any openings therethrough, and said sidewall being embossed with projections comprising intersecting vertical and horizontal ribs to simulate a woven reed pattern.
9. A disposable container, comprising:
a) a base;
b) an upwardly and outwardly extending sidewall integrally formed with the base, said base and sidewall being substantially free from any openings therethrough and being embossed with a plurality of rows of dimples, said dimples being shaped and geometrically positioned to simulate a basket pattern.
10. A container comprising:
a) an integrally formed base and sidewall substantially free from any openings therethrough;
b) a top opening; and
c) means on said sidewall for simulating a basket appearance.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/122,979 US20030192897A1 (en) | 2002-04-11 | 2002-04-11 | Container for holding food |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/122,979 US20030192897A1 (en) | 2002-04-11 | 2002-04-11 | Container for holding food |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030192897A1 true US20030192897A1 (en) | 2003-10-16 |
Family
ID=28790660
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/122,979 Abandoned US20030192897A1 (en) | 2002-04-11 | 2002-04-11 | Container for holding food |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20030192897A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070056970A1 (en) * | 2005-06-08 | 2007-03-15 | Scherer Thomas W | Plastic Liner For Home Organizational Items |
JP2015063326A (en) * | 2013-09-25 | 2015-04-09 | 中央化学株式会社 | Container |
US9623622B2 (en) | 2010-02-24 | 2017-04-18 | Michael Baines | Packaging materials and methods |
USD844394S1 (en) | 2018-03-29 | 2019-04-02 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | Mold |
USD886535S1 (en) * | 2018-02-02 | 2020-06-09 | Mr. Bar-B-Q Products Llc | Food basket |
US20200385161A1 (en) * | 2019-06-07 | 2020-12-10 | Glenn H. Morris, Jr. | Container with Sidewall Pillars |
US10894342B2 (en) | 2018-03-29 | 2021-01-19 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | System and method for molding comestible building blocks |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD260750S (en) * | 1979-06-07 | 1981-09-15 | Murphy Richard W | Flower pot holder |
-
2002
- 2002-04-11 US US10/122,979 patent/US20030192897A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD260750S (en) * | 1979-06-07 | 1981-09-15 | Murphy Richard W | Flower pot holder |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070056970A1 (en) * | 2005-06-08 | 2007-03-15 | Scherer Thomas W | Plastic Liner For Home Organizational Items |
US9623622B2 (en) | 2010-02-24 | 2017-04-18 | Michael Baines | Packaging materials and methods |
US10220590B2 (en) | 2010-02-24 | 2019-03-05 | Michael Baines | Packaging materials and methods |
JP2015063326A (en) * | 2013-09-25 | 2015-04-09 | 中央化学株式会社 | Container |
USD886535S1 (en) * | 2018-02-02 | 2020-06-09 | Mr. Bar-B-Q Products Llc | Food basket |
USD844394S1 (en) | 2018-03-29 | 2019-04-02 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | Mold |
USD869250S1 (en) | 2018-03-29 | 2019-12-10 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | Mold |
US10894342B2 (en) | 2018-03-29 | 2021-01-19 | Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc | System and method for molding comestible building blocks |
US20200385161A1 (en) * | 2019-06-07 | 2020-12-10 | Glenn H. Morris, Jr. | Container with Sidewall Pillars |
US12012250B2 (en) * | 2019-06-07 | 2024-06-18 | Glenn H. Morris, Jr. | Container with sidewall pillars |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: IVEX PACKAGING CORPORATION, ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:STAPLETON, MARILYN;REEL/FRAME:012810/0127 Effective date: 20020408 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |