US20170291737A1

US20170291737A1 - Compartmentalized Tray System

Info

Publication number: US20170291737A1
Application number: US15/485,180
Authority: US
Inventors: Helen Pierce
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-04-11
Filing date: 2017-04-11
Publication date: 2017-10-12

Abstract

A compartmentalized tray system is an apparatus that stores and divides food so that the taste and integrity of the food within the apparatus is preserved. The apparatus includes a tray, a lid, and a divider plate. The tray, the lid, and the divider plate are hingedly connected to each other about a rotation axis. A first compartment is defined by the tray and the lid. A second compartment is defined by the divider plate and the lid. The first compartment and the second compartment are sealed by a first set of fasteners and a second set of fasteners, respectively. The apparatus further includes a plurality of stationary dividers, which are positioned within the tray. The plurality of stationary dividers further divides the tray so that a plurality of sections may separate different foods within the first compartment.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/321,064 filed on Apr. 11, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to portable food containers. More specifically, the present invention is a compartmentalized tray system that prevents different foods within the apparatus from mixing with each other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable food containers are a common storage item that is used on a daily basis. Whether an individual is in school or working or is simply traveling, portable food containers serve as a cost-effective way solution to having fresh food readily available. However, individuals who use portable food containers typically bring more than one dish with him or her. An individual may bring multiple containers or put a variety of foods within a single container. If the individual brings multiple containers, more space is required to transport the food and more containers must be washed. If an individual puts a variety of foods within a single container, the taste and quality of the food will most likely be compromised by the time the individual is able to eat.
The present invention serves to maximize the amount of food stored within a single portable food container. The present invention is a compartmentalized tray system that provides two compartments for different types of food, one of which has a plurality of sections to accommodate even more types of food. The present invention preserves the integrity of the food and effectively stores the food. The present invention allows a user to transport more than one type of food within a single container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention in a sealed configuration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention in an open configuration.

FIG. 4 is a top side view of the present invention in a closed configuration.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention in a closed configuration taken along like 5-5 in FIG. 4, wherein an at least one tab and an at least one notch of a second set of fasteners are engaged.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention in a closed configuration taken along like 6-6 in FIG. 4, wherein a tab and a notch of a first set of fasteners are engaged.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention in a closed configuration taken along like 7-7 in FIG. 4, wherein a nub and a well of a set of stabilizers are engaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a compartmentalized tray system that prevents the unwanted mixing of foods that are contained within the apparatus. The present invention allows a user to access the food in a compartment without coming into contact of shifting the food contained in the other compartments. The present invention comprises a tray 1, a lid 5, and a divider plate 10, as shown in FIG. 3. The tray 1 upholds the lid 5 and the divider plate 10 and contains food. The divider plate 10 upholds food as well that is not to be mixed with the food contained by the tray 1. The divider plate 10 also covers the food contained by the tray 1. The lid 5 covers the food upheld by the divider plate 10. In order to effectively contain food, the tray 1 comprises a base plate 2 and a first lateral wall 3. The base plate 2 prevents the food within the tray 1 to come into contact with a surface beneath the tray 1, and the first lateral wall 3 prevents the food from escaping the perimeter of the base plate 2. The tray 1 also comprises a first lip 4 that allows the lid 5 and the divider plate 10 to be secured onto the tray 1. Similarly, the lid 5 comprises a cover plate 6 and a second lateral wall 7 in order to enclose food onto the divider plate 10. The cover plate 6 covers the food upheld by the divider plate 10, and the second lateral wall 7 upholds the cover plate 6 above the food. The lid 5 also comprises a second lip 8 that allows the lid 5 to be secured onto the tray 1.
The overall configuration of the aforementioned components allows the present invention to store and compartmentalize food. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first lateral wall 3 is perimetrically connected about the base plate 2 so that the food remains within the tray 1. The first lip 4 is perimetrically connected about the first lateral wall 3 so that the lid 5 and the divider plate 10 may be secured onto the tray 1. In order to define a first compartment of the present invention, the first lip 4 and the base plate 2 are positioned opposite to each other across the first lateral wall 3. Similarly, the second lateral wall 7 is perimetrically connected about the cover plate 6 so that the food remains on top of the divider plate 10. The second lip 8 is perimetrically connected about the second lateral wall 7 so that the lid 5 may be secured onto the tray 1. In order to define a second compartment of the present invention, the second lip 8 and the cover plate 6 are positioned opposite to each other across the second lateral wall 7. The food within the first compartment and the second compartment is effectively housed as the first lip 4, the second lip 8, and the divider plate 10 are coextensive with each other. The tray 1, the lid 5, and the divider plate 10 are hingedly connected to each other about a rotation axis 30, thereby connecting the first compartment to the second compartment. The divider plate 10 is angularly positioned in between the tray 1 and the lid 5 so that the user can easily access either the first compartment of the second compartment by moving the divider plate 10.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lid 5 further comprises a plurality of ventilation holes 9. The plurality of ventilation holes 9 allows the food within the second compartment to breathe and prevents the food within the second compartment from becoming soggy. Any steam emitted from the food within the second compartment escapes through the plurality of ventilation holes 9 thereby preserving the quality of the food within the second compartment.
In order to connect the lid 5 to the tray 1 and prevent the unwanted separation of the lid 5 from the tray 1, the present invention comprises a first set of fasteners 14, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The first set of fasteners 14 comprises a plurality of tabs 15 and a plurality of notches 16. The plurality of tabs 15 latches onto the plurality of notches 16 which readily receive the plurality of tabs 15. The plurality of tabs 15 is integrated into the second lip 8 so that the user may easily attach the lid 5 to the tray 1 by utilizing the downward motion of closing the lid 5. More specifically, the plurality of tabs 15 and the rotation axis 30 are positioned opposite each other about the lid 5 in order to best secure the lid 5 onto the tray 1. Moreover, the plurality of notches 16 is integrated into the first lip 4, and the plurality of notches 16 and the rotation axis 30 are positioned opposite to each other about the tray 1. This arrangement allows the plurality of tabs 15 to connect to the plurality of notches 16. More specifically, where the tray 1 and the lid 5 are in a closed configuration, the second lip 8 presses against the first lip 4 so that both the first compartment and the second compartment are closed. Each of the plurality of tabs 15 engages into a corresponding notch from the plurality of notches 16. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first lip 4 further comprises a fixed edge 24 and a free edge 25. The free edge 25 freely rotates about the fixed edge 24. The fixed edge 24 and the free edge 25 are positioned opposite to each other about the first lip 4. The fixed edge 24 is positioned coincident with the rotation axis 30, and the plurality of notches 16 is evenly distributed along the free edge 25 so that the plurality of tabs 15 may readily engage with the plurality of notches 16 and the lid 5 is not easily separated from the tray 1. Similarly, the second lip 8 further comprises a fixed edge 26 and a free edge 27. The free edge 27 freely rotates about the fixed edge 26. The fixed edge 26 and the free edge 27 are positioned opposite to each other about the second lip 8. The fixed edge 26 is positioned coincident with the rotation axis 30, and the plurality of tabs 15 is evenly distributed along the free edge 27. This configuration allows the plurality of tabs 15 to rotate about the rotation axis 30 as the lid 5 is opened and closed by the user.
In order to connect the divider plate 10 to the tray 1 and prevent the unwanted separation of the divider plate 10 from the tray 1, the present invention comprises a second set of fasteners 17, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The second set of fasteners 17 comprises at least one tab 18 and at least one notch 19. The at least one tab 18 latches onto the at least one notch 19 which readily receives the at least one tab 18. The at least one tab 18 is peripherally integrated into the divider plate 10 so that the user may easily attach the divider plate 10 to the tray 1 by utilizing the downward motion of closing the lid 5. More specifically, the at least one tab 18 and the rotation axis 30 are positioned opposite each other about the divider plate 10 in order to best secure the divider plate 10 onto the tray 1. Consequently, the at least one notch 19 is integrated into the first lip 4, and the at least one notch 19 and the rotation axis 30 are positioned opposite to each other about the tray 1. This arrangement allows the at least one tab 18 to connect to the at least one notch 19. More specifically, when the tray 1 and the divider plate 10 are in a sealed configuration, the divider plate 10 peripherally presses against the first lip 4 so that the first compartment remains closed. The at least one tab 18 engages into the at least one notch 19. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the divider plate 10 further comprises a fixed edge 28 and a free edge 29. The free edge 29 freely rotates about the fixed edge 28. The fixed edge 28 and the free edge 29 are positioned opposite to each other about the divider plate 10. The fixed edge 28 is positioned coincident with the rotation axis 30, and the at least one notch 19 is centrally positioned along the free edge 29, as shown in FIG. 4, so that the at least one tab 18 may rotate about the rotation axis 30 as the divider plate 10 is opened and closed by the user. The central position of the at least one notch 19 provides a more stable attachment between the divider plate 10 and the tray 1. Moreover, the at least one notch 19 is centrally positioned along the free edge 25 so that the at least one tab 18 may readily engage with the at least one notch 19 and the divider plate 10 is not easily separated from the tray 1.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of stationary dividers 11 further separate the food within the first compartment, as shown in FIG. 3. The plurality of stationary dividers 11 is positioned within the tray 1 and mounted onto the base plate 2 so that the different foods within the tray 1 do not get mixed with one another. More specifically, the plurality of stationary dividers 11 comprises a first divider 12 and a second divider 13. The first divider 12 defines a largest section of the first compartment. The second divider 13 defines a couple of small sections of the first compartment. The first divider 12 diametrically traverses within the first lateral wall 3, and the second divider 13 traverses from the first lateral wall 3 to the first divider 12. This arrangement allows a user to store a main food dish and a couple of side dishes within the tray 1.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a set of stabilizers 20 that prevent the lid 5 from shifting and thereby remain connected to the tray 1 via the first set of fasteners 14, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The set of stabilizers 20 comprises a plurality of nubs 21 and a plurality of wells 22. The plurality of nubs 21 rests within the plurality of wells 22 which readily receive the plurality of nubs 21. The plurality of nubs 21 is integrated into the second lip 8 and distributed along the second lip 8. The plurality of wells 22 is integrated into the first lip 4 and distributed along the first lip 4. This arrangement allows the lid 5 to easily align with the tray 1. More specifically, when the tray 1 and the lid 5 are in a closed configuration, the second lip 8 presses against the first lip 4 so that both the first compartment and the second compartment are closed. This closed configuration is shown in FIG. 1. Each of the plurality of nubs 21 engages into a corresponding well from the plurality of wells 22, reinforcing the alignment of the lid 5 with that of the tray 1.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a moat 23, as shown in FIG. 2. The moat 23 prevents the food within the second compartment from becoming soggy. The moat 23 is integrated into the divider plate 10 and oriented towards the lid 5 as to retain any drained juices or liquid that has escaped the food within the second compartment. The moat 23 is internally offset from a perimeter of the divider plate 10 so that any retained juices or liquid from the food does not come into contact with the food itself as the food is stored within the second compartment. This arrangement between the moat 23 and the divider plate 10 further seals the food within the first compartment as the moat 23 preferably is adjacent the first lateral wall 3.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A compartmentalized tray system comprises:

