US20120298673A1 - Locking stabilized carry-out food container - Google Patents
Locking stabilized carry-out food container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120298673A1 US20120298673A1 US13/068,948 US201113068948A US2012298673A1 US 20120298673 A1 US20120298673 A1 US 20120298673A1 US 201113068948 A US201113068948 A US 201113068948A US 2012298673 A1 US2012298673 A1 US 2012298673A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- food
- locking
- lid
- out food
- 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
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 30
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000258241 Mantis Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000021268 hot food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- B65D1/36—Trays or like shallow containers with moulded compartments or partitions
-
- 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
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
- B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/0012—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners
- B65D2543/00175—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond
- B65D2543/00194—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond square or rectangular
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
- B65D2543/00351—Dome-like
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00648—Flange or lip
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/00768—U-shaped or inverted U
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00824—Means for facilitating removing of the closure
- B65D2543/00861—Non-integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar
- B65D2543/0087—Non-integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar outside of the lid
Definitions
- This invention relates to a carry-out food container which is commonly used in the restaurant industry.
- Most restaurants provide these containers for their customers who wish to carry out their food.
- the containers are made in different shapes and sizes, and most have hinged lids.
- Restaurant carry out containers are usually made of polystyrene or plastic material. Polystyrene containers are generally not stable when carried, which often results in the food being carried to move around and co-mingle with other food items in the container.
- the lid easily separates from the bottom part of the container.
- Plastic containers have also had problems of stability, and the top easily separates from the bottom part of the container, especially when they are not hinged together.
- Plastic food containers are generally more attractive to customers. When a plastic carry-out container is used, there is a need to secure the top part of the container (the lid) to the bottom so that the food remains in place in the container and secure from spilling out of the compartments. This also allows the customer to use the container as a dish to eat from directly. A container which has a locking mechanism is therefore beneficial to the customer and the restaurant.
- the present invention addresses these problems by providing an attractive see-through plastic container with choice of compartment dividers, and which lock the lid to the bottom to avoid spillage and make transporting the food easier.
- the containers also have a design that provides added strength and stability and are easily stackable by restaurant employee.
- the present invention is a take-out food container, which may incorporate a design, which is see-through, locks securely, is stable, stacks easily and has a moisture resistant top.
- the container be moisture resistant when carrying certain foods, such as hot foods.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the overlapping (snapover) lid Locking Stabilized Carry Out Container.
- FIG. 2 is a fragmented detailed view of the locking and stacking notches shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the overlapping lid container in locked position.
- FIG. 4 is a fragmented perspective view of the locking and stacking notches of the overlapping lid container.
- FIG. 5 is a fragmented cross-section view of the container in closed position as shown in FIG. 3
- FIG. 6 is a fragmented close-up view of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 5
- FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the lid and bottom of a snap-in locking container
- FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a closed snap-in locking container with latch to remove lid
- FIG. 9 is a fragmented perspective view of pull latch for snap-in lock as shown in FIG. 8
- FIG. 10 is a fragmented cross-section of a closed snap-in lock
- FIG. 11 is a fragmented view of the locking notch as shown in FIG. 10
- FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the lid for snap-in locking container showing heights of bottom dividers
- FIG. 13 is perspective view of container showing heights of dividers
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of container showing relative heights of dividers in closed container
- FIG. 1 there is shown a food container made of polystyrene, a plastic chemical compound which comes in sheets and is molded into shapes and assembled by gluing.
- the top (lid) 10 contains notches in the four corners 6 which snap over 12 , 18 the flange of the container bottom. 4
- the lid 10 has a flange about its periphery.
- the lid also contains notches adjacent to each corner 16 which prevents the lids from jamming into each other when stacked 22 .
- the polystyrene on the inside of the lid is impervious to moisture. 20
- the rib design on the container 2 provides greater strength and stability to the container in transporting food.
- the snap-in locking tops as depicted in FIG. 8 , contain notches on the top, or lid 6 , which snap in below the flange around the periphery of the lower part of the container.
- the lid contains a latch on one of the corners of the lid 33 to enable the container to unlock easily by pulling on it.
- An optional feature of the container is the choice of no dividers, standard dividers, and high dividers.
- the high dividers 8 as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14 , extend up to the top part of the lid, thereby assuring the integrity of the food in each compartment by preventing spillage from one compartment to another, which is a common problem in transporting food in carry-out food containers.
