US20100092108A1 - Eco-friendly food container - Google Patents
Eco-friendly food container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100092108A1 US20100092108A1 US12/642,697 US64269709A US2010092108A1 US 20100092108 A1 US20100092108 A1 US 20100092108A1 US 64269709 A US64269709 A US 64269709A US 2010092108 A1 US2010092108 A1 US 2010092108A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pouch
- section
- placemat
- food container
- closure
- 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
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- 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
- B65D29/00—Sacks or like containers made of fabrics; Flexible containers of open-work, e.g. net-like construction
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- 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
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/24—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices using self-locking integral or attached closure elements, e.g. flaps
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- 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
- B65D2313/00—Connecting or fastening means
- B65D2313/02—Connecting or fastening means of hook-and-loop type
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
- Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
- Y02W30/80—Packaging reuse or recycling, e.g. of multilayer packaging
Definitions
- Prior art food containers used to carry food are deficient in a number of areas.
- the disposable, plastic bags are disposable and thus wasteful and harmful to the environment.
- disposable plastic bags are made from a thin plastic and when torn or ripped become a choking hazard to a young child and are ingested by wild birds.
- the prior art food containers are not able to easily attach and hang open from a horizontal bar, such as a stroller or shopping cart handle bar.
- Prior art used plastic bowls and/or cups with a lid are not easy to store and keep until one returns home to clean them.
- Prior art plastic bowls and/or cups comprise hard plastic and are potentially dangerous in the hands of young children. Further, prior art plastic bowls and/or cups are not able to hang open from a horizontal bar, such as a stroller or shopping cart handle bar. Prior art food containers do not provide for a placemat.
- the present invention describes a food container comprising a pouch section, a placemat section and a closure flap, wherein said pouch section comprises a pouch, wherein said pouch comprises a pouch opening portion and a pouch peripheral portion, and said placemat section comprises at least one peripheral wall extending partially around the outer perimeter of said placemat section, wherein said pouch section is affixed to said placemat section so that said pouch opening faces said placemat section, and said closure is attached to said placemat section, and said pouch section is capable of being folded into said placemat section and rest therein and said closure flap is capable of being folded over said pouch section.
- the invention contemplates a food tray having a bottom and peripheral walls, said tray capable of being removeably inserted in said pouch.
- the invention contemplates a peripheral raised portion, said raised portion positioned between 1 ⁇ 8 inches and 2 inches inside of the placemat section at least one peripheral wall, and the peripheral raised portion extending between about 1 ⁇ 4, 1 ⁇ 2, 3 ⁇ 4 or all the way around the placemat section.
- first closure is disposed on the inside of said closure flap and a second closure disposed on the back side of the pouch section, wherein first and second closure are complimentary closures.
- the pouch peripheral portion comprises walls or edge seals.
- the pouch section is affixed to a first side of the placemat section and the closure flap is affixed to the opposite side of the placemat section.
- FIG. 1 is a front plan view of one embodiment of the food container when in the fully opened position
- FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of one embodiment of the food container in the fully opened position
- FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the food container when in the open position and wrapped around a horizontal bar;
- FIG. 4 is a plan view of one embodiment of the invention when in the open position
- FIG. 5 is a view of one embodiment of the invention in the closed position.
- pouch peripheral portion it is meant that part of the pouch that is not part of the pouch opening.
- a pouch section can be affixed to a placemat section and two sections formed from one piece of sheeting, for example.
- FIG. 1 is a front plan view of the food container 24 comprising pouch 14 when in the fully opened position according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- the food container 24 can be kept open while eating lunch or having a snack to get to the pouch front opening 18 .
- the present invention is comprised of front section 7 and back section 8 having a top 3 a and a bottom 3 b part where the back section 8 is larger than the front section 7 .
- Pouch 14 has pouch edges 9 a , 9 b , 9 c and 9 d .
- edge 9 d is not sealed to create pouch opening 18 .
- the food container has two creases 5 a and 5 b facilitating the inwardly folding at points 5 a and 5 b .
- Optional seal 16 partially or wholly covers pouch opening 18 during folding to create a pouch seal.
- Seal 16 is located on the inside of the back section 8 .
- Seal 16 may comprise any suitable material and/or may comprise a laminate of materials.
- Seal 16 may comprise a coating applied to the inside of the back section 8 .
- Seal 16 may be contiguous or broken and may extend from an area on the inside of the back section 8 below the pouch opening 18 to the crease 5 a or even further.
- Seal 16 may comprise a male/female interlocking seal where the male portion is integral with the inside of back section 8 and the female portions integral with the backside of the front section 7 .
- the female portion may be on the inside of the back section and the male portion is located on the inside of the front section 7 so that sealing may be accomplished.
- Such seals are known in the art (ZiplockTM) and have color coded changes indicating open/closed positions.
- the seal 16 may comprise a hook and loop closure having a hook portion on the inside of the back section at seal 16 and the loop portion on the back section of the front section 7 .
- the front section 7 faces a portion of the back section 8 and one or more peripheral edges of the front section 7 is joined to the peripheral edge of one or more sides of a portion of the back section 8 to create a pouch 14 having opening 18 .
- the front section 7 is sealed peripherally at three edges 9 a , 9 b and 9 c with a portion of the back section 8 .
- the edges 9 a , 9 b and 9 c may comprise any seal suitable for the material used.
- the seal may comprise a heat seal or be sewn.
- the edges 9 a , 9 b and 9 c may each independently be the same or different and may further comprise a wall portion constructed at the edge, said wall portion being substantial perpendicular to the plane of front section 7 and the portion of back section 8 and extending wholly or partially peripherally around the front section 7 and the portion of the back section 8 sealed to the front section 7 .
- the wall portion has a top part joined to front section 7 and a bottom portion joined to the portion of the back section 8 used to create the pouch having opening pouch opening 18 wherein the length of the wall portion from the top to the bottom of the wall determines the thickness of the pouch.
- the invention contemplates any thickness depending on the desired end use. The thickness is between zero, meaning there is substantially no wall and the edges are joined directly together to 160 mm or even larger.
- the edges 9 a , 9 b and 9 c may independently the same or different and may be sealed or partially sealed. As used herein “sealed” includes partially sealed at the edges 9 a , 9 b and 9 c i.e.
- the seal there may be one or more gaps in the seal, or holes in the wall portions so as to define a passageway from the inside of the pouch 14 to the outside of the pouch 14 enabling the passage of air or liquids.
- the edges and/or wall portions form a complete seal.
- suitable materials are suitable for the present invention depending on the desired end use.
- a food grade plastic is used. This facilitates cleaning and manufacture.
- the material is free of chemicals such as bisphenol A and phthalates.
- the food container may have any portion comprised of a laminate of materials. The choice of laminate depends on the end use. For environments where the food container is to keep contents fresh laminates comprising Al foil may be used.
- a laminate comprising an adsorbent may be employed.
- the laminate is an integral part of the pouch 14 inside wall, either attached to the back section 8 inside face or the front section 7 inside face, or both.
- Optional pull tab 2 is preferably located at the center front of the pouch front opening 18 or other location on the food container front section 7 .
- the tab may comprise a cord, ribbon, nylon webbing, etc.
- the back section is integral with the front section 7 and folds at the back section bottom 3 b and may be sealed on the sides 9 a and 9 c to create a pouch having pouch opening 18 .
- hook and loop may be used for closure 12 .
- Others closures include snaps and/or buttons.
- Crease 5 b separates the back section top area 6 a from the back section middle area and the area between crease 5 a and crease 5 b defines the back section middle area.
- a closure means for example a hook and loop are sewn or otherwise affixed by glue or other means to the back section top area 6 a on the inside face 12 .
- Complimentary closures are closures where a first part of the closure is designed to mate with a second part of the closure.
- Back section top area 6 a preferably includes a triangular shaped tip for ease of opening and manipulating the back section top area 6 a . This is separated from the placemat section 6 b via a fold 5 b.
- FIG. 2 shows the backside of the back section 8 of food container 24 shown in FIG. 1 when fully opened.
- a closure 20 Positioned near the bottom 3 b of the food container 24 is a closure 20 capable of mating with complimentary closure 12 on the inside of the back section positioned in the back section top area once the flap is wrapped up and around the pouch front opening 18 .
- FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the food container 24 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 when in the open position and wrapped around a horizontal bar. Access is provided to the pouch contents via pouch front opening 18 .
- the food container 24 is not only intended to keep food but it is designed to keep food within reach of toddlers or young children who may be riding in a shopping cart or stroller.
- the back section top area 6 a wraps around the horizontal bar and is connected to a closure on the back side of the back section.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view food container 23 according to one embodiment of the invention.
- This view shows the food container 23 in the open position with a pouch 15 containing pouch opening 18 .
- the pouch edges 17 a , 17 b and 17 c may be sealed by means of heat sealing the peripheral edges of the piece of sheeting material to form an enclosed pouch.
- the pouch 23 may comprise a wall structure as described in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .
- a strap 45 suitable of holding in place a napkin 51 alone or utensils is positioned over the pouch 15 front.
- This strap 45 may comprise any suitable material including an elastic material.
- the strap 45 may be affixed to the food container 23 in a variety of manners, but preferably it is affixed to the front pouch 15 along edge 17 b .
- strap 45 may be heat sealed to the main pouch along the bottom edge 17 B and/or along the top edge 17 d of the pouch 15 .
- Strap 45 may be any suitable shape or length but preferably the strap extends from the edge 17 b to the pouch opening 18 .
- the strap may comprise a hook and loop closure where the strap is fixed at end 17 b and a hook closure is placed on the inside of the strap and a loop closure is placed on the outside of the front of the pouch for mating with the aforementioned hook closure. Dual straps may be employed. Straps extending perpendicular to strap 45 may be employed even in the absence of strap 45 . Such straps preferably extend from edge 17 a to edge 17 c . Preferably the strap is between 1-4 inches in width.
- Placemat area 40 is located in the center section of the food container 23 and is generally defined by the area bordered by walls 42 , 46 , 44 and fold 25 a .
- Walls 42 , 46 , 44 may be independently the same or different heights and preferably define the peripheral area of the placemat area and extend substantially perpendicular to the placemat area.
- the height of walls 42 , 46 , 44 is chosen so that when pouch 15 is full it can be folded over into placemat area 40 and the top of walls 42 , 46 , 44 are substantially flush or just slightly higher than the folded pouch 15 so that the closure flap 49 can fold over onto the pouch 15 and the closure flap 49 is then flush with walls 42 , 46 , 44 .
- the invention contemplates that the pouch section rest in the placemat section, but this does not require that the walls of the placemat section be taller or shorter than the pouch section when the pouch section is folded into the placemat section.
- the height of walls 42 , 46 , 44 is small, perhaps 1 ⁇ 8 inch and the folded pouch 15 extends higher that the walls 42 , 46 , 44 .
- the size is dictated by the size of the food container but preferably section 40 is slightly larger by about to 1 ⁇ 8 to 1 ⁇ 4 inch bigger in at least three peripheral directions, the two lengths and the width than the pouch 15 so that the pouch fold into the placemat area 40 .
- Fold 25 a separates the pouch from the placemat area 40 and extends parallel to the pouch opening 18 and is scored or folded so that the placemat area 40 can fold over the pouch or vice versa.
- the placemat area 40 may comprise thicker mm sheeting in order to add structural support.
- This optional ridge or wall is a peripheral raised portion, and the peripheral raised portion extending between about 1 ⁇ 4, 1 ⁇ 2, 3 ⁇ 4 or all the way around the placemat section.
- Closure flap 49 is preferably attached to wall 46 or the opposite side of the placemat section area that the pouch section is attached to. However, the invention contemplates that the closure flap 49 may be attached to either wall 44 or wall 42 or even affixed to the back side of pouch 15 . In one embodiment this closure flap is optional. This flap may comprise a loop portion 22 of the hook and loop closure. This closure is attached to the flap and back of the pouch by any means, such as sewing.
- the flap 49 preferably has a triangular shape and is capable of wrapping around the filled pouch and attach to the bottom closure and make a secure connection. Shown in the center of the placemat area is removable food tray 30 .
- This tray may be made of microwavable plastic, food-grade stainless steel or other material. This tray may be about 1 ⁇ 8 to 1 inch smaller in dimension than the exterior dimensions of the enclosed pouch 15 .
- the outside walls of the tray are preferably perpendicular to the flat bottom of the tray and about 1 ⁇ 8 to 1 inch in height and preferably with the top edge rolled or smoothed so there are no rough edges.
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the closed food container 23 .
- the napkin strap 45 and napkin 51 are seen through the closed pouch.
- This view shows the peripheral outside ridges or walls 44 and 46 of the placemat area.
- Closure flap 49 covers the pouch.
- Most, not all, of the food container dimensions are a matter of engineering design choice depending on the desired contents. If a rectangular food container is used the length may be about 6 inches to even 36 inches long, including the closure flap, the pouch section and the placemat section. The width can be 1 to 24 inches.
- the food container walls may be any thickness depending on the desired stability and material used but a reasonable thickness is about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm.
- Two pieces of fabric in any reasonable, soft material which may be washed can be utilized.
- One piece being for the front section and one piece being for the back section. If using two pieces of fabric, attach or sew the front and back sections together with the fabric wrong sides facing in.
- On the bottom half of the front piece attach a plastic lining so that the lining will extend over the top of the pouch front opening once the pouch is in the closed position. Then the bottom quarter section of the front piece is folded up and sides are sewn or attached at the right and the left sides to create the pouch front opening.
- an inner liner of food safe plastic may be removeably combined with the pouch.
- Fabric pieces of the front and back may be divided into smaller sections and additional colors, designs or patterns may be added to comprise the total of the front and the back pieces. In addition any decoration such as patches or embroidery may also be added to enhance the basic structure of the present invention.
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Abstract
A reusable, easily washable, eco-friendly food container that contains an enclosed pouch and a placemat. The eco-friendly food container folds over itself for spill free storage and in its open position is capable of wrapping around a horizontal bar to hang open so the pouch contents are easily accessible. A removable pouch tray facilitates food handling inside and outside of the pouch.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 11/256,761, filed Oct. 24, 2005, which application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 60/622,554 filed Oct. 26, 2004 the contents of both are incorporated herein by reference.
- Commonly used ways of carrying food includes using disposable, plastic bags that seal. Another commonly used item is the plastic bowl or cup that has a lid. Prior art food containers used to carry food are deficient in a number of areas. First, the disposable, plastic bags are disposable and thus wasteful and harmful to the environment. Also, disposable plastic bags are made from a thin plastic and when torn or ripped become a choking hazard to a young child and are ingested by wild birds. The prior art food containers are not able to easily attach and hang open from a horizontal bar, such as a stroller or shopping cart handle bar. Prior art used plastic bowls and/or cups with a lid are not easy to store and keep until one returns home to clean them. Prior art plastic bowls and/or cups comprise hard plastic and are potentially dangerous in the hands of young children. Further, prior art plastic bowls and/or cups are not able to hang open from a horizontal bar, such as a stroller or shopping cart handle bar. Prior art food containers do not provide for a placemat.
- It is an object of the invention to provide a container for food that is washable, reusable, and that can wrap around a horizontal bar and hang open for easy access to contents and having a built in placemat. Further, it is another object of the invention to provide a container for food that will fold over itself and keep the contents from spilling out.
- The present invention describes a food container comprising a pouch section, a placemat section and a closure flap, wherein said pouch section comprises a pouch, wherein said pouch comprises a pouch opening portion and a pouch peripheral portion, and said placemat section comprises at least one peripheral wall extending partially around the outer perimeter of said placemat section, wherein said pouch section is affixed to said placemat section so that said pouch opening faces said placemat section, and said closure is attached to said placemat section, and said pouch section is capable of being folded into said placemat section and rest therein and said closure flap is capable of being folded over said pouch section. In another embodiment there is a strap attached to the front of the pouch section, wherein said strap is affixed at the bottom of the pouch section and the top of the pouch section and extends across the pouch section. In another embodiment the invention contemplates a food tray having a bottom and peripheral walls, said tray capable of being removeably inserted in said pouch. In another embodiment the invention contemplates a peripheral raised portion, said raised portion positioned between ⅛ inches and 2 inches inside of the placemat section at least one peripheral wall, and the peripheral raised portion extending between about ¼, ½, ¾ or all the way around the placemat section. In another embodiment the invention contemplates a first closure is disposed on the inside of said closure flap and a second closure disposed on the back side of the pouch section, wherein first and second closure are complimentary closures. In another embodiment of the invention the pouch peripheral portion comprises walls or edge seals. In another embodiment of the invention the pouch section is affixed to a first side of the placemat section and the closure flap is affixed to the opposite side of the placemat section.
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FIG. 1 is a front plan view of one embodiment of the food container when in the fully opened position; -
FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of one embodiment of the food container in the fully opened position; and -
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the food container when in the open position and wrapped around a horizontal bar; -
FIG. 4 is a plan view of one embodiment of the invention when in the open position; -
FIG. 5 is a view of one embodiment of the invention in the closed position. - Reference will now be made in detail to some specific embodiments of the invention including the best modes contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
- By “pouch peripheral portion” it is meant that part of the pouch that is not part of the pouch opening.
- By “affixed” it is meant that one part is joined to another either by starting with two separate parts and joining them or by starting with one part and creating two separate parts. A pouch section can be affixed to a placemat section and two sections formed from one piece of sheeting, for example.
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FIG. 1 is a front plan view of thefood container 24 comprisingpouch 14 when in the fully opened position according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thefood container 24 can be kept open while eating lunch or having a snack to get to the pouch front opening 18. In one embodiment the present invention is comprised offront section 7 andback section 8 having atop 3 a and abottom 3 b part where theback section 8 is larger than thefront section 7.Pouch 14 haspouch edges edge 9 d is not sealed to createpouch opening 18. In the embodiment shown the food container has twocreases points crease 5 b folds overback section bottom 3 b andclosure 12 hooks to acomplimentary closure 20 on the backside ofback section 8. Seal 16 is located on the inside of theback section 8.Seal 16 may comprise any suitable material and/or may comprise a laminate of materials.Seal 16 may comprise a coating applied to the inside of theback section 8.Seal 16 may be contiguous or broken and may extend from an area on the inside of theback section 8 below the pouch opening 18 to thecrease 5 a or even further.Seal 16 may comprise a male/female interlocking seal where the male portion is integral with the inside ofback section 8 and the female portions integral with the backside of thefront section 7. For example the female portion may be on the inside of the back section and the male portion is located on the inside of thefront section 7 so that sealing may be accomplished. Such seals are known in the art (Ziplock™) and have color coded changes indicating open/closed positions. Theseal 16 may comprise a hook and loop closure having a hook portion on the inside of the back section atseal 16 and the loop portion on the back section of thefront section 7. Thefront section 7 faces a portion of theback section 8 and one or more peripheral edges of thefront section 7 is joined to the peripheral edge of one or more sides of a portion of theback section 8 to create apouch 14 having opening 18. Preferably for a complete peripheral seal thefront section 7 is sealed peripherally at threeedges back section 8. Theedges edges front section 7 and the portion ofback section 8 and extending wholly or partially peripherally around thefront section 7 and the portion of theback section 8 sealed to thefront section 7. The wall portion has a top part joined tofront section 7 and a bottom portion joined to the portion of theback section 8 used to create the pouch having opening pouch opening 18 wherein the length of the wall portion from the top to the bottom of the wall determines the thickness of the pouch. The invention contemplates any thickness depending on the desired end use. The thickness is between zero, meaning there is substantially no wall and the edges are joined directly together to 160 mm or even larger. Theedges edges pouch 14 to the outside of thepouch 14 enabling the passage of air or liquids. Preferably the edges and/or wall portions form a complete seal. The invention contemplates that a variety of suitable materials are suitable for the present invention depending on the desired end use. Preferably a food grade plastic is used. This facilitates cleaning and manufacture. Preferably the material is free of chemicals such as bisphenol A and phthalates. In one embodiment of the present invention the food container may have any portion comprised of a laminate of materials. The choice of laminate depends on the end use. For environments where the food container is to keep contents fresh laminates comprising Al foil may be used. For environments where the food container may be exposed to flowing, dripping or seeping liquids, a laminate comprising an adsorbent may be employed. In a preferred embodiment the laminate is an integral part of thepouch 14 inside wall, either attached to theback section 8 inside face or thefront section 7 inside face, or both.Optional pull tab 2 is preferably located at the center front of the pouch front opening 18 or other location on the foodcontainer front section 7. The tab may comprise a cord, ribbon, nylon webbing, etc. In one embodiment there is one single piece of material. In one embodiment the back section is integral with thefront section 7 and folds at theback section bottom 3 b and may be sealed on thesides 9 a and 9 c to create a pouch havingpouch opening 18. For closure 12 a case hook and loop may be used. Others closures include snaps and/or buttons.Crease 5 b separates the backsection top area 6 a from the back section middle area and the area betweencrease 5 a andcrease 5 b defines the back section middle area. A closure means, for example a hook and loop are sewn or otherwise affixed by glue or other means to the backsection top area 6 a on theinside face 12. Complimentary closures are closures where a first part of the closure is designed to mate with a second part of the closure. Backsection top area 6 a preferably includes a triangular shaped tip for ease of opening and manipulating the backsection top area 6 a. This is separated from theplacemat section 6 b via afold 5 b. -
FIG. 2 shows the backside of theback section 8 offood container 24 shown inFIG. 1 when fully opened. Positioned near the bottom 3 b of thefood container 24 is aclosure 20 capable of mating withcomplimentary closure 12 on the inside of the back section positioned in the back section top area once the flap is wrapped up and around thepouch front opening 18. -
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of thefood container 24 ofFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 when in the open position and wrapped around a horizontal bar. Access is provided to the pouch contents viapouch front opening 18. Thefood container 24 is not only intended to keep food but it is designed to keep food within reach of toddlers or young children who may be riding in a shopping cart or stroller. The backsection top area 6 a wraps around the horizontal bar and is connected to a closure on the back side of the back section. -
FIG. 4 is a perspectiveview food container 23 according to one embodiment of the invention. This view shows thefood container 23 in the open position with apouch 15 containingpouch opening 18. The pouch edges 17 a, 17 b and 17 c may be sealed by means of heat sealing the peripheral edges of the piece of sheeting material to form an enclosed pouch. In one embodiment thepouch 23 may comprise a wall structure as described in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 . Astrap 45 suitable of holding in place anapkin 51 alone or utensils is positioned over thepouch 15 front. Thisstrap 45 may comprise any suitable material including an elastic material. Thestrap 45 may be affixed to thefood container 23 in a variety of manners, but preferably it is affixed to thefront pouch 15 alongedge 17 b. In some embodiments strap 45 may be heat sealed to the main pouch along the bottom edge 17B and/or along thetop edge 17 d of thepouch 15.Strap 45 may be any suitable shape or length but preferably the strap extends from theedge 17 b to thepouch opening 18. In one embodiment the strap may comprise a hook and loop closure where the strap is fixed atend 17 b and a hook closure is placed on the inside of the strap and a loop closure is placed on the outside of the front of the pouch for mating with the aforementioned hook closure. Dual straps may be employed. Straps extending perpendicular to strap 45 may be employed even in the absence ofstrap 45. Such straps preferably extend fromedge 17 a to edge 17 c. Preferably the strap is between 1-4 inches in width.Placemat area 40 is located in the center section of thefood container 23 and is generally defined by the area bordered bywalls Walls walls pouch 15 is full it can be folded over intoplacemat area 40 and the top ofwalls pouch 15 so that theclosure flap 49 can fold over onto thepouch 15 and theclosure flap 49 is then flush withwalls walls pouch 15 extends higher that thewalls section 40 is slightly larger by about to ⅛ to ¼ inch bigger in at least three peripheral directions, the two lengths and the width than thepouch 15 so that the pouch fold into theplacemat area 40. Fold 25 a separates the pouch from theplacemat area 40 and extends parallel to thepouch opening 18 and is scored or folded so that theplacemat area 40 can fold over the pouch or vice versa. Theplacemat area 40 may comprise thicker mm sheeting in order to add structural support. Inside thewalls placemat area 40 and set approximately ⅛ inch to 2 inches from the edges, there is an optional ridge or wall about ⅛ to 1 inch tall and acts as a barrier to food rolling off the edge of the placemat. This optional ridge or wall is a peripheral raised portion, and the peripheral raised portion extending between about ¼, ½, ¾ or all the way around the placemat section. Attached or integral thereto along theouter wall 46 and along the top of the ridge or wall is theclosure flap 49.Closure flap 49 is preferably attached to wall 46 or the opposite side of the placemat section area that the pouch section is attached to. However, the invention contemplates that theclosure flap 49 may be attached to eitherwall 44 orwall 42 or even affixed to the back side ofpouch 15. In one embodiment this closure flap is optional. This flap may comprise aloop portion 22 of the hook and loop closure. This closure is attached to the flap and back of the pouch by any means, such as sewing. Theflap 49 preferably has a triangular shape and is capable of wrapping around the filled pouch and attach to the bottom closure and make a secure connection. Shown in the center of the placemat area isremovable food tray 30. This tray may be made of microwavable plastic, food-grade stainless steel or other material. This tray may be about ⅛ to 1 inch smaller in dimension than the exterior dimensions of theenclosed pouch 15. The outside walls of the tray are preferably perpendicular to the flat bottom of the tray and about ⅛ to 1 inch in height and preferably with the top edge rolled or smoothed so there are no rough edges. -
FIG. 5 is a top view of the closedfood container 23. In this view thenapkin strap 45 andnapkin 51 are seen through the closed pouch. This view shows the peripheral outside ridges orwalls Closure flap 49 covers the pouch. Most, not all, of the food container dimensions are a matter of engineering design choice depending on the desired contents. If a rectangular food container is used the length may be about 6 inches to even 36 inches long, including the closure flap, the pouch section and the placemat section. The width can be 1 to 24 inches. The food container walls may be any thickness depending on the desired stability and material used but a reasonable thickness is about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm. - Two pieces of fabric in any reasonable, soft material which may be washed can be utilized. One piece being for the front section and one piece being for the back section. If using two pieces of fabric, attach or sew the front and back sections together with the fabric wrong sides facing in. On the bottom half of the front piece, attach a plastic lining so that the lining will extend over the top of the pouch front opening once the pouch is in the closed position. Then the bottom quarter section of the front piece is folded up and sides are sewn or attached at the right and the left sides to create the pouch front opening. When using two pieces of fabric an inner liner of food safe plastic may be removeably combined with the pouch. Fabric pieces of the front and back may be divided into smaller sections and additional colors, designs or patterns may be added to comprise the total of the front and the back pieces. In addition any decoration such as patches or embroidery may also be added to enhance the basic structure of the present invention.
- Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Claims (12)
1. A food container, comprising:
a pouch section, a placemat section and a closure flap, wherein:
said pouch section comprises a pouch, wherein
said pouch comprises a pouch opening portion and a pouch peripheral portion, and,
said placemat section comprises at least one peripheral wall extending partially around the outer perimeter of said placemat section, wherein
said pouch section is affixed to said placemat section so that said pouch opening faces said placemat section, and
said closure is attached to said placemat section, and
said pouch section is capable of being folded into said placemat section and rest therein and said closure flap is capable of being folded over said pouch section.
2. A food container as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:
a strap attached to the front of the pouch section, wherein:
said strap is affixed at the bottom of the pouch section and the top of the pouch section and extends across the pouch section.
3. A food container as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:
a food tray having a bottom and peripheral walls, said tray capable being removeably inserted in said pouch.
4. A food container as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:
a peripheral raised portion,
said raised portion positioned between ⅛ inches and 2 inches inside of the placemat section at least one peripheral wall, and
the peripheral raised portion extending between about ¼, ½, ¾ or all the way around the placemat section.
5. A food container as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:
a first closure disposed on the inside of said closure flap and a second closure disposed on the back side of the pouch section, wherein
first and second closure are complimentary closures.
6. A food container as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
the pouch peripheral portion comprises walls or edge seals.
7. A food container as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
said pouch section is affixed to a first side of the placemat section and
said closure flap is affixed to the opposite side of the placemat section.
8. A food container as claimed in claim 7 , further comprising:
a strap attached to the front of the pouch section, wherein:
said strap is affixed at the bottom of the pouch section and the top of the pouch section and extends across the pouch section.
9. A food container as claimed in claim 7 , further comprising:
a food tray having a bottom and peripheral walls, said tray capable being removeably inserted in said pouch.
10. A food container as claimed in claim 7 , further comprising:
a peripheral raised portion,
said raised portion positioned between ⅛ inches and 2 inches inside of the placemat section at least one peripheral wall, and
the peripheral raised portion extending between about ¼, ½, ¾ or all the way around the placemat section.
11. A food container as claimed in claim 7 , further comprising:
a first closure disposed on the inside of said closure flap and a second closure disposed on the back side of the pouch section, wherein
first and second closure are complimentary closures.
12. A food container as claimed in claim 7 , wherein:
the pouch peripheral portion comprises walls or edge seals.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/642,697 US20100092108A1 (en) | 2004-10-26 | 2009-12-18 | Eco-friendly food container |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US62255404P | 2004-10-26 | 2004-10-26 | |
US11/256,761 US20060088231A1 (en) | 2004-10-26 | 2005-10-24 | Enclosed, hangable, folding pouch with closure |
US12/642,697 US20100092108A1 (en) | 2004-10-26 | 2009-12-18 | Eco-friendly food container |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/256,761 Continuation-In-Part US20060088231A1 (en) | 2004-10-26 | 2005-10-24 | Enclosed, hangable, folding pouch with closure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100092108A1 true US20100092108A1 (en) | 2010-04-15 |
Family
ID=42098922
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/642,697 Abandoned US20100092108A1 (en) | 2004-10-26 | 2009-12-18 | Eco-friendly food container |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20100092108A1 (en) |
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US20120002904A1 (en) * | 2010-06-23 | 2012-01-05 | Kovrd Products Inc. | Paint tray bag with extended drop sheet |
USD779282S1 (en) * | 2013-04-01 | 2017-02-21 | Laura Patten | Cloth holder |
US20180332988A1 (en) * | 2015-11-20 | 2018-11-22 | Stefano SOLCI | Tray covering element |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |