US20180319536A1

US20180319536A1 - Lunch Buddy

Info

Publication number: US20180319536A1
Application number: US15/863,909
Authority: US
Inventors: Cassandra Linette Robertson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-02-16
Filing date: 2018-06-08
Publication date: 2018-11-08

Abstract

The Lunch Buddy is a convenient and practical container for packing hot and cold food for lunches and meals on-the-go. The device is comprised of two or more containers with hooks and or velcro mechanisms on one side. The containers may vary in shape and size; however, the containers sit flush against one another when connected together. The separate containers accommodate different types of hot and cold foods, enabling the containers to be reheated directly without affecting another type of food. Each compartment can have its own individual lid or the entire unit may have one main lid that fits over the compartments. Users can place any type of food in the containers, connect them together via the hooks or Velcro, and place the fully-secure container in a backpack, bag, or other carrying device. The Lunch Buddy can be constructed using food safe plastic, glass, and other suitable materials. The containers may be available in numerous sizes and colors, each suited to accommodate user needs and preferences. Exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary upon manufacturing. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Description

BACKGROUND OR PROBLEM

Packing hot and cold foods in containers to take for lunches can be extremely frustrating and time-consuming. If one food needs to be reheated, the food must be placed on a plate or paper towel in order to be placed in a microwave. This process can be messy and require cleanup, taking up a considerable amount of time. If a person only has a 30-minute lunch break, he/she must spend time preparing their food rather than eating. A suitable solution is desired.

SOLUTION

The lunch box, also referred to as a lunch pail or lunch kit, is used to store food to be taken anywhere. The lunch box has most often been used by schoolchildren to take packed lunches, or a snack, from home to school. Today, lunch boxes are generally made of plastic, with foam insulation, and an aluminum/vinyl interior. As a result, they're usually much better at retaining their temperature but are less rigid/protective.
The present invention provides users with a simple and convenient container to pack a lunch and reheat leftovers. It features up to four separate containers which, when connected together with hook mechanisms, allow users to transport up to four different types of foods. This eliminates the need to pack hot and cold food items in separate containers which can be a hassle to transport. This alleviates the trouble of transporting multiple containers to work for lunch and taking up excessive space in a communal refrigerator. The present invention saves extensive amounts of time and money when preparing meals for next-day lunches.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, The Lunch Buddy is a convenient and practical container for packing hot and cold food for lunches and meals on-the-go. The device is comprised of two or more containers with hook and or velcro mechanisms on one side. The containers may vary in shape and size; however, the containers sit flush against one another when connected together. The separate containers accommodate different types of hot and cold foods, enabling the containers to be reheated directly without affecting another type of food.
Each compartment can have its own individual lid or the entire unit may have one main lid that fits over the compartments. Users can place any type of food in the containers, connect them together via the hooks or velcro, and place the fully-secure container in a backpack, bag, or other carrying device. Lunches can be reheated when desired, with ease and convenience.
The Lunch Buddy can be constructed using food safe plastic, glass, and other suitable materials. The containers may be available in numerous sizes and colors, each suited to accommodate user needs and preferences. Exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary upon manufacturing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS ATTACHED

FIG. 1 shows an illustration of the small, separated containers and the hook and or Velcro mechanisms.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show illustrations of how the separate container can be connected to the other section via hooks.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. This innovative apparatus comprises a multi-compartment food storage container, each compartment can have a snapping mechanism, loop fastener or a hook on the outer wall that allow them to attach and detach from one another, each compartment can have its own individual lid, or the entire unit can have one main lid that fits over the separate compartment, packing hot and cold items for lunch into the same container can save time and reduce clutter in the refrigerator, however it is a hassle to transfer the food that needs to be warmed up onto a separate plate or paper towel before reheating, this apparatus allows you to detach the separate compartments and warm whatever foods you desire while leaving the cold foods in place, it also saves people time on their lunch breaks especially those who have 30 minutes, this product provides a simple and convenient way to pack a lunch and reheat leftovers, it eliminates the need to pack hot and cold food items in separate containers.