a tray;

a lid;

a divider plate;

the tray comprises a base plate, a first lateral wall, and a first lip;

the lid comprises a cover plate, a second lateral wall, and a second lip;

the first lateral wall being perimetrically connected about the base plate;

the first lip being perimetrically connected about the first lateral wall;

the first lip and the base plate being positioned opposite to each other across the first lateral wall;

the second lateral wall being perimetrically connected about the cover plate;

the second lip being perimetrically connected about the second lateral wall;

the second lip and the cover plate being positioned opposite to each other across the second lateral wall;

the first lip, the second lip, and the divider plate being coextensive with each other;

the tray, the lid, and the divider plate being hingedly connected to each other about a rotation axis; and

the divider plate being angularly positioned in between the tray and the lid.

2. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the lid further comprises a plurality of ventilation holes; and

the plurality of ventilation holes traversing through the cover plate.

3. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a first set of fasteners;

the first set of fasteners comprises a plurality of tabs and a plurality of notches;

the plurality of tabs being integrated into the second lip;

the plurality of tabs and the rotation axis being positioned opposite to each other about the lid;

the plurality of notches being integrated into the first lip; and

the plurality of notches and the rotation axis positioned opposite to each other about the tray.

4. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

wherein the tray and the lid are in a closed configuration;

the second lip being pressed against the first lip; and

each of the plurality of tabs being engaged into a corresponding notch from the plurality of notches.

5. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

the first lip comprises a fixed edge and a free edge;

the fixed edge and the free edge being positioned opposite to each other about the second lip;

the fixed edge being positioned coincident with the rotation axis; and

the plurality of notches being evenly distributed along the free edge.

6. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

the second lip comprises a fixed edge and a free edge;

the fixed edge being positioned coincident with the rotation axis; and

the plurality of tabs being evenly distributed along the free edge.

7. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a second set of fasteners;

the second set of fasteners comprises at least one tab and at least one notch;

the at least one tab being peripherally integrated into the divider plate;

the at least one tab and the rotation axis being positioned opposite to each other about the divider plate;

the at least one notch being integrated into the first lip; and

the at least one notch and the rotation axis positioned opposite to each other about the tray.

8. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

wherein the tray and the divider plate are in a sealed configuration;

the divider plate being peripherally pressed against the first lip; and

the at least one tab being engaged into the at least one notch.

9. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

the divider plate comprises a fixed edge and a free edge;

the fixed edge and the free edge being positioned opposite to each other about the divider plate;

the fixed edge being positioned coincident with the rotation axis; and

the at least one tab being centrally positioned along the free edge.

10. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 3 comprises:

the first lip comprises a fixed edge and a free edge;

the fixed edge and the free edge being positioned opposite to each other about the first lip;

the fixed edge being positioned coincident with the rotation axis; and

the at least one notch being centrally positioned along the free edge.

11. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a plurality of stationary dividers;

the plurality of stationary dividers being positioned within the tray; and

the plurality of stationary dividers being mounted onto the base plate.

12. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 11 comprises:

the plurality of stationary dividers comprises a first divider and a second divider;

the first divider diametrically traversing within the first lateral wall; and

the second divider traversing from the first lateral wall to the first divider.

13. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a set of stabilizers;

the set of stabilizers comprises a plurality of nubs and a plurality of wells;

the plurality of nubs being integrated into the second lip;

the plurality of nubs being distributed along the second lip;

the plurality of wells being integrated into the first lip; and

the plurality of wells being distributed along the first lip.

14. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 13 comprises:

wherein the tray and the lid are in a closed configuration;

the second lip being pressed against the first lip; and

each of the plurality of nubs being engaged into a corresponding well from the plurality of wells.

15. The compartmentalized tray system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a moat;

the moat being integrated into the divider plate;

the moat being internally offset from a perimeter of the divider plate; and

the moat being oriented towards the lid.