US20160046407A1 - Food container with discard compartment - Google Patents
Food container with discard compartment Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160046407A1 US20160046407A1 US14/926,812 US201514926812A US2016046407A1 US 20160046407 A1 US20160046407 A1 US 20160046407A1 US 201514926812 A US201514926812 A US 201514926812A US 2016046407 A1 US2016046407 A1 US 2016046407A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lid member
- container body
- partition wall
- compartment
- food product
- 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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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/30—Other containers or devices used as table equipment
-
- 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
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/02—Internal fittings
- B65D25/04—Partitions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
- A47J47/02—Closed containers for foodstuffs
-
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/02—Plates, dishes or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/02—Plates, dishes or the like
- A47G19/06—Plates with integral holders for spoons, glasses, or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G23/00—Other table equipment
- A47G23/06—Serving trays
Definitions
- This invention relates to food containers, and more particularly to a container having two distinct compartments: one for storing foodstuffs and another—for receiving inedible portions of foodstuffs.
- the container comprises a dispenser compartment, a disposal compartment, and a dividing wall.
- the two compartments are separately blow molded, and the dividing wall is made up of one surface of the dispenser compartment and one surface of the disposal compartment.
- the two compartments are held together by packaging and/or surface mating means, such as snaps.
- the dispenser compartment contains sunflower seeds
- the disposal compartment contains sunflower seeds refuse, which includes sunflower seed shells.
- Each of the compartments comprises a neck and a cap. The neck of the disposal compartment is situated on top of the container and is wider than the neck of the dispenser compartment to facilitate spitting refuse into the disposal compartment.
- the assembly according to the '841 patent includes a first compartment that defines a first cavity and a second compartment that is moveable in relation to the first compartment. In a first position, a portion of the first compartment is contained within the second compartment and, in a second position, the second compartment defines a second cavity.
- the container also includes a tube coupled to the first opening and the first cavity such that food contained in the first cavity can be dispensed through the second opening.
- the lid has flaps, which pivot against a stationary portion of the lid. The stationary portion extends between the flaps.
- a food container is divided into two compartments by a vertically extending partition wall.
- a user selects which of the two compartments will hold a food product and which compartment will receive inedible parts of the food product after edible part of the food product is consumed.
- a snap-on lid closes the container to retain the food product and discarded inedible parts inside the container. Flap openings in the lid allow access to the compartments.
- the food container can be used for sunflower seeds, cherries, peanuts, pistachios or other food product having an edible part and an inedible part that is discarded as the food product is consumed.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of the food container according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of lid member.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inverted lid member.
- FIG. 4 is a detail view of the lid member showing snap members.
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the lid member for the food container according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the lid member according to the alternative embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the lid member of FIG. 6 showing a flap overlap.
- the food container 10 comprises a hollow container body 12 having a continuous sidewall 14 , a closed bottom 16 extending between the sidewall 14 and an open top 18 .
- the container body 12 is formed as a cylindrical member of about six to seven inches (15.24-17.78 cm) high and about 2 to three inches (5-7.62 cm) wide.
- the continuous sidewall 14 can be 0.05-0.07 inches (0.12-0.18 cm) thick. Of course, these dimensions are exemplary and other dimensions may be selected by the manufacturer.
- the sidewall 14 is provided with an exterior peripheral rim 20 at the upper part thereof.
- the rim 20 can be 0.6 to 0.8 inches (1.52-2.03 cm) wide.
- a vertical alignment projection 22 extends from a top edge 24 of the container body 12 to a bottom 26 of the rim 20 .
- the alignment projection 22 is aligned with a lid alignment groove 28 as will be described in more detail hereinafter.
- a vertical partition wall 30 extends from the bottom 16 of the container body 12 to a distance above the open top 18 of the container body 12 .
- the partition wall 30 divides an interior chamber 32 of the container body 12 into two distinct compartments 34 and 36 .
- the partition wall 30 extends above the top edge of the container body 12 by some 9/16′′ (14.29 mm).
- the first compartment 34 occupies about 70% of the volume of chamber 32
- the second compartment 36 occupies about 30% of the volume of the interior chamber 32 .
- the planar partition wall 30 can be unitary formed with the container body 12 , for instance molded as one piece with the container body 12 .
- either the chamber 34 or chamber 36 can be designated as a discard compartment.
- the smaller compartment 36 may hold unshelled sunflower seeds, and the larger compartment 34 being designated as the discard compartment will receive shells of the sunflower seeds.
- the container 10 is designed to hold cherries the larger compartment 34 will hold the fruit, while the smaller compartment 36 will be designated as the discard compartment for cherry pits.
- a lid member 40 is detachably securable with the open top 18 of the container body 12 .
- the lid member 40 comprises a substantially planar top 42 and downwardly depending lid flange 46 .
- the planar top 42 is at least slightly greater than the open top 18 allowing the flange 46 to fit over the rim 20 .
- the vertical extension of the lid flange 46 does not have to match the vertical dimension of the rim 20 .
- the lid flange is about 7 ⁇ 8′′ (22.22 mm) wide and 1/32′′ (0.79 mm) thick.
- An alignment groove 48 extends through an interior surface 50 of the lid member 40 .
- the alignment groove 48 receives an upper edge 52 of the partition wall 30 when the lid member 40 is fitted on the container body 12 .
- a portion 54 of the alignment groove 48 extends along the flange 46 ; the portion 54 receives the flange projection 22 therein.
- a small extension 56 is formed on the planar top 42 adjacent the alignment groove 48 . The extension 56 visually assists a user in aligning the receiving groove 48 with the upper edge 52 of the partition wall 30 .
- Alignment indicia 49 can be made on an exterior surface 51 of the planar top 42 to further aid the user in identifying location of the alignment groove 48 . It is envisioned that the alignment indicia 49 will be particularly useful if the lid member 40 is formed from a non-transparent material.
- the lid member 40 is provided with a pair of access openings selectively closable by pivotal flaps 60 , 62 .
- the pivotal flap 60 allows access to the compartment 34
- the flap 62 allows access to the compartment 36 .
- the flaps 60 and 62 each have a top planar surface 61 , 63 , respectively, and downwardly depending flange parts 64 , 65 , respectively.
- the flange parts 64 , 65 substantially follow the configuration of the lid flange 46 in encircling the rim 20 of the container body 12 .
- the flap 60 pivots against a pivot line 66 where the flap 60 is attached to the planar top 42
- the flap 62 pivots against a pivot line 67 , where the flap 62 is attached to the planar top 42 .
- the pivot lines 66 and 67 are substantially parallel to the alignment groove 28 , which receives the top 52 of the partition wall 30 .
- An angled indentation 68 is formed in the lid flange 46 in general alignment with the flange part 65 .
- a similar angled indentation 69 is formed in the lid flange 46 in general alignment with the flange part 64 .
- the indentations 68 , 69 allow a user to easily lift the flaps 62 , 60 to gain access to the compartments 34 , 36 .
- the lid member 40 snaps over the top of the container body 12 .
- a pair of spaced apart circumferential rings 70 , 72 is formed on an interior surface 74 of the lid flange 46 .
- the rings 70 , 72 extend outwardly from the interior surface 74 to seal the contact between the lid member 40 and the rim 20 .
- the ring 72 which is located closer to the edge 76 of the lid flange 46 is smaller than the ring 70 .
- the ring 70 is 1 ⁇ 8′′ high (3.175 mm) and 1/16′′ (1.159 mm) wide, while the ring 72 is 1/32′′ (0.79 mm) high and 1/16′′ (1.59 mm) wide.
- a user removes the lid member 40 from the container body 12 and deposits a food item in a food compartment. It will be appreciated that the user selects which of the compartment 32 or 34 will be designated as the discard compartment depending on the type of the food item to be consumed. The user then aligns the lid member 40 with the upper edge 52 of the partition wall 30 and snaps the lid member 40 over the rim 20 of the container body 12 .
- the user To retrieve the food item from the container body 12 , the user lifts the flap 60 or 62 by pivoting the flap along the respective pivot line and withdraws the food item from the inner compartment. The user consumes the edible part of the food item and discards the inedible part of the food item into the designated discard compartment. In the step, the flap of the discard compartment is lifted to expose the open top of the compartment and the user deposits the discarded material into the discard compartment.
- the container 10 can be made disposable or re-usable depending on the manufacturer's preference. If the container 10 is made reusable, the user disposes of the inedible discarded material by inverting the container 12 and allowing the discarded material to fall out of the container body 12 by gravity. The user washes the container and makes it ready for another use.
- the exterior surface of the container body 12 can be decorated with any design, advertising indicia, logo of a sport team, drawing of the food item housed in the container or any other desired decorative indicia.
- the container 10 can be formed from recycled plastic, a composite material, a metal alloy, etc.
- a partition wall 80 is formed unitary with the lid member 82 .
- the partition wall 80 extends downwardly from an inner surface 84 of the lid member 82 to the bottom of the container body.
- the partition wall 80 similarly to the partition wall 30 , divides the interior chamber of the container body into two distinct compartments—a food-receiving compartment and a discard compartment.
- An indicia line 86 is made on an exterior surface 88 of the lid member 82 . The indicia line 86 corresponds to position of the top end 90 of the partition wall 80 .
- the inner compartments need not be equal in volume.
- the partition wall 80 divides the interior of the container body into a first compartment occupying about 30% of the inner chamber and a second compartment occupying about 70% of the interior chamber.
- first or the second compartment can serve as a discard compartment.
- the lid member 82 is provided with a pair of access openings selectively closable by pivotal flap members 92 and 94 allowing access to the container interior.
- the flap member 92 pivots along a pivot line 93 in relation to the lid's planar surface 96
- the flap member 94 pivots along a pivot line 95 in relation to the planar surface 96 .
- the pivot lines can be parallel to the dividing indicia line 86 .
- An irregular groove 100 is formed in the lid planar surface 96 to receive the flap member 94 .
- the groove 100 is provided with a step-up shoulder, which the flap member 94 contacts when in a closed position. If desired, a similar groove may be made for receiving the flap member 92 .
- the lid member 82 is provided with a pair of circumferential sealing ribs 104 and 106 formed on an inner surface of the lid flange 108 .
- the sealing ribs firmly engage the container rim when the lid member 82 is snapped over the open top of the container.
- An indentation 110 can be provided on the lid flange 108 to help lift the flap member 94 .
- a similar indention can be provided on the opposite side of the lid flange 108 in general alignment with the flap member 92 .
- the partition wall 82 frictionally fits within the interior of the food container, contacting the interior wall of the food container and the bottom thereof.
- the user positions the lid with the unitary formed partition wall into the container chamber and lifts one of the flap members 92 or 94 .
- the user then deposits a food item through an opening in the lid member 82 .
- the food item is consumed, and the inedible part of the food item is discarded into the discard container.
- the lid member 82 can be manufactured with different size partition walls.
- the vertical dimensions of the partition wall 80 can be between 4 and 5 inches (10.16-12.7 cm) long.
- the vertical dimensions of the partition wall 80 can be between 7 and 8 inches (17.78-20.32 cm) long.
- other dimensions can be selected, if desired, with one of the possible variations is a partition wall of a standard drinking cup size to fit approximately 12 oz (340 ml) and 20 oz (567 ml) cups. Both such size cups fit in normal vehicle cup holder.
- the food container of the instant invention has a minimum number of parts, which makes it easier to manufacture.
- the snap-up lid with a pair of snap openings allows for straightforward use for a wide variety of food items. Simple ribs forming one groove in between and parallel to the hinged openings keep the lid openings correctly situated with respective new/discard compartments.
- the snap-on lids keep the food product sealed for freshness, and refuse sealed from spillage.
- the lid member does not move, slide, or spins. No folding, or bending of the container is needed for dividing inedible discarded material from fresh product.
- the food container and its associated parts are dishwasher safe, easy to clean and use numerous times. No paper products are involved in the manufacture of the food container of this invention.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A food container is divided into two compartments by a vertically extending partition wall. A user selects which of the two compartments will hold a food product and which compartment will receive inedible parts of the food product after edible part of the food product is consumed. A snap-on lid closes the container to retain the food product and discarded inedible parts inside the container. Flap openings in the lid allow access to the compartments.
Description
- This application is a continuation of my co-pending application Ser. No. 14/053,816 filed on Oct. 15, 2013 entitled “Food Container with Discard Compartment,” the full disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein and priority of which is hereby claimed.
- This invention relates to food containers, and more particularly to a container having two distinct compartments: one for storing foodstuffs and another—for receiving inedible portions of foodstuffs.
- Many people enjoy eating snacks while watching television, going to the movies, attending a sporting event, reading a book, etc. Some of the most popular snacks are natural food products, such as fruit and seeds. Many of the natural foodstuffs have edible portion and inedible portion, such as shells and pits. The edible part of the natural snack is consumed, while the inedible part is disposed of as waste.
- Conventionally, shelled nuts and seeds are sold in plastic bags or small cups. The user removes the seeds from the bag, cracks the seed and consumes the kernel, while the shell remains as waste. The inedible part of the natural snack must be collected and properly disposed in a sanitary manner. However, the market does not appear to have provided an easy solution to collecting inedible portions of the foodstuffs, such as nut shells, in immediate association with a container for the foodstuff.
- One of the known solutions to collect spent shells, such as sunflower shells, is discussed in U.S. Application Publication No. 2005/0161424 published on Jul. 28, 2005 and entitled “Sunflower Seed Dispenser and Shell Disposal Container.” This application discloses a dual-compartment container designed specifically to dispense unshelled sunflower seeds and to hold sunflower seed refuse. The container comprises a dispenser compartment, a disposal compartment, and a dividing wall. The two compartments are separately blow molded, and the dividing wall is made up of one surface of the dispenser compartment and one surface of the disposal compartment. The two compartments are held together by packaging and/or surface mating means, such as snaps. The dispenser compartment contains sunflower seeds, and the disposal compartment contains sunflower seeds refuse, which includes sunflower seed shells. Each of the compartments comprises a neck and a cap. The neck of the disposal compartment is situated on top of the container and is wider than the neck of the dispenser compartment to facilitate spitting refuse into the disposal compartment.
- Another example of a dual-compartment container is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,074,841 issued on Dec. 13, 2011 to Darrin L. Craig et al and entitled for “Food Containers and Dispensers with Dual Compartments for Storage and Disposal.” The assembly according to the '841 patent includes a first compartment that defines a first cavity and a second compartment that is moveable in relation to the first compartment. In a first position, a portion of the first compartment is contained within the second compartment and, in a second position, the second compartment defines a second cavity. The container also includes a tube coupled to the first opening and the first cavity such that food contained in the first cavity can be dispensed through the second opening. The lid has flaps, which pivot against a stationary portion of the lid. The stationary portion extends between the flaps.
- While these solutions may work in various environments, there exists a need for a inexpensive simple-to-use dual-compartment container capable of receiving inedible portions of consumed foodstuffs.
- It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a food container having a discard compartment.
- It is another object of the invention to provide a food container having distinct compartment for retaining foodstuffs and discarded portions of the foodstuffs.
- It is a further object of the invention to provide a dual-compartment container having easy access to both compartments.
- These and other objects of the invention are achieved through a provision of a food container is divided into two compartments by a vertically extending partition wall. A user selects which of the two compartments will hold a food product and which compartment will receive inedible parts of the food product after edible part of the food product is consumed. A snap-on lid closes the container to retain the food product and discarded inedible parts inside the container. Flap openings in the lid allow access to the compartments. The food container can be used for sunflower seeds, cherries, peanuts, pistachios or other food product having an edible part and an inedible part that is discarded as the food product is consumed.
- Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals, and wherein
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FIG. 1 is a plan view of the food container according to the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of lid member. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inverted lid member. -
FIG. 4 is a detail view of the lid member showing snap members. -
FIG. 5 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the lid member for the food container according to the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the lid member according to the alternative embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the lid member ofFIG. 6 showing a flap overlap. - Turning now to the drawings in more detail,
numeral 10 designates the food container according to the present invention. Thefood container 10 comprises ahollow container body 12 having a continuous sidewall 14, a closedbottom 16 extending between the sidewall 14 and anopen top 18. In one of the preferred embodiments, thecontainer body 12 is formed as a cylindrical member of about six to seven inches (15.24-17.78 cm) high and about 2 to three inches (5-7.62 cm) wide. The continuous sidewall 14 can be 0.05-0.07 inches (0.12-0.18 cm) thick. Of course, these dimensions are exemplary and other dimensions may be selected by the manufacturer. - The sidewall 14 is provided with an exterior
peripheral rim 20 at the upper part thereof. Therim 20 can be 0.6 to 0.8 inches (1.52-2.03 cm) wide. Avertical alignment projection 22 extends from atop edge 24 of thecontainer body 12 to a bottom 26 of therim 20. Thealignment projection 22 is aligned with alid alignment groove 28 as will be described in more detail hereinafter. - A
vertical partition wall 30 extends from thebottom 16 of thecontainer body 12 to a distance above theopen top 18 of thecontainer body 12. Thepartition wall 30 divides aninterior chamber 32 of thecontainer body 12 into twodistinct compartments partition wall 30 extends above the top edge of thecontainer body 12 by some 9/16″ (14.29 mm). In one of the exemplary embodiments, thefirst compartment 34 occupies about 70% of the volume ofchamber 32, while thesecond compartment 36 occupies about 30% of the volume of theinterior chamber 32. Theplanar partition wall 30 can be unitary formed with thecontainer body 12, for instance molded as one piece with thecontainer body 12. - Depending on the food item being housed in the
container body 12, either thechamber 34 orchamber 36 can be designated as a discard compartment. For instance, if thecontainer 10 is designed to house sunflower seeds, thesmaller compartment 36 may hold unshelled sunflower seeds, and thelarger compartment 34 being designated as the discard compartment will receive shells of the sunflower seeds. In another example, thecontainer 10 is designed to hold cherries thelarger compartment 34 will hold the fruit, while thesmaller compartment 36 will be designated as the discard compartment for cherry pits. - A
lid member 40 is detachably securable with theopen top 18 of thecontainer body 12. Thelid member 40 comprises a substantially planar top 42 and downwardly dependinglid flange 46. The planar top 42 is at least slightly greater than the open top 18 allowing theflange 46 to fit over therim 20. The vertical extension of thelid flange 46 does not have to match the vertical dimension of therim 20. In one exemplary embodiment, the lid flange is about ⅞″ (22.22 mm) wide and 1/32″ (0.79 mm) thick. - An
alignment groove 48 extends through aninterior surface 50 of thelid member 40. Thealignment groove 48 receives anupper edge 52 of thepartition wall 30 when thelid member 40 is fitted on thecontainer body 12. Aportion 54 of thealignment groove 48 extends along theflange 46; theportion 54 receives theflange projection 22 therein. To further facilitate quick alignment of thelid member 40, asmall extension 56 is formed on the planar top 42 adjacent thealignment groove 48. Theextension 56 visually assists a user in aligning the receivinggroove 48 with theupper edge 52 of thepartition wall 30. -
Alignment indicia 49 can be made on anexterior surface 51 of the planar top 42 to further aid the user in identifying location of thealignment groove 48. It is envisioned that thealignment indicia 49 will be particularly useful if thelid member 40 is formed from a non-transparent material. - The
lid member 40 is provided with a pair of access openings selectively closable bypivotal flaps pivotal flap 60 allows access to thecompartment 34, while theflap 62 allows access to thecompartment 36. Theflaps planar surface flange parts flange parts lid flange 46 in encircling therim 20 of thecontainer body 12. Theflap 60 pivots against apivot line 66 where theflap 60 is attached to the planar top 42, and theflap 62 pivots against apivot line 67, where theflap 62 is attached to the planar top 42. The pivot lines 66 and 67 are substantially parallel to thealignment groove 28, which receives the top 52 of thepartition wall 30. - An
angled indentation 68 is formed in thelid flange 46 in general alignment with theflange part 65. A similarangled indentation 69 is formed in thelid flange 46 in general alignment with theflange part 64. Theindentations flaps compartments - The
lid member 40 snaps over the top of thecontainer body 12. To facilitate a more secure engagement of thelid member 40 with therim 20, a pair of spaced apart circumferential rings 70, 72 is formed on aninterior surface 74 of thelid flange 46. Therings interior surface 74 to seal the contact between thelid member 40 and therim 20. In one aspect of the invention thering 72, which is located closer to theedge 76 of thelid flange 46 is smaller than thering 70. In one exemplary embodiment, thering 70 is ⅛″ high (3.175 mm) and 1/16″ (1.159 mm) wide, while thering 72 is 1/32″ (0.79 mm) high and 1/16″ (1.59 mm) wide. - In operation, a user removes the
lid member 40 from thecontainer body 12 and deposits a food item in a food compartment. It will be appreciated that the user selects which of thecompartment lid member 40 with theupper edge 52 of thepartition wall 30 and snaps thelid member 40 over therim 20 of thecontainer body 12. - To retrieve the food item from the
container body 12, the user lifts theflap - The
container 10 can be made disposable or re-usable depending on the manufacturer's preference. If thecontainer 10 is made reusable, the user disposes of the inedible discarded material by inverting thecontainer 12 and allowing the discarded material to fall out of thecontainer body 12 by gravity. The user washes the container and makes it ready for another use. - If desired, the exterior surface of the
container body 12 can be decorated with any design, advertising indicia, logo of a sport team, drawing of the food item housed in the container or any other desired decorative indicia. Thecontainer 10 can be formed from recycled plastic, a composite material, a metal alloy, etc. - Turning now to
FIGS. 5-7 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in more detail. In this embodiment apartition wall 80 is formed unitary with thelid member 82. In this embodiment, thepartition wall 80 extends downwardly from aninner surface 84 of thelid member 82 to the bottom of the container body. Thepartition wall 80, similarly to thepartition wall 30, divides the interior chamber of the container body into two distinct compartments—a food-receiving compartment and a discard compartment. An indicia line 86 is made on anexterior surface 88 of thelid member 82. The indicia line 86 corresponds to position of thetop end 90 of thepartition wall 80. - Similarly to the first embodiment, the inner compartments need not be equal in volume. In one exemplary embodiment, the
partition wall 80 divides the interior of the container body into a first compartment occupying about 30% of the inner chamber and a second compartment occupying about 70% of the interior chamber. Depending on the food item being housed in the container, either the first or the second compartment can serve as a discard compartment. - The
lid member 82 is provided with a pair of access openings selectively closable bypivotal flap members flap member 92 pivots along apivot line 93 in relation to the lid'splanar surface 96, while theflap member 94 pivots along apivot line 95 in relation to theplanar surface 96. The pivot lines can be parallel to thedividing indicia line 86. A food product is deposited into a user-selected food compartment after the lid member is snapped over the open top of the container body through one of the access openings. - An
irregular groove 100 is formed in the lidplanar surface 96 to receive theflap member 94. Thegroove 100 is provided with a step-up shoulder, which theflap member 94 contacts when in a closed position. If desired, a similar groove may be made for receiving theflap member 92. - The
lid member 82 is provided with a pair of circumferential sealingribs lid flange 108. The sealing ribs firmly engage the container rim when thelid member 82 is snapped over the open top of the container. Anindentation 110 can be provided on thelid flange 108 to help lift theflap member 94. A similar indention can be provided on the opposite side of thelid flange 108 in general alignment with theflap member 92. - It will be appreciated that the
partition wall 82 frictionally fits within the interior of the food container, contacting the interior wall of the food container and the bottom thereof. In use, the user positions the lid with the unitary formed partition wall into the container chamber and lifts one of theflap members lid member 82. The food item is consumed, and the inedible part of the food item is discarded into the discard container. - It is envisioned that the
lid member 82 can be manufactured with different size partition walls. For instance, for a small container, the vertical dimensions of thepartition wall 80 can be between 4 and 5 inches (10.16-12.7 cm) long. For larger containers the vertical dimensions of thepartition wall 80 can be between 7 and 8 inches (17.78-20.32 cm) long. Of course, other dimensions can be selected, if desired, with one of the possible variations is a partition wall of a standard drinking cup size to fit approximately 12 oz (340 ml) and 20 oz (567 ml) cups. Both such size cups fit in normal vehicle cup holder. - The food container of the instant invention has a minimum number of parts, which makes it easier to manufacture. The snap-up lid with a pair of snap openings allows for straightforward use for a wide variety of food items. Simple ribs forming one groove in between and parallel to the hinged openings keep the lid openings correctly situated with respective new/discard compartments.
- The snap-on lids keep the food product sealed for freshness, and refuse sealed from spillage. The lid member does not move, slide, or spins. No folding, or bending of the container is needed for dividing inedible discarded material from fresh product.
- The food container and its associated parts are dishwasher safe, easy to clean and use numerous times. No paper products are involved in the manufacture of the food container of this invention.
- Many changes and modifications can be made in the design of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. I, therefore, pray that my rights to the present invention be limited by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (30)
1. A food container device, comprising:
a container body having an inner chamber, a closed bottom, a continuous peripheral sidewall, an exterior peripheral rim with an outwardly extending alignment projection, and an open top;
a lid member detachably engageable with the open top of the container body and having an interior surface, an alignment groove formed in the interior surface and a pair of access openings, the alignment groove receiving the alignment projection of the rim of the container body;
a partition wall extending from the bottom of the container to at least the top of the container body, said partition wall dividing the inner chamber into a food compartment configured to store a food product therein and a discard compartment configured to receive inedible parts of the food product after the edible part of the food product in the food compartment has been consumed.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the discard compartment is user-selectable depending on a type of food product stored in the food container.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein said lid member comprises a pair of flap members selectively closing the access openings.
4. The device of claim 3 , said lid member comprising a downwardly extending lid flange.
5. The device of claim 4 , wherein said lid flange has an interior surface and wherein a pair of spaced-apart sealing rings extends circumferentially about the interior surface.
6. The device of claim 4 , said lid flange is provided with an indentation aligned with a flap member.
7. The device of claim 4 , wherein the lid member has a planar top surface and wherein the flap members are pivotally oriented in relation to the top surface along respective pivot lines.
8-10. (canceled)
11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the food compartment has a different volume than the discard compartment.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the partition wall has an upper edge which extends above the open top of the container body.
13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the partition wall is formed unitary with the container body.
14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the partition wall is formed unitary with the lid member.
15. The device of claim 1 , said lid member configured to snap over an upper part of the container body.
16. A method of collecting inedible parts of a food product as the food product is being consumed, comprising the steps:
providing a container body having an inner chamber, a closed bottom, a continuous peripheral sidewall, an exterior peripheral rim with an outwardly extending alignment projection, and an open top;
providing a lid member detachably engageable with the open top of the container body, the lid member having an interior surface, an alignment groove formed in the interior surface and a pair of access openings, the alignment groove receiving the alignment projection of the rim of the container body when the lid member is secured to the container body;
providing a partition wall extending from the bottom of the container to at least the top of the container body, said partition wall dividing the inner chamber into two independent compartments;
securing the lid member with the top of the container body;
selecting one of the two compartments as the discard compartment depending on a type of food product to be consumed;
depositing the food product into another of the two compartments; and
consuming the food product and depositing inedible parts of the food product into the discard compartment.
17. The method of claim 16 , said compartments having unequal dimensions.
18. The method of claim 16 , comprising a step of providing the lid member with a pair of flap members and selectively opening and closing the access openings.
19. The method of claim 16 , comprising a step of positioning the lid member over the open top after depositing the food product into the food compartment.
20. The method of claim 16 , comprising a step of positioning the lid member over the open top prior to depositing the food product into the food compartment.
21. The method of claim 16 , said lid member comprising a downwardly extending lid flange.
22. The method of claim 21 , wherein said lid flange has an interior surface and wherein a pair of spaced-apart sealing rings extends circumferentially about the interior surface.
23. The method of claim 21 , said lid flange is provided with an indentation aligned with a flap member.
24. The method of claim 18 , wherein the lid member has a planar top surface and wherein the flap members are pivotally oriented in relation to the top surface along respective pivot lines.
25. The method of claim 24 , wherein, the alignment groove extends across the interior surface of the lid member and downwardly along the flange.
26. The method of claim 25 , comprising a step of aligning the lid member with the partition wall such that the alignment groove receives a top edge of the partition wall therein, while aligning the alignment groove with the alignment projection.
27. The method of claim 24 , wherein the pivot lines are oriented in a substantially parallel relationship to the alignment groove.
28. The method of claim 24 , wherein said lid member is provided with an extension part adjacent the alignment groove.
29. The method of claim 16 , wherein the partition wall has an upper edge which extends above the open top of the container body
30. The method of claim 16 , wherein the partition wall is formed unitary with the container body.
31. The method of claim 16 , wherein the partition wall is formed unitary with the lid member.
32. The method of claim 16 , said lid member configured to snap over an upper part of the container body.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/926,812 US20160046407A1 (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2015-10-29 | Food container with discard compartment |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/053,816 US9289083B2 (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2013-10-15 | Food container with discard compartment |
US14/926,812 US20160046407A1 (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2015-10-29 | Food container with discard compartment |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/053,816 Continuation US9289083B2 (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2013-10-15 | Food container with discard compartment |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20160046407A1 true US20160046407A1 (en) | 2016-02-18 |
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Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/053,816 Active 2033-12-21 US9289083B2 (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2013-10-15 | Food container with discard compartment |
US14/926,812 Abandoned US20160046407A1 (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2015-10-29 | Food container with discard compartment |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/053,816 Active 2033-12-21 US9289083B2 (en) | 2013-10-15 | 2013-10-15 | Food container with discard compartment |
Country Status (1)
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US (2) | US9289083B2 (en) |
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US20200178712A1 (en) * | 2017-07-20 | 2020-06-11 | Ten-Ace Gmbh | Drinking device |
US11160401B2 (en) * | 2019-07-15 | 2021-11-02 | Curtis William Naumann | Full volume angled dispensing |
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US20200178712A1 (en) * | 2017-07-20 | 2020-06-11 | Ten-Ace Gmbh | Drinking device |
US11564516B2 (en) * | 2017-07-20 | 2023-01-31 | air up group GmbH | Drinking device |
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US11160401B2 (en) * | 2019-07-15 | 2021-11-02 | Curtis William Naumann | Full volume angled dispensing |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20150102041A1 (en) | 2015-04-16 |
US9289083B2 (en) | 2016-03-22 |
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Legal Events
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