- Both the overlap locking or snapover and the snap-in locking containers provide a secure method of keeping the lid and bottom of the take-out food container secure for the purpose of transporting food.
- the stacking notch of the containers is well suited to its intended purpose of preventing or eliminating jamming of container covers which will save time in busy restaurants.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Stackable Containers (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A food container for the transport of take-out food which has notches on its four corners that permit the separate top of the container to lock together with the bottom part of the container. The container cover has corner notches which help prevent the covers from jamming together when stacked in a food establishment. The container may have compartmental dividers with heights that extend up to the top of the top cover to prevent unintended mixture of the food in the separate compartments.
Description
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- This invention relates to a carry-out food container which is commonly used in the restaurant industry. Most restaurants provide these containers for their customers who wish to carry out their food. The containers are made in different shapes and sizes, and most have hinged lids. Restaurant carry out containers are usually made of polystyrene or plastic material. Polystyrene containers are generally not stable when carried, which often results in the food being carried to move around and co-mingle with other food items in the container. In addition, the lid easily separates from the bottom part of the container. Plastic containers have also had problems of stability, and the top easily separates from the bottom part of the container, especially when they are not hinged together.
- Plastic food containers are generally more attractive to customers. When a plastic carry-out container is used, there is a need to secure the top part of the container (the lid) to the bottom so that the food remains in place in the container and secure from spilling out of the compartments. This also allows the customer to use the container as a dish to eat from directly. A container which has a locking mechanism is therefore beneficial to the customer and the restaurant.
- In servicing customers, it is also important to be able to stack the containers so that they do not jam into one another and have to be pulled apart. This saves time for the restaurant employee, especially when the restaurant gets busy.
- The present invention addresses these problems by providing an attractive see-through plastic container with choice of compartment dividers, and which lock the lid to the bottom to avoid spillage and make transporting the food easier. The containers also have a design that provides added strength and stability and are easily stackable by restaurant employee.
- Mantis, U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,889 B2, utilizes a conventional polystyrene carry out container which are hinged, contain compartments, and have a closing mechanism for keeping the lid and bottom joined together. The problem with that invention is the container is not attractive for display purposes, is not easily stacked at the restaurant, and does not have a sturdy locking device.
- The present invention is a take-out food container, which may incorporate a design, which is see-through, locks securely, is stable, stacks easily and has a moisture resistant top.
- It is the principal object of this invention to provide a see-through food container which has locking mechanisms that will prevent the lid from separating from the container bottom.
- It is a further object of this invention to provide a compartmentalized food container which prevents different foods to come in contact with each other when the container is transported from one place to another.
- It is a further object of this invention to provide a device on the container which will enable the containers to be stacked without jamming into each other.
- It is a further object of this invention that the containers do not easily bend and are stable when carried or utilized.
- It is a further object of this invention that the container be moisture resistant when carrying certain foods, such as hot foods.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the overlapping (snapover) lid Locking Stabilized Carry Out Container. -
FIG. 2 is a fragmented detailed view of the locking and stacking notches shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the overlapping lid container in locked position. -
FIG. 4 is a fragmented perspective view of the locking and stacking notches of the overlapping lid container. -
FIG. 5 is a fragmented cross-section view of the container in closed position as shown inFIG. 3 -
FIG. 6 is a fragmented close-up view of the locking mechanism shown inFIG. 5 -
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the lid and bottom of a snap-in locking container -
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a closed snap-in locking container with latch to remove lid -
FIG. 9 is a fragmented perspective view of pull latch for snap-in lock as shown inFIG. 8 -
FIG. 10 is a fragmented cross-section of a closed snap-in lock -
FIG. 11 is a fragmented view of the locking notch as shown inFIG. 10 -
FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the lid for snap-in locking container showing heights of bottom dividers -
FIG. 13 is perspective view of container showing heights of dividers -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of container showing relative heights of dividers in closed container - Referring now to
FIG. 1 , there is shown a food container made of polystyrene, a plastic chemical compound which comes in sheets and is molded into shapes and assembled by gluing. The top (lid) 10 contains notches in the fourcorners 6 which snap over 12, 18 the flange of the container bottom. 4 Thelid 10 has a flange about its periphery. The lid also contains notches adjacent to eachcorner 16 which prevents the lids from jamming into each other when stacked 22. The polystyrene on the inside of the lid is impervious to moisture. 20 The rib design on thecontainer 2 provides greater strength and stability to the container in transporting food. - The snap-in locking tops, as depicted in
FIG. 8 , contain notches on the top, orlid 6, which snap in below the flange around the periphery of the lower part of the container. The lid contains a latch on one of the corners of thelid 33 to enable the container to unlock easily by pulling on it. 26 - An optional feature of the container is the choice of no dividers, standard dividers, and high dividers. The
high dividers 8, as depicted inFIGS. 13 and 14 , extend up to the top part of the lid, thereby assuring the integrity of the food in each compartment by preventing spillage from one compartment to another, which is a common problem in transporting food in carry-out food containers. - It is obvious that the locking and stacking features of the invention are well suited to their intended purpose. Both the overlap locking or snapover and the snap-in locking containers provide a secure method of keeping the lid and bottom of the take-out food container secure for the purpose of transporting food.
