US20200172290A1 - Food container systems - Google Patents

Food container systems Download PDF

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Publication number
US20200172290A1
US20200172290A1 US16/697,569 US201916697569A US2020172290A1 US 20200172290 A1 US20200172290 A1 US 20200172290A1 US 201916697569 A US201916697569 A US 201916697569A US 2020172290 A1 US2020172290 A1 US 2020172290A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
container
insert
food
food container
cavity
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
Application number
US16/697,569
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English (en)
Inventor
Mario Quintana Serrahima
Clay Allen Burns
Eric Charles Fleischer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Cant Live Without It LLC
Original Assignee
Cant Live Without It LLC
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cant Live Without It LLC filed Critical Cant Live Without It LLC
Priority to US16/697,569 priority Critical patent/US20200172290A1/en
Priority to US16/777,298 priority patent/US20200172292A1/en
Publication of US20200172290A1 publication Critical patent/US20200172290A1/en
Assigned to Can't Live Without It, LLC reassignment Can't Live Without It, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FLEISCHER, ERIC CHARLES, SERRAHIMA, Mario Quintana, BURNS, CLAY ALLEN
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • A47J39/00—Heat-insulated warming chambers; Cupboards with heating arrangements for warming kitchen utensils
    • A47J39/006—Heat-insulated warming chambers; Cupboards with heating arrangements for warming kitchen utensils for either storing and preparing or for preparing food on serving trays, e.g. heating, thawing, preserving
    • 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
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/0233—Nestable containers
    • 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
    • A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
    • A47J27/12—Multiple-unit cooking vessels
    • 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
    • A47J36/00—Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
    • A47J36/02—Selection of specific materials, e.g. heavy bottoms with copper inlay or with insulating inlay
    • A47J36/027—Cooking- or baking-vessels specially adapted for use in microwave ovens; Accessories therefor
    • 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
    • A47J47/04—Closed containers for foodstuffs for granulated foodstuffs
    • A47J47/06—Closed containers for foodstuffs for granulated foodstuffs with arrangements for keeping fresh
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65D25/28—Handles
    • B65D25/2835—Swingable handles
    • B65D25/2858—Swingable handles provided on a local area of the upper (top) wall, e.g. U-shaped
    • 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
    • B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
    • B65D41/04—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
    • 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
    • B65D43/0225—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by rotation
    • B65D43/0231—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by rotation only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container
    • 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
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
    • 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
    • B65D53/00—Sealing or packing elements; Sealings formed by liquid or plastics material
    • B65D53/02—Collars or rings
    • 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
    • B65D53/00—Sealing or packing elements; Sealings formed by liquid or plastics material
    • B65D53/04—Discs
    • 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
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/34—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package
    • B65D81/3446—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs or other articles intended to be cooked or heated within the package specially adapted to be heated by microwaves
    • B65D81/3453—Rigid containers, e.g. trays, bottles, boxes, cups
    • 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
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
    • B65D81/3802—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container in the form of a barrel or vat
    • B65D81/3811—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container in the form of a barrel or vat formed of different materials, e.g. laminated or foam filling between walls
    • 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
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/38—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
    • B65D81/3837—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container in the form of a bottle, jar or like container
    • B65D81/3841—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation rigid container in the form of a bottle, jar or like container formed with double walls, i.e. hollow

Definitions

  • This application relates to food container systems, and more specifically but not exclusively, to food containers systems for storing food for transport and later consumption.
  • Food containers provide storage for food products allowing for storage and/or transport of the food products.
  • Conventional food containers merely provide storage such that the contents of the food containers are subject to fluctuation in temperature pursuant to the ambient conditions.
  • the food container system can be used as a container from which the food product can be directly consumed.
  • Some food containers have been developed to maintain consistent temperatures to the food products contained therein.
  • these food containers are generally formed of metallic materials. As such, the food containers are not safe for heating in a microwave. In such cases, the food products cannot be easily reheated when they cool off.
  • a food container may include a container body that may be formed of an insulating material and a container lid coupleable to the container body.
  • the food container may further include a removable insert having an insert body and associated insert cap that can be positioned within the container body and retained therein when the container lid is coupled to the container body.
  • Food may be stored within a cavity defined by the insert body.
  • the container body and container lid may provide for insulation of the food contained within the insert body during transportation and storage.
  • a first food container may be stored within a second food container when the first food container has been emptied of its contents, for example to reduce the amount of space the containers take up when transporting empty containers home after they have been used for storing a snack or meal.
  • the food containers are of a size that makes them easily transportable so they can be carried to school, work, etc.
  • the food containers may be sized and shaped so that they nest within each other for ease of storage.
  • the food containers may be provided in any size or shape and are not limited to the illustrated sizes and shapes.
  • FIG. 1 is a front view of a food container system including a food container and a removable insert, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container body and the container lid of the food container of FIG. 1 in a decoupled state, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the removable insert of the food container of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the removable insert of the food container of FIG. 1 positioned within the interior of the container body of the food container of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the removable insert of the food container of FIG. 1 partially removed from the interior of the container body of the food container of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the food container of FIG. 1 with the removable insert positioned within the container body.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another food container system including a food container and an additional food container, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is perspective view of the food container of FIG. 6 with the handle in the stowed position.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the additional food container of FIG. 6 nested within the food container of FIG. 6 , according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an underside of a container lid of the container body of FIG. 6 , according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the container lid of FIG. 9 taken along line 10 - 10 , according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another food container, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a food container system 10 that may include a food container 100 and a removable insert 200 .
  • the food container 100 may include a container body 104 defining a container cavity 106 and a container lid 102 that engages with the container body 104 so as to enclose the container cavity 106 .
  • the container lid 102 may engage with the container body 104 via any suitable mating features, for example, but not limited to, a threaded engagement.
  • the removable insert 200 may include an insert body 204 defining an insert cavity 207 and insert cap 202 that may be coupled to the insert body 204 so as to enclose the insert cavity 207 .
  • the removable insert 200 may fit entirely within the container body 104 such that the container lid 102 may be coupled to the container body 104 while the removable insert 200 is positioned therein.
  • an outer wall of the container body 104 has at least one container body thread 114 and an inner wall of the container lid 102 has at least one container lid thread 112 .
  • the at least one container body thread 114 interdigitates with the at least one container lid thread 112 to retain the container lid 102 on the container body 104 .
  • other retention methods may be used, including, but not limited to, snap-fit connection, twist-lock connection, or any other suitable connection.
  • the container body 104 and the container lid 102 are formed of an insulating material that is capable of retaining the temperature of the contents for extended periods of time.
  • the container body 104 , the container lid 102 , or some combination thereof are formed of a multiple walls, including, but not limited to, ThermaS′WellTM technology including a copper layer.
  • the container body 104 includes a first wall member 105 and a second wall member 107 positioned adjacent the first wall member 105 .
  • a region 109 between the first wall member 105 and the second wall member 107 may be a vacuum for providing insulative properties.
  • a copper layer may be provided on at least one of an exterior surface of the first wall member 105 or an interior surface of the second wall member 107 .
  • the container lid 102 , container body 104 , or some combination thereof may be formed of another suitable insulating material.
  • the container lid 102 , container body 104 , or any combination thereof may be formed of materials that prevent the food container 100 from breaking upon impact.
  • the container body 104 and the container lid 102 may be built to protect the removable insert 200 from breaking when the food container 100 is dropped or otherwise subject to an impact.
  • the container body 104 and/or container lid 102 may be formed of, but is not limited to, metallic materials (e.g.
  • the food container 100 may be formed of glass, ceramic, or other suitable materials. While the container body 104 and the container lid 102 may be formed of the same material, they need not be. By way only of example, the container body may 104 may be formed of stainless steel and the container lid 102 may be formed of a polymeric material. Moreover, it is contemplated that the container body 104 and the container lid 102 may be formed of more than one material.
  • an additional material e.g., plastic, rubber, etc.
  • a first material e.g., stainless steel
  • the food container 100 may be formed such that it is opaque or clear.
  • decorative designs or other aesthetics may be provided on the exterior of the container body 104 , the container lid 102 , or any combination thereof.
  • food products may be deposited directly into the container cavity 106 of the food container 100 .
  • the removable insert 200 may receive a food product within the insert cavity 207 of the insert body 204 , the food product may be retained within the insert body 204 by an insert cap 202 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the removable insert 200 for example the removable insert 200 with food therein, may be positioned within the container body 104 of the food container 100 .
  • the removable insert 200 may be fully contained within the food container 100 such that no part of the removable insert 200 extends beyond the food container 100 when the food container system 10 is fully assembled. While the shape of the removable insert 200 may be complementary to that of the food container 100 in which it is to be positioned (shown in FIG. 5 ), this is not a requirement.
  • the container lid 102 of the food container 100 may include an inner surface 116 that bears against an outer surface of the insert cap 202 (not shown in FIG. 2 ) when the food container system 10 is assembled with the removable insert 200 positioned within the food container 100 .
  • the inner surface 116 of the container lid 102 may bear against an outer portion of the insert cap that may define a ledge 208 of the insert cap 202 (shown in FIG. 3 ) when the container lid 102 engages the container body 104 .
  • the inner surface 116 of the container lid 102 may include a depression 118 . As shown in FIG.
  • the depression 118 may be shaped to receive a projection 210 of the insert cap 202 when the container lid 102 engages the container body 104 .
  • the pressure applied by the container lid 102 against the insert cap 202 may aid in retaining the insert cap 202 in place such that it does not disengage from the insert body 204 during transport of the assembled food container system 10 .
  • the removable insert 200 may include the insert body 204 and the insert cap 202 .
  • only an insert body 204 may be provided.
  • the insert cap 202 may be provided to cover the insert body 204 to contain a food product within the insert body 204 .
  • the insert cap 202 may engage with, and seat within, an opening of the insert body 204 .
  • the insert cap 202 may be press fit onto the insert body 204 .
  • other engagement methods could be used, including, but not limited to, a threaded connection, a snap-fit connection, a twist-lock connection, or any other suitable engagement method.
  • connection between the insert cap 202 and the insert body 204 may be strong enough such that the removable insert 200 can be lifted from the container body 104 by the insert cap 202 without the insert cap 202 disengaging from the insert body 204 , as shown in FIG. 4B .
  • the insert cap 202 may include an inner portion 206 that is dimensioned to fit within the insert body 204 and thereby seal the contents within the insert body 204 .
  • the insert cap 202 may include a seal or a gasket 203 to aid in sealing the insert cap 202 to the insert body 204 .
  • the gasket 203 may include a tab extending from a body of the gasket to provide a gripping surface for the user. For example, a user may grip the tab to uncouple the gasket 203 from the insert cap 202 such that a user can easily clean the gasket 203 .
  • the insert cap 202 may include the outer portion that may define the ledge 208 that extends from the inner portion 206 and rests atop an upper rim 205 of the insert body 204 , as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 .
  • the abutment between the ledge 208 of the insert cap 202 and the upper rim 205 of the insert body 204 may aid in limiting the extent to which the insert cap 202 can be inserted into the insert body 204 , for example, to prevent the insert cap 202 from becoming lodged or stuck within the insert body 204 .
  • a portion of the insert cap 202 may extend above another portion of the upper surface of the insert cap 202 to form a projection 210 .
  • the projection 210 may provide a gripping surface to aid a user in removing the removable insert 200 from the container body 104 (shown in FIG. 4B ). As discussed above, a user can remove the removable insert 200 from the container body 104 by gripping the projection 210 and lifting the removable insert 200 from the container body 104 .
  • the projection 210 can be various shapes, including, but not limited to, circular, rectangular, square, triangular, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the projection 210 may also be used as a grip for removing the insert cap 202 from the insert body 204 when the removable insert 200 has been removed from the food container 100 .
  • the insert cap 202 may include one or more features to assist in the removal of the insert cap 202 from the insert body 204 .
  • a cut-out 216 is provided along the circumference of the insert cap 202 , the cut-out 216 may define a tab 212 .
  • the tab 212 may aid in a user removing the insert cap 202 from the insert body 204 by providing a location from which a user can pull.
  • a tab, projection, or other feature may be provided for gripping and pulling the insert cap 202 from the insert body 204 .
  • the insert cap 202 may include an outer perimeter that may extend beyond an upper edge of the insert body 204 thereby providing a surface from which a user can grip to remove the insert cap 202 from the insert body 204 .
  • the insert body 204 and the insert cap 202 may be formed of the same materials described above for use in the container lid 102 and the container body 104 .
  • the insert body 204 and insert cap 202 may be formed of different materials than those used for the container lid 102 and the container body 104 .
  • the insert body 204 , the insert cap 202 , or any combination thereof may be formed from a material that is microwave safe such that a user can remove the removable insert 200 from the container body 104 and warm the removable insert 200 (or simply the insert body 204 ) along with its contents in a microwave.
  • the insert body 204 and/or the insert cap 202 is formed of a material that is dishwasher safe.
  • the insert body 204 and/or the insert cap 202 is formed of a polymeric material that is chemically safe, including a polymeric material that is free of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), and/or other bisphenols, for example but not limited to TritanTM plastic.
  • BPA bisphenol A
  • BPS bisphenol S
  • being “free of” BPA and/or BPS includes having less than 0.1 parts per million (ppm) of the material.
  • the insert body 204 and/or the insert cap 202 may be formed of glass, including tempered glass which may reduce the potential of breaking.
  • the insert body 204 and/or insert cap 202 may comprise other suitable materials including but not limited to polymeric materials, ceramic materials, etc.
  • the insert body 204 and/or the insert cap 202 may be free of any estrogenic and androgenic activity and may be shatter resistant.
  • the insert body 204 and/or insert cap 202 may be opaque or clear.
  • the insert body 204 is clear such that a user can see a food product positioned therein and optionally gauge the progress of heating the insert contents in a microwave.
  • the container body 104 , container lid 102 , or some combination thereof may be formed of an insulating material such that it provides insulation and temperature regulation for the removable insert 200 and the food products contained therein.
  • the insulating properties of the container lid 102 and/or the container body 104 may keep the food product contained within the removable insert 200 at a cool temperature (i.e., prevents the food product from getting warm due to ambient temperatures).
  • the food product in the removable insert 200 may be heated prior to being inserted within the container body 104 and the food product can be kept hot due to the insulating properties of the container body 104 and/or the container lid 102 .
  • FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a food container system 301 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • the food container system 301 may include a food container 300 and an additional food container 400 .
  • the food container 300 may be sized and shaped to receive the additional food container 400 nested therein.
  • the food container 300 may include a handle 306 on a container lid 302 .
  • the handle 306 is pivotally connected to the container lid 302 .
  • the handle 306 is configured to have a stowed position, as illustrated in FIG. 7 . In the stowed position, the handle 306 rests in a channel 308 formed in a top surface of the container lid 302 .
  • the handle 306 When the handle 306 is in the stowed position the handle 306 may not extend above the top surface of the container lid 302 such that the food container 300 can be stacked on other items, including but not limited other food containers (e.g. food containers 300 and/or 400 ). As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the handle 306 may be pivoted upwardly with respect to the upper surface of the container lid 302 to a deployed position. In the deployed position, the handle 306 may be gripped by the user for carrying or transporting the food container 300 . A user may also apply torque to the handle 306 in the deployed position to help disengage the container lid 302 from a container body 304 in aspects in which the container lid 302 is coupled to the container body 304 via threaded engagement.
  • the handle 306 may be pivoted upwardly with respect to the upper surface of the container lid 302 to a deployed position. In the deployed position, the handle 306 may be gripped by the user for carrying or transporting the food container 300 . A user may also apply torque to the handle 306
  • the food container 300 may include at least one container body thread 314 (see FIG. 8 ) disposed on an outer wall of the container body 304 and at least one container lid thread 312 (see FIG. 9 ) disposed on an inner surface of the container lid 302 .
  • the at least one container body thread 314 may interdigitate with the at least one container lid thread 312 to retain the container lid 302 on the container body 304 in a similar manner as described with respect to the food container 100 .
  • the container lid 302 may engage the container body 304 by any other suitable methods, including, but not limited to, snap-fit connection, twist-lock connection, or any other suitable connection.
  • the additional food container 400 may include a container lid 402 and a container body 404 .
  • the container lid 402 may include a handle (not shown) to provide a user with a convenient means of carrying the additional food container 400 .
  • the additional food container 400 may be sized and shaped to nest within the container body 304 of the food container 300 .
  • the nested configuration provides a convenient means of storing and transporting the food container 300 and the additional food container 400 .
  • a user can store the additional food container 400 within the container body 304 after use (i.e., after the food product or contents have been consumed and/or removed) and transport or store the food container 300 and the additional food container 400 together thereby reducing the overall space required to store and/or transport the food containers 300 , 400 .
  • the additional food container 400 may be formed in a similar manner as the food container 300 .
  • the food container 300 and/or the additional food container 400 may be formed of any of the materials identified with respect to the food container 100 , for example, but not limited to, metallic materials (e.g. stainless steel), polymeric materials (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, Nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.), or other suitable materials.
  • metallic materials e.g. stainless steel
  • polymeric materials e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, Nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.
  • the food container 300 and/or additional food container 400 may be formed of glass, ceramic, or other materials.
  • the food container 300 and/or the additional food container 400 may be formed of an insulating material that is capable of retaining the temperature of the contents of extended periods of time, as described above with respect to the food container 100 .
  • the food container 300 and/or the additional food container 400 may include a first wall member and second wall member similar to the first wall member 105 and second wall member 107 as described above with respect to the food container 100 .
  • the food container 300 and/or the additional food container 400 may include a region between the first and second wall members that may be a vacuum providing insulative properties.
  • the food container 300 and/or the additional food container 400 may include a copper layer provided on at least one of an exterior surface of the first wall member or an interior surface of the second wall member.
  • the additional food container 400 may be configured to be similar to the previously described removable insert 200 .
  • the additional food container 400 may be formed of a microwaveable material such that a food product can be heated directly in the additional food container 400 and stored within the food container 300 in a similar manner to the removable insert 200 described above.
  • an insert, such as removable insert 200 may be positioned within the food container 300 and/or the additional food container 400 .
  • FIG. 9 depicts a top view of the container lid 302 .
  • the container lid 302 may optionally include a gasket 328 and a release valve 322 .
  • the gasket 328 may engage with the container body 304 to help seal the container lid 302 to the container body 304 . While the gasket 328 has been described with reference to the container lid 302 , the gasket 328 may be used in conjunction with any of the container lids described above (e.g., container lid 102 , insert cap 202 , and/or additional container lid 402 ).
  • pressure may develop in the food container 300 during use.
  • This pressure may be positive or negative, relative to atmospheric pressure, depending on the food contents, temperature, and use scenario.
  • a negative pressure in particular, may form a vacuum within the food container 300 .
  • the change in temperature causes a change in pressure resulting in a negative pressure formed within the food container 300 with respect to surrounding the atmospheric pressure.
  • the negative pressure results in a vacuum thereby creating a seal between the container lid 302 and the container body 304 such that it makes it difficult for a user to decouple the container lid 302 from the container body 304 .
  • the release valve 322 may act as either a pressure release, a vacuum release, or both.
  • the release valve 322 may be a vacuum release valve that helps dissipate negative pressure that can build up in the food container 300 when the contents cool, thus rendering the removal of the container lid 302 from the container body 304 more difficult.
  • the container lid 302 may include the release valve 322 and an air channel 324 that is in fluid communication with a space 326 formed between the container lid threads 312 of the container lid 302 .
  • the release valve 322 deforms allowing airflow into the air channel 324 and into the space 326 thereby allowing a user to more easily decouple the container lid 302 from the container body 304 .
  • the release valve 322 may be an umbrella valve.
  • other types of pressure or vacuum release valves may be used in embodiments of the food containers disclosed herein.
  • release valve 322 has been described above with reference to the container lid 302 , the release valve 322 may be used in conjunction with any of the container lids described above (e.g., container lid 102 , insert cap 202 , and/or container lid 402 ).
  • FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of a food container system 501 having a food container 500 and removable insert 600 , according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • the food container 500 may include the same or different features as the food containers 100 , 300 , 400 , described above.
  • the food container 500 may include a container body 504 and a container lid 502 configured to be coupled to the container body 504 in a similar manner as previously described with respect to food container 100 .
  • the container lid 502 may include a release valve 522 that may be the same as the release valve 322 described above.
  • the container body 504 and the container lid 502 may be formed of any of the materials identified with respect to the food container 100 , for example, but not limited to, metallic materials (e.g.
  • the food container 500 may be formed of an insulating material that is capable of retaining the temperature of the contents of extended periods of time, as described above with respect to the food container 100 .
  • the food container 500 may include a first wall member and second wall member similar to the first wall member 105 and second wall member 107 as described above with respect to the food container 100 .
  • the food container 500 may include a region between the first and second wall members that may be a vacuum providing insulative properties.
  • the food container 500 may include a copper layer provided on at least one of an exterior surface of the first wall member or an interior surface of the second wall member.
  • the removable insert 600 may have the same features as the removable insert 200 , described above.
  • the removable insert 600 includes an insert cap 602 configured to be coupled to an insert body 604 .
  • the insert cap 602 may include a seal or a gasket 603 to aid in sealing the insert cap 602 to the insert body 604 .
  • the insert cap 602 may further include an outer portion that may define a ledge 608 that extends from an inner portion 606 of the insert cap 602 and rests atop an upper rim 605 of the insert body 604 .
  • the abutment between the ledge 608 of the insert cap 602 and the upper rim 605 of the insert body 604 may aid in limiting the extent to which the insert cap 602 can be inserted into the insert body 604 , for example, to prevent the insert cap 602 from becoming lodged or stuck within the insert body 604 .
  • the ledge 608 may provide a gripping portion for a user to remove the insert cap 602 from insert body 604 .
  • the removable insert 600 may be formed of any of the materials previously discussed with respect to the removable insert 200 , including but not limited a polymeric material that is free of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), and/or other bisphenols, for example but not limited to TritanTM plastic, a ceramic material (e.g., a glass material, a tempered glass material, etc.).
  • BPA bisphenol A
  • BPS bisphenol S
  • TritanTM plastic e.g., a glass material, a tempered glass material, etc.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
US16/697,569 2018-12-03 2019-11-27 Food container systems Abandoned US20200172290A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

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US16/697,569 US20200172290A1 (en) 2018-12-03 2019-11-27 Food container systems
US16/777,298 US20200172292A1 (en) 2018-12-03 2020-01-30 Food container systems

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201862774698P 2018-12-03 2018-12-03
US16/697,569 US20200172290A1 (en) 2018-12-03 2019-11-27 Food container systems

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US11814233B2 (en) 2021-07-12 2023-11-14 Anthony M. Frankenreiter Microwaveable container

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US11697544B2 (en) 2020-12-08 2023-07-11 Frost Buddy LLC Insulating beverage container
CN217554643U (zh) * 2020-12-19 2022-10-11 第14轮公司 儿童安全密封盖
US20220201973A1 (en) * 2020-12-24 2022-06-30 Amy Kim Portable pet food bowl assembly

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US11814233B2 (en) 2021-07-12 2023-11-14 Anthony M. Frankenreiter Microwaveable container

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EP3662797A3 (en) 2020-08-05
CA3063133A1 (en) 2020-06-03
CN111252343A (zh) 2020-06-09
EP3662797A2 (en) 2020-06-10
US20200172292A1 (en) 2020-06-04

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