US20230380613A1

US20230380613A1 - Peelable dinnerware

Info

Publication number: US20230380613A1
Application number: US18/232,047
Authority: US
Inventors: Ellie Ghassali
Original assignee: Peelable Dinnerware LLC
Current assignee: Peelable Dinnerware LLC
Priority date: 2021-03-18
Filing date: 2023-08-09
Publication date: 2023-11-30

Abstract

A peelable plate can include a base, a plurality of top liner layers disposed adjacent to a top surface of the base and a plurality of bottom liner layers disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the base. The plurality of top liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a top liner layer of the plurality of liner layers to be peeled away from another top liner layer of the plurality of top liner layers while the another top liner layer remains in its original position. The plurality of bottom liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers to be peeled away from another bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers while the another bottom liner layer remains in its original position.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

This disclosure is generally related to disposable food serving items, and, in particular, multi-use disposable food serving items.

Description of the Related Art

In current times, people are becoming more concerned about the environment, excess waste, management of natural resources, and issues regarding sustainability.
With regard to the preparation and eating of meals, the use of traditional ceramic or plastic dishware (or other food containers) requires the washing of the dishware after a meal is completed. While such traditional dishware is reusable, the washing of dishware (either by hand or via an automatic dishwasher) after meals can use thousands of gallons per year of water. The use of this large amount of water can be considered to be environmentally unfriendly by many people.
As an alternative to traditional dishware, people can use plastic or paper disposable dishware, such as paper plates. While the use of such disposable dishware has the benefit of not requiring washing, and the use of large amounts of water, the use of disposable dishware has other detrimental environmental effects.
For example, the use of traditional disposable dishware generates large amounts of paper and plastic waste annually. To efficiently support food for eating, disposal dishware typically requires a certain weight and thickness to provide adequate rigidity. After many consecutive meals, the aggregate accumulation of traditional dishware can have detrimental environmental effects.
Thus, there is a need in the food container art to provide food containers and dishware that does not require washing, and can minimize the accumulation of trash waste.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention address the above-discussed and other problems in the art.
Embodiments of the invention can include a peelable plate comprising: a base; a plurality of top liner layers disposed adjacent to a top surface of the base; and a plurality of bottom liner layers disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the base.
In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a top liner layer of the plurality of liner layers to be peeled away from another top liner layer of the plurality of top liner layers while the another top liner layer remains in its original position.
In some embodiments, the plurality of bottom liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers to be peeled away from another bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers while the another bottom liner layer remains in its original position.
In some embodiments, each of the top liner layers include a top tab portion extending outwardly from each respective top liner layer.
In some embodiments, each of the bottom liner layers include a bottom tab portion extending outwardly from each respective bottom liner layer.
In some embodiments, a plurality of top tab portions are aligned with a plurality of bottom tab portions.
In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers are formed such that a peripheral portion of each of the plurality of top liner layers extends substantially vertically downward, an angled edge is defined at an end of the downward facing peripheral portions of the top liner layers, and the plurality of top liner layers are arranged such that an outermost top liner layer extends further downward than an adjacent top liner layer.
In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers form a food resistant barrier between the plurality of top liner layers due to the outermost top liner layer extends further downward than an adjacent top liner layer.
In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers are arranged such that adjacent top liner layers are in direct contact with each other with no adhesive layer disposed between adjacent top liner layers.
In some embodiments, the plurality of bottom liner layers are arranged such that adjacent bottom liner layers are in direct contact with each other with no adhesive layer disposed between adjacent bottom liner layers.
In some embodiments, an adhesive is disposed between a top liner layer of the plurality of top liner layers that is adjacent the base, and an adhesive is disposed between a bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers that is adjacent the base.
In some embodiments, the base has a greater stiffness than each of the plurality of top liner layers and each of the plurality of bottom liner layers.
In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers and the plurality of bottom liner layers are compressed against the base, and the plurality of top liner layers and the plurality of bottom liner layers are maintained in position in part due to creases in the plurality of top liner layers, the base, and the plurality of bottom liner layers.
In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers includes in the range of 15-30 top liner layers, and the plurality of bottom liner layers includes in the range of 2-10 bottom liner layers.
In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers includes 25 top liner layers, and

- the plurality of bottom liner layers includes 5 bottom liner layers.

In some embodiments,
Another embodiment of the invention can include a peelable food container comprising:

- a base; a plurality of top liner layers disposed adjacent to a top surface of the base; and a plurality of bottom liner layers disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the base.

In some embodiments, the plurality of top liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a top liner layer of the plurality of liner layers to be peeled away from another top liner layer of the plurality of top liner layers while the another top liner layer remains in its original position.
In some embodiments, the plurality of bottom liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers to be peeled away from another bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers while the another bottom liner layer remains in its original position.
In some embodiments, each of the top liner layers include a top tab portion extending outwardly from each respective top liner layer.
In some embodiments, each of the bottom liner layers include a bottom tab portion extending outwardly from each respective bottom liner layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a peelable plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views of the peelable plate of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional partially exploded view of the peelable plate of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 5A and 5B are views of a peelable plate, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views of a peelable bowl, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views of a peelable cup, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are views of a peelable sauce cup, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are views of a peelable tray, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a peelable plate, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the peelable plate of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the peelable plate of FIG. 10 .

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the peelable plate of FIG. 10 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments of the invention.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an example embodiment” or “an illustrated embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.
With reference to FIGS. 1-4 , there is shown a peelable plate 100 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, peelable plate 100 includes a base 110 and a plurality of peelable liner layers 150 disposed adjacent to base 110. Liner adhesive layers 154 are disposed between liner layers 150.
A user can beneficially use peelable plate 100 to serve and eat a meal. After the meal is finished, a top liner layer 150 a can be removed from a next liner layer 150 b and discarded. The user is then left with a clean liner layer 150 so that the peel plate 100 can be reused without the need to wash the peel plate. Further, as discussed below in further detail, because each of the liner layers 150 are thinner than the base 110 (and thinner than a typical disposable plate), less waste is generated by merely throwing out a liner layer than if an entire plate were to be discarded. Further, because the peelable plate 100 includes a plurality of (e.g., 25) liner layers 150, the peelable plate can be reused multiple times without having to disposed of the peelable plate 100 or the base 110. As discussed in further detail below, the base 110 is thicker and more rigid than the liner layers 150, and provides stability and firmness to the peelable plate 100.
The liner adhesive layers 154 disposed between the liner layers 150 include characteristics such that when food and liquid is placed on a top liner layer 150 a, the food and liquid is prevented from touching or contaminating next liner layer 150 b disposed below top liner layer 150 a. In other words, an adhesive layer 154 disposed between two liner layers 150 forms a food and liquid resistant seal between the layers.
On the other hand, and liner adhesive layer 154 allows a user to peel away or remove a top liner layer 150 a from another liner layer 150 b directly below liner layer 150 a, while liner layer 150 b and the remainder of the liner layers 150 remain in place.
In some embodiments, each liner layer 150 can include a tab portion 152 to allow a user to more easily grab and peel away liner layer 150. In some embodiments, each respective tab portion may not include a respective liner adhesive layer 154 so that tab portion 152 may be more easily held and separated from an adjacent tab portion 152 of another liner layer 150. In some embodiments, tab portions 152 can extend diagonally out from corner portions of respective liner layers 150.
In some embodiments, a base adhesive layer 170 can be used to secure multiple liner layers 150 to base 110.
In some embodiments, base 110 can include a substantially rectangular floor 124. Floor 124 can include floor sides 126 which meet at floor corner portions 128. In an embodiment, base side walls 112 extend outward from floor 124. Base side walls 112 can be of a sufficient height such that food can be satisfactorily maintained on peelable plate 100. Base side walls 112 can meet at base side corners 116. Extension walls 114 can extend perpendicularly outward from side walls 112. Extension walls 114 can include extension wall edges 120 that meet at extension wall corners 122. A base bend 118 can be formed at the intersection of the side walls 112 and extension walls 114. In some embodiments, a liner layer extension portion 156 can form a seal against extensions walls 114 via liner adhesive layer 154 such that food and liquid is stopped from contacting lower liner adhesive layers 154. In such an arrangement, liner layer corners 158 can align with respective extension wall corners 122.
With reference to the cross-sectional schematic view shown in FIG. 4 , each liner layer 150 (e.g., 150 a, 150 b, 150 c) and respective liner adhesive layer 154 (e.g., 154 a, 154 b, 154 c) can be shaped to fit into the recess 172 defined by a top surface 174 of base 110. Further, depending on a shape of top surface 174 of base 110, the plurality of liner layers 150 a shaped and dimensioned to fit the contours formed on the top surface 174 of base 110. Thus, a liner layer floor 162 can be shaped to fit against a top surface 174 of floor 124 of base 110. The multiple liner layers 150 can be secured to top surface 174 of floor of base 110 via a base adhesive layer 170. Similarly, liner layer side walls 160 can be shaped to fit against respective base side walls 112.
In one embodiment of the invention, a peelable plate 100 can include a single base 110 and in the range of 10-50 liner layers 150, or alternatively, 20-25 liner layers 150. In other embodiments, more or fewer liner layers may be included in peelable plate 100.
Base 110 can be thicker and more rigid than liner layers 150. base 110 provides structure and support for peelable plate 100 and the liner layers 150. In some embodiments, the base 110 can have a thickness (before any coating or adhesive layer is applied) in the range of 3-5 mm, and in some embodiments, the base 110 can have a thickness of 3 mm. Liner layers 150 can have a basis weight (before any coating or adhesive layer is applied) in the range of 30-60 lb., in some embodiments 35-45 lb., and in some embodiments 401 b. Alternatively, other ranges can be used, as would be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure.
This combination of base 110 thickness and relative liner layer 150 thinness beneficially allows a relatively large amount of liner layers 150 to be combined to form a sturdy peelable plate 100 which can be reused (by peeling off liner layers 150) for a relatively large number of meals before the base 110 is discarded (e.g., thrown out or recycled).
The base adhesive layer 170 can include a non-toxic food safe adhesive or edible glue. Alternatively, other suitable substances can be used. Base adhesive layer 170 should be of sufficient thickness, composition and adhesiveness such that a stack of multiple liner layers 150 can be secured to base 110, and that when a top liner layer 150 is peeled away from and removed from a stack of multiple liner layers 150, the remaining liner layers 150 remain affixed to the base 110.
In some embodiments, liner adhesive layers 154 can be formed from coating liner layers 150 on each side (i.e., a top and bottom surface) with a coating weight in the range of 2-20 lb. In some embodiments, a coating weight in the range of 10-15 lb. can be used. In some embodiments, a coating weight in the range of 9 lb. can be used. Alternatively, other ranges can be used, as would be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the coating can include an oil-based or other biodegradable coating, such as, by way of non-limiting example, bees wax, soy wax, silicon wax, or another suitable waxy substance, as would be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure.
In some embodiments, a silicone oil could be used as the coating. Preferably, the liner adhesive layers should be substantially odorless, colorless, and tasteless. In some embodiments, base 110 can be formed of paper or a paper-like substance, and can include sugarcane pulp and/or wood pulp, or another suitable substance, as would be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure. Liner layers 150 can be formed of a paper suitable for providing peelable coverage of the base 110, such as, for example, a paper formed from wood pulp, as would be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure.
As used herein, the term basis weight is intended to have the meaning as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. As is known to those of skill in the art, basis weight measures paper density in terms of the weight per unit area of a ream of paper that has been cut to a standard size during the manufacturing process.
As used herein, the term coat weight is intended to have the meaning as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, For example, in one aspect of the invention, the term coating weight is a measure of the amount of coating added to a base stock of paper in the manufacturing of coated papers. In some cases, coat weight is measured as pounds of coating on the surface of a 25×38-inch ream of paper.
In some embodiments, a peelable plate 100 can be formed by compressing and heating base 110, base adhesive layer 170, multiple liner layers 150 and liner adhesive layers 154 with a high-pressure heat press. During the compressing and heating process, the wax or other substances comprising the liner adhesive layers 154 are forced outward toward and to the outer perimeter edges of the liner layers 150, creating a food resistant seal between liner layers 154 to prevent food or liquid particles from penetrating from a top liner layer 150 to other layers 150. This configuration provides protection against mold, and generally allows for a food safe product. In addition, during the compressing and heating process, the multiple liner layers 150 and be shaped to conform to the shape of the recess 172 defined by the top surface 174 of base 110. Further, in some embodiments, the liner adhesive can be formed largely at a peripheral perimeter portion of liner layers 150.
In some embodiments, liner adhesive layers 154 can be added to liner layers 150 by running the liner layer 150 sheets through rollers that are dipped in to a melted wax or other suitable adhesive. Alternatively, the adhesive could be coated on in other manners, as would be known to one of skill in the art, as informed by the present disclosure.
Due to the specific above-discussed design features, a peelable plate can be provided that exhibits many beneficial properties. For example, the peelable plate can be microwavable, grease resistant, water resistant, heat resistant, slice-resistant, and eco-friendly. Further, an oil-based or other biodegradable liner adhesive layer provides a non-stick surface for the peelable plate. In addition, embodiments of the peelable plate can be compostable.
A slice-resistant quality is derived from a combination of the adhesive layers, thickness of each liner layer, an alignment of fibers of the liner layers, and a tightly compact formation (i.e., being compressed together) of the layers.
Further, by using the peelable plate as described herein, a user can save money, time, and water. The peelable plate can be reused for multiple meals without it needing to be washed.
Other embodiments of the invention can be formed in shapes different from that of peelable plate 100.
With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there is shown a substantially round peelable plate 500, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Peelable plate 500 includes a substantially round plate base 510 and a substantially round extension wall edge 520.
With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, there is shown a peelable bowl 600, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Peelable bowl 600 includes a substantially round bowl base 610 and a substantially round extension wall edge 620. Bowl base 610 is shaped and dimensioned in a rounded bowl-like manner.
With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, there is shown a peelable cup 700, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Peelable cup 700 includes a substantially round bowl base 710 and a substantially round extension wall edge 720. Cup base 710 is shaped and dimensioned in a rounded cup-like manner.
With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, there is shown a peelable sauce cup 800, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Peelable sauce cup 800 includes a substantially round and tapered bowl base 810 and a substantially round extension wall edge 820. Cup base 810 is shaped and dimensioned in a rounded sauce cup-like manner.
With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, there is shown a peelable tray 900, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Peelable tray 900 includes a substantially rectangular tray base 910 and a substantially rectangular extension wall edge 920. tray base 810 is shaped and dimensioned in a serving tray-like manner.
With reference to FIGS. 10-13 , other embodiments of the invention are described. With reference to FIG. 10 , a peelable plate 1100 can include a top peelable liner 1150 including a top liner floor 1162 and a curved top liner side wall 1160 extended outward from liner floor 1162. A top liner side portion 1164 extends downwardly from top liner side wall 1160. Top peelable liner 1150 also includes a top liner tab portion 1152. With reference to FIG. 11 and continued reference to FIG. 10 , a user can peel away or remove a top liner layer 1150 a from another top liner layer 1150 b directly below top liner layer 1150 a, while top liner layer 150 b and the remainder of the liner layers 150 remain in place.
In some embodiments, each top liner layer 1150 can include a top liner tab portion 1152 to allow a user to more easily grab and peel away top liner layer 1150.
With reference to FIG. 12 , and with continued reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 , peelable plate 1100 can include peelable bottom liner 1180 including a bottom liner floor 1182 and a curved bottom liner side surface wall 1184 extended outward from bottom liner floor 1182. Peelable bottom liner 1180 also includes a bottom liner tab portion 1153. With reference to FIG. 12 and continued reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 , a user can peel away or remove a bottom liner layer 1180 a (using bottom tab portion 1153 a) from another bottom liner layer 1180 b directly below bottom liner layer 1180 c, while bottom liner layers 1180 b, 1180 c and the remainder of the bottom liner layers 1180 remain in place. In some embodiments, top tab portions 1152 and bottom tab portions 1153 include curved portions at the portion of the tabs that connect to respective top and bottom liners. The curved portions beneficially provide additional structural strength so that the tabs to not tear away from or off their respective liner layers.
In some embodiments, each bottom liner layer 1180 can include a bottom liner tab portion 1153 to allow a user to more easily grab and peel away top liner layer 1180. In some embodiments, the top liner tab portions 1152 and the bottom liner tab portions may be arranged in an aligned manner.
With reference to FIG. 13 , and with continued reference to FIGS. 10-12 , there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of peelable plate 1100. Peelable plate 1100 is not necessarily drawn to scale in FIG. 13 .
As discussed above, peelable top liner layers 1150 including top liner layers 1150 a, 1150 b and 1150 c are stacked and disposed above plate base 1110. Similarly, peelable bottom layer layers 1180 including bottom liner layers 1180 a, 1180 b and 1180 c are stacked and disposed below plate base 1110. Additional top liner layers 1150 and bottom liner layers 1180 than are shown in FIG. 13 can be included in peelable plate 1100, as discussed in further detail below.
Curved plate base side portion 1190 extends upwardly from the flat surface of plate base 1110. Plate base side wall 1194 extends downwardly (in a substantially vertical orientation) from an edge of plate base side portion 1190. In some embodiments, side wall 1194 can extend downwardly in a direction +/−1-20 degrees from a substantially vertical orientation. In some embodiments, a top of base side wall 1194 can be about 1.5 inches above a surface that peelable plate 1100 is resting on. Base side wall 1194 can have a vertical length in the range of to 0.33 inches. In some embodiments, other dimensions can be used.
In some embodiments, peelable top liner layers 1150 are maintained in position without the use of adhesives between respective top liner layers 1150. Instead, the top liner layers 1150 are formed by being pressed into position such that they conform to the contours of plate base 1110. Similarly, bottom liner layers 1180 can be maintained in position without the use of adhesives between respective bottom liner layers 1180. Instead, the bottom liner layers 1180 are formed by being pressed into position such that they conform to the contours of plate base 1110. The top liner layers 1150 and bottom layer layers can be maintained in place in part due to the creasing at the crease between the plate base side portion 1190 and the plate base bottom, as well as the crease between the plate base side portion 1190 and the plate base side wall 1192. As such the various top liner layers 1150 are adjacent to each other without the need for adhesive between the various top liner layers 1150 and, similarly, the various bottom liner layers 1180 are adjacent each other without the need for adhesive between the various bottom liner layers 1180
In some embodiments, the bottom-most top liner layer 1150, positioned adjacent to plate base 1110 can be attached to a top surface 1195 of plate base 1110 via adhesive. Similarly, the top-most bottom liner layer 1180, positioned adjacent to plate base 1110 can be attached to a bottom surface 1196 of plate base 1110 via adhesive. The adhesives can be formed of substances similar to those of adhesive layer 154 discussed above. In such an embodiment, except for the adhesive positioned between the bottom-most top liner layer 1150, positioned adjacent to plate base 1110, and the adhesive positioned between the top-most bottom liner layer 1180, positioned adjacent to plate base 1110, no other adhesive is disposed between any other top liner layers 1150 or bottom liner layers 1180. In such an arrangement, a single individual top liner layer 1150 and a single bottom liner layer 1180 can be peeled away, using respective top liner tables 1152 and bottom liner tabs 1152, with any remaining top liner layers 1150 and bottom liner layers 1180 remaining in position due to the compressive forces of being compressed or pressed into respective top and bottom portions of plate base 1110.
In some embodiments, the top surface 1195 and the bottom surface 1196 of plate base 1110 can be imprinted with a pattern, such as an “X” shaped pattern, to facilitate structurally integrity and stiffness of the plate base 1110.
In some embodiments, the bottom-most top liner layer 1150, positioned adjacent to plate base 1110 and the top-most bottom liner layer 1180, positioned adjacent to plate base 1110 can be printed or marked with food-grade ink that indicates to a user that they are currently using the last top liner layer 1150 or last bottom liner layer 1180. Such an indicator can serve to inform a user that another new peelable plate 1100 should be used. In some embodiments, the last top liner layer and the last bottom liner layer 1180 can be formed of a paper or other material different from that of the other top 1150 and bottom 1180 liner layers.
In some embodiments, plate base side wall 1194 includes an angled bottom edge 1194. Angled bottom edge 1194 is angled at a downward angle from an inner portion to an outer portion off peelable plate 1100. Further, angled bottom edge 1194 also extends to the stacked layers of top liner layers 1150 and bottom liner layers 1180.
With further reference to FIG. 13 , due to angled bottom edge 1194, the uppermost top liner layer 1150 a extends downwardly further than next top liner layer 1150 b, which, in turn extends further downwardly than next top liner layer 1150 c. Due to this arrangement with respect to angled edge 1194, the edges of top liner layers beneficially form a food safe barrier because each top liner layer 1150 extends downwardly an amount further than the next top liner layer 1150.
In some embodiments, peelable plate 1100 can include in the range of 15-30 top liner layers 1150, which can form a critically beneficial number of top layers 1150. In some embodiments, peelable plate 1100 can include 25 top liner layers 1150, which can be a critically beneficial number of top liner layers 1150. In some embodiments, peelable plate 1100 can include in the range of 2-10 bottom liner layers 1180, which can form a critically beneficial number of bottom liner layers 1180. In some embodiments, peelable plate 1100 can include 5 bottom liner layers 1180, which can be a critically beneficial number of top liner layers 1150.
In some embodiments, plate base 1110 can be formed of similar materials as that of plate base 110 discussed above. For example, plate base 1110 can be formed of sugarcane pulp, with a thickness of about 1-1.5 mm. Further, in some embodiments, top liner layers 1150 and bottom liner layers 1180 can be formed of similar materials as those of peelable liners 150 discussed above. For example, top liner layers 1150 and bottom liner layers 1180 can be formed of food grade silicone coated wood pulp paper, with a weight of 40 gsm.
In a similar manner to peelable plate 100 discussed above, a user can beneficially use peelable plate 1100 to serve and eat a meal. After the meal is finished, a top liner layer 1150 a can be removed from the a next top liner layer 1150 b and discarded. The user is then left with a clean top liner layer 1150 so that the peel plate 1100 can be reused without the need to wash the peel plate. Further, because each of the top liner layers 1150 are thinner than the base 1110 (and thinner than a typical disposable plate), less waste is generated by merely throwing out a liner layer than if an entire plate were to be discarded. Further, because the peelable plate 1100 includes a plurality of top liner layers 1150, the peelable plate 1100 can be reused multiple times without having to disposed of the peelable plate 1100 or the plate base 1110. In addition, in an arrangement different than that of peelable plate 100, peelable plate 1100 also includes a plurality of bottom liner layers 1180 that can also be peeled away after use in the case that food residue becomes in contact with or attached to the bottom of peelable plate 1100. In some embodiments, peelable late includes fewer bottom liner layers 1180 than top liner layers 1180 because a situation whereby food comes in contact with the bottom of peelable plate 1100 is less likely than having food come in contact with a top of peelable plate 1100.
In some embodiments, peelable plate 1100 can be formed by unwinding a roll of combined multi-layered materials including materials to form top liner layers 1150, plate base 1100 and bottom liner layers 1180. As the roll is unwound, individual peelable plates 1100 can be stamped (such as with, for example, a hydraulic press), shaped and formed sequentially from the unwound roll material.
In other embodiments of the invention, other dinnerware items could be formed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to peelable plate 1100, For example, the same basic combination of peelable top liner layers, a base, and peelable bottom liner layers could be used to form other products such as a food tray, bowl, cup, cutting board, sauce cup, and a serving tray.
In some embodiments, features described with respect to one embodiment can be combined with features described with respect to another embodiment.
These and other changes can be made in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all medical treatment devices in accordance with the claims. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure, but instead its scope is to be determined entirely by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A peelable plate comprising:

a base;

a plurality of top liner layers disposed adjacent to a top surface of the base; and

a plurality of bottom liner layers disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the base.

2. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the plurality of top liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a top liner layer of the plurality of liner layers to be peeled away from another top liner layer of the plurality of top liner layers while the another top liner layer remains in its original position.

3. The peelable plate of claim 2, wherein the plurality of bottom liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers to be peeled away from another bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers while the another bottom liner layer remains in its original position.

4. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein each of the top liner layers include a top tab portion extending outwardly from each respective top liner layer.

5. The peelable plate of claim 4, wherein each of the bottom liner layers include a bottom tab portion extending outwardly from each respective bottom liner layer.

6. The peelable plate of claim 5, wherein a plurality of top tab portions are aligned with a plurality of bottom tab portions.

7. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein

the plurality of top liner layers are formed such that a peripheral portion of each of the plurality of top liner layers extends substantially vertically downward,

an angled edge is defined at an end of the downward facing peripheral portions of the top liner layers, and

the plurality of top liner layers are arranged such that an outermost top liner layer extends further downward than an adjacent top liner layer.

8. The peelable plate of claim 7, wherein the plurality of top liner layers form a food resistant barrier between the plurality of top liner layers due to the outermost top liner layer extends further downward than an adjacent top liner layer.

9. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the plurality of top liner layers are arranged such that adjacent top liner layers are in direct contact with each other with no adhesive layer disposed between adjacent top liner layers.

9. The peelable plate of claim 9, wherein the plurality of bottom liner layers are arranged such that adjacent bottom liner layers are in direct contact with each other with no adhesive layer disposed between adjacent bottom liner layers.

11. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein

an adhesive is disposed between a top liner layer of the plurality of top liner layers that is adjacent the base, and

an adhesive is disposed between a bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers that is adjacent the base.

12. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein the base has a greater stiffness than each of the plurality of top liner layers and each of the plurality of bottom liner layers.

13. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein

the plurality of top liner layers and the plurality of bottom liner layers are compressed against the base, and

the plurality of top liner layers and the plurality of bottom liner layers are maintained in position in part due to creases in the plurality of top liner layers, the base, and the plurality of bottom liner layers.

14. The peelable plate of claim 1, wherein

the plurality of top liner layers includes in the range of 15-30 top liner layers, and

the plurality of bottom liner layers includes in the range of 2-10 bottom liner layers.

15. The peelable plate of claim 14, wherein

the plurality of top liner layers includes 25 top liner layers, and

the plurality of bottom liner layers includes 5 bottom liner layers.

16. A peelable food container comprising:

a base;

17. The peelable food container of claim 16, wherein the plurality of top liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a top liner layer of the plurality of liner layers to be peeled away from another top liner layer of the plurality of top liner layers while the another top liner layer remains in its original position.

18. The peelable food container of claim 16, wherein the plurality of bottom liner layers are arranged in manner that allow a bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers to be peeled away from another bottom liner layer of the plurality of bottom liner layers while the another bottom liner layer remains in its original position.

19. The peelable food container of claim 16, wherein each of the top liner layers include a top tab portion extending outwardly from each respective top liner layer.

20. The peelable food container of claim 16, wherein each of the bottom liner layers include a bottom tab portion extending outwardly from each respective bottom liner layer.