- It is also obvious that the stacking notch of the containers is well suited to its intended purpose of preventing or eliminating jamming of container covers which will save time in busy restaurants.
- It is also obvious that the extended height dividers in the containers are well suited to their intended purpose of preventing food in different compartments of the container from inter-mingling.
Claims (3)
1. A take-out food container made of transparent polystyrene which provide a lock which snaps in place to secure the top part of the container to the bottom part of the container through the use of notches embedded on the corners of the containers.
2. A take-out food container which is stackable without jamming, thereby saving labor time in the food industry.
3. A take-out food container which has extended compartment divider heights to the top of the container cover, thereby preventing food spillage from one compartment to another.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/068,948 US20120298673A1 (en) | 2011-05-25 | 2011-05-25 | Locking stabilized carry-out food container |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/068,948 US20120298673A1 (en) | 2011-05-25 | 2011-05-25 | Locking stabilized carry-out food container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120298673A1 true US20120298673A1 (en) | 2012-11-29 |
Family
ID=47218535
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/068,948 Abandoned US20120298673A1 (en) | 2011-05-25 | 2011-05-25 | Locking stabilized carry-out food container |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20120298673A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150101955A1 (en) * | 2013-10-14 | 2015-04-16 | Multisteps Pty Ltd | Produce Container |
WO2020039907A1 (en) * | 2018-08-23 | 2020-02-27 | シーピー化成株式会社 | Packaging container |
US20200198847A1 (en) * | 2018-12-25 | 2020-06-25 | South Plastic Industry Co., Ltd. | Water vapor guide cover |
WO2020150289A1 (en) * | 2019-01-16 | 2020-07-23 | Zume, Inc. | Closure and drainage for food containers and food supports |
USD918712S1 (en) | 2019-02-11 | 2021-05-11 | Zume, Inc. | Food container |
US11999525B2 (en) | 2019-01-16 | 2024-06-04 | Congruens Group, Llc | Cover and drainage for a food container |
-
2011
- 2011-05-25 US US13/068,948 patent/US20120298673A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150101955A1 (en) * | 2013-10-14 | 2015-04-16 | Multisteps Pty Ltd | Produce Container |
WO2020039907A1 (en) * | 2018-08-23 | 2020-02-27 | シーピー化成株式会社 | Packaging container |
CN111295341A (en) * | 2018-08-23 | 2020-06-16 | Cp化成株式会社 | Container for packaging |
US20200198847A1 (en) * | 2018-12-25 | 2020-06-25 | South Plastic Industry Co., Ltd. | Water vapor guide cover |
WO2020150289A1 (en) * | 2019-01-16 | 2020-07-23 | Zume, Inc. | Closure and drainage for food containers and food supports |
US20220097924A1 (en) * | 2019-01-16 | 2022-03-31 | Zume, Inc. | Closure and drainage for food containers and food supports |
US11999525B2 (en) | 2019-01-16 | 2024-06-04 | Congruens Group, Llc | Cover and drainage for a food container |
US12077347B2 (en) * | 2019-01-16 | 2024-09-03 | Congruens Group, Llc | Closure and drainage for food containers and food supports |
USD918712S1 (en) | 2019-02-11 | 2021-05-11 | Zume, Inc. | Food container |
USD1015144S1 (en) | 2019-02-11 | 2024-02-20 | Congruens Group, Llc | Food container base |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |