US20240067391A1 - Apparatus for handling food dishes - Google Patents
Apparatus for handling food dishes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20240067391A1 US20240067391A1 US17/893,844 US202217893844A US2024067391A1 US 20240067391 A1 US20240067391 A1 US 20240067391A1 US 202217893844 A US202217893844 A US 202217893844A US 2024067391 A1 US2024067391 A1 US 2024067391A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- box
- dish
- score line
- volume
- operative surface
- 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.)
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Links
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 title description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000002407 reforming Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 6
- 235000012054 meals Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012512 characterization method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013611 frozen food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- 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
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/54—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing
-
- 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
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/4295—Ventilating arrangements, e.g. openings, space elements
-
- 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
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
- B65D77/0413—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks, e.g. carton
- B65D77/0433—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks, e.g. carton the inner container being a tray or like shallow container, not formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks
-
- 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
-
- 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
- B65D2205/00—Venting means
- B65D2205/02—Venting holes
-
- 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
- B65D2581/00—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
- B65D2581/34—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
- B65D2581/3401—Cooking or heating method specially adapted to the contents of the package
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates in general to the field of handling food dishes, and more particularly to handling heated food dishes.
- Frozen meals are generally heated for consumption through microwave or oven heating.
- Microwave heating of frozen meals provides convenience for people seeking quick meal solutions because of the rapid heating of the food materials by the microwaves.
- microwave heating of frozen food carries risks of burning consumers upon removal from the microwave.
- microwave heating dishes made from pliable materials may cause the materials to become flimsy, which increases the risks of food spilling out of the dishes. Therefore, a need exists for an inexpensive way of removing a heated dish from a microwave and increasing the structural support of a heated dish.
- Novel aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a box for handling a dish for eating food.
- the box comprises a plurality of surfaces defining a volume sized to enclose the dish.
- a first surface of the plurality of surfaces is an operative surface of the box.
- the box further comprises a score line disposed on the operative surface.
- the score line defines a removable portion sealing an opening of a remaining portion of the operative surface. The opening is dimensioned to suspend the dish within the volume.
- Novel aspects of the present disclosure are also directed to a box containing a dish for eating food.
- the box comprises a plurality of surfaces defining a volume. One of the plurality of surfaces is an operative surface.
- the dish is disposed within the volume.
- the box further comprises a score line disposed on the operative surface and defines a removable portion sealing an opening of a remaining portion of the operative surface. The opening is dimensioned to suspend the dish within the volume.
- Novel aspects of the present disclosure are also directed to a method of manufacturing a box for holding a dish.
- the method includes the steps of identifying one or more cutting lines on a box template and identifying one or more crease lines on the box template.
- the one or more crease lines define a plurality of surfaces of the box, and wherein one of the plurality of surfaces is an operative surface.
- the method further includes identifying a score line on the box template such that the score line is disposed on the operative surface and defines a removable portion dimensioned to accommodate the dish.
- the method further includes cutting a stock material with the cutting die based on the one or more cutting lines and the one or more perforation lines to produce a cut material, and folding the cut material along the one or more crease lines to form a structure of the box.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a box for handling a dish.
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the box of FIG. 1 and the dish.
- FIG. 3 A is another top view of the box of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 B is a side view of the box of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for manufacturing a box according to an illustrative embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a box 102 for handling a dish.
- the box 102 comprises a plurality of surfaces 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 , and 109 defining a volume sized to enclose the dish.
- a first surface of the plurality of surfaces is an operative surface 108 of the box 102 .
- the box 102 further comprises a score line 112 disposed on the operative surface 108 .
- the score line 112 defines a removable portion 108 A sealing an opening 110 of a remaining portion 108 B of the operative surface 108 .
- the opening 110 which is shown in more detail in FIG. 2 that follows, is dimensioned to suspend the dish within the volume.
- the score line 112 is a weakened portion of the operative surface 108 that provides a predictable pattern of failure that facilities separation of the removable portion 108 A from the remaining portion 108 B.
- the score line 112 may be a perforation (i.e., a series of small holes) that enables a user to tear off the removable portion 108 A.
- the removable portion 108 A may include a tab 114 that enables a user to pull the tab 114 and facilitate removal of the removable portion 108 A.
- the tab 114 may protrude from the removable portion 108 A and enable the user to pull the removable portion 108 A off the box 102 .
- the tab 114 may be defined by another scored line within the removable portion 108 A. In such configurations, the user may press through the tab 114 , grasp the removable portion 108 A by both surfaces, and pull the removable portion 108 A off the box 102 .
- the plurality of surfaces comprises an operative surface 108 , an opposing surface 109 , a first end wall 104 , a second wall 105 opposing the front wall, and two opposing lateral walls 106 and 107 , as can be seen in more detail in FIG. 2 .
- the first end wall 104 may include resealable interface to allow removal of the dish without destroying the box 102 or compromising the integrity of the box 102 , but which allows the box 102 to be resealed to retain structural integrity of the box 102 .
- the first end wall 104 can have a first portion 116 and a second portion 118 , with the first portion 116 removably coupled to the second portion 118 .
- the first portion 116 may comprise a tab 119
- the second portion 118 may comprise a receiving feature, such as a receiving slot or aperture (not shown) that is dimensioned to accommodate the tab 119 .
- the tab 119 may be inserted into the aperture to reform the first end wall 104 . It may be advantageous to recouple the first portion 116 and second portion 118 to reform the first end wall 104 to increase the structural rigidity of the box 102 for supporting the dish. For example, by reforming the first end wall 104 , the box 102 will resist deformation when the dish is suspended within the volume of the box 102 .
- the resealable interface is shown on the first end wall 104 in FIG. 1 , in another embodiment the resealable interface can be included on any of the plurality of side walls 104 , 105 , 106 , and/or 107 .
- At least one of the plurality of surfaces 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 , and 109 includes another score line that defines a vent 117 .
- a lateral wall 106 , the first end wall 104 , and/or the second end wall 105 comprises a vent 117 in one configuration.
- the operative surface 108 and/or the opposing surface 109 comprises a vent 117 .
- the user may expose the vent 117 according to the similar techniques described herein concerning the exposure of the opening 110 by removing removable portion 108 A. It may be advantageous to include a vent 117 in at least one of the plurality of surfaces to prevent the user from being burned. For example, if the box 102 comprises vents, heat from the dish will primarily transfer through the vents into the environment instead of through the box and increasing the temperature of the box in the process.
- the dish 220 has a body 226 divided by a partition 227 into two receptables 228 A and 228 B for storing food.
- a projecting lip 224 circumscribes the body 226 .
- the dish 220 has been removed from the box 202 via the first end wall 204 after separating the first portion 216 of the first end wall 204 from the second portion (not shown) of the first end wall 204 .
- the removable portion 208 A has been detached from the box 202 , exposing the volume 215 of the box 202 to the environment.
- the dimensions of the opening 210 of the box 202 is based on the dimensions of the dish 220 to allow the dish 220 to be suspended within the volume 215 of the box 202 , which would reduce and/or eliminate conductive heat transfer through the plurality of surfaces of the box 202 to prevent a user from being burned or to prevent the dish from damaging surfaces, such as wooden tabletops.
- the body 226 of the dish 220 can be sized smaller than the opening 215 , but with a lip 224 that has a shape and size that is similar but larger than the opening 210 , which would allow dish 220 to be suspended in the volume 215 from the operative surface 205 via the lip 224 .
- the shape of the opening 210 can allow the outer surface of the body 226 of the dish 220 to rest on the remaining portion 208 B so that the body 226 of the dish 220 is only suspended partially within the volume 215 .
- Another advantage of suspending the dish 220 within the volume 215 of the box 202 is to provide structural support for the dish 220 in a heated state.
- the dish 220 may be composed of a material that becomes flimsy after heating, which degrades the structural integrity of the dish 220 . When the dish 220 loses structural integrity, the contents of the dish 220 are more likely to spill outside of the dish 220 .
- the box 202 enables the dish 220 to retain its original shape and prevent spillage.
- the opening 210 of the box 202 is dimensioned to allow the dish 220 to rest on the bottom surface (not shown) while maintained within the volume 215 .
- the dish 220 does not contact the opposing surface while it is suspended within the volume 215 of the box 220 .
- An advantage to dimensioning the box 202 such that the dish 220 does not contact the opposing surface is that there will not be direct (conductive) heat transfer from the dish through the bottom surface, which decreases the likelihood that a user will be burned.
- the box 202 may be dimensioned such that the dish 220 contacts the opposing surface while suspended within the volume 215 . In configurations with the dish 220 contacting the opposing surface, it may be advantageous to use a material with poor heat transfer properties (e.g., paper-based) to construct the box 202 .
- a material with poor heat transfer properties e.g., paper-based
- FIGS. 3 A and 3 B illustrate the dish 320 suspended within the box 302 .
- the user may place the dish 320 into the volume of the box 302 .
- the dish 320 includes a lip 324 defining a perimeter of the dish 320 . As the dish 320 is suspended within the volume of the box 320 , the lip 324 engages with the operating surface 308 .
- the dish 320 comprises a tapered body having a top portion and a bottom portion, with the bottom portion having a smaller area than the top portion.
- the opening in the operating surface 308 has an area larger than the bottom portion and smaller than the top portion, enabling the perimeter of the opening to engage the body and ensuring that the dish 320 is secure within the volume.
- the dish 320 is able to maintain its original shape and prevent the spillage of contents.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart 400 of a process for manufacturing a box according to an illustrative embodiment.
- the method of flowchart 400 begins at step 410 by identifying one or more cutting lines on a box template.
- one or more crease lines are identified on the box template, and in step 430 one or more glue areas identified on the cut material.
- the one or more crease lines define a plurality of surfaces of the box, with one of the plurality of surfaces being an operative surface.
- a score line is identified on the box template.
- the score line is disposed on the operative surface and defines a removable portion dimensioned to accommodate the dish.
- the method further includes cutting 450 cutting a stock material with a cutting die based on the one or more cutting lines and the one or more score lines to produce a cut material.
- an adhesive is applied to the one or more glue areas and in step 470 the cut material is folded along the one or more crease lines to form the box.
Abstract
A box for handling a heated dish comprising a plurality of surfaces defining a volume sized to enclose the dish, with one of the surfaces being an operative surface. The box further comprises a score line on the operative surface that defines a removable portion sealing an opening in the operative surface, which is dimensioned to suspend the dish within the volume. A method of manufacturing the box includes identifying cutting lines and crease lines on a box template. The crease lines define a plurality of surfaces of the box, one of which is an operative surface. The method further includes identifying a score line that is on the operative surface and defines a removable portion dimensioned to accommodate the dish. The method further includes cutting a stock material with a cutting die to produce a cut material, and folding the cut material along the crease lines, forming the box.
Description
- The present disclosure relates in general to the field of handling food dishes, and more particularly to handling heated food dishes.
- Frozen meals are generally heated for consumption through microwave or oven heating. Microwave heating of frozen meals provides convenience for people seeking quick meal solutions because of the rapid heating of the food materials by the microwaves. However, microwave heating of frozen food carries risks of burning consumers upon removal from the microwave.
- Furthermore, microwave heating dishes made from pliable materials may cause the materials to become flimsy, which increases the risks of food spilling out of the dishes. Therefore, a need exists for an inexpensive way of removing a heated dish from a microwave and increasing the structural support of a heated dish.
- Novel aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a box for handling a dish for eating food. In a non-limiting embodiment, the box comprises a plurality of surfaces defining a volume sized to enclose the dish. A first surface of the plurality of surfaces is an operative surface of the box. The box further comprises a score line disposed on the operative surface. The score line defines a removable portion sealing an opening of a remaining portion of the operative surface. The opening is dimensioned to suspend the dish within the volume.
- Novel aspects of the present disclosure are also directed to a box containing a dish for eating food. The box comprises a plurality of surfaces defining a volume. One of the plurality of surfaces is an operative surface. The dish is disposed within the volume. The box further comprises a score line disposed on the operative surface and defines a removable portion sealing an opening of a remaining portion of the operative surface. The opening is dimensioned to suspend the dish within the volume.
- Novel aspects of the present disclosure are also directed to a method of manufacturing a box for holding a dish. The method includes the steps of identifying one or more cutting lines on a box template and identifying one or more crease lines on the box template. The one or more crease lines define a plurality of surfaces of the box, and wherein one of the plurality of surfaces is an operative surface. The method further includes identifying a score line on the box template such that the score line is disposed on the operative surface and defines a removable portion dimensioned to accommodate the dish. The method further includes cutting a stock material with the cutting die based on the one or more cutting lines and the one or more perforation lines to produce a cut material, and folding the cut material along the one or more crease lines to form a structure of the box.
- Other aspects, embodiments and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. In the figures, each identical, or substantially similar component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a single numeral or notation. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure. Nor is every component of each embodiment of the invention shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention.
- For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a box for handling a dish. -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the box ofFIG. 1 and the dish. -
FIG. 3A is another top view of the box ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3B is a side view of the box ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for manufacturing a box according to an illustrative embodiment. -
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of abox 102 for handling a dish. In a non-limiting embodiment, thebox 102 comprises a plurality ofsurfaces operative surface 108 of thebox 102. Thebox 102 further comprises ascore line 112 disposed on theoperative surface 108. Thescore line 112 defines aremovable portion 108A sealing anopening 110 of aremaining portion 108B of theoperative surface 108. The opening 110, which is shown in more detail inFIG. 2 that follows, is dimensioned to suspend the dish within the volume. Thescore line 112 is a weakened portion of theoperative surface 108 that provides a predictable pattern of failure that facilities separation of theremovable portion 108A from theremaining portion 108B. In some embodiments, thescore line 112 may be a perforation (i.e., a series of small holes) that enables a user to tear off theremovable portion 108A. Theremovable portion 108A may include atab 114 that enables a user to pull thetab 114 and facilitate removal of theremovable portion 108A. In some configurations, thetab 114 may protrude from theremovable portion 108A and enable the user to pull theremovable portion 108A off thebox 102. In other configurations, thetab 114 may be defined by another scored line within theremovable portion 108A. In such configurations, the user may press through thetab 114, grasp theremovable portion 108A by both surfaces, and pull theremovable portion 108A off thebox 102. - In some configurations, the plurality of surfaces comprises an
operative surface 108, anopposing surface 109, afirst end wall 104, asecond wall 105 opposing the front wall, and two opposinglateral walls FIG. 2 . Thefirst end wall 104 may include resealable interface to allow removal of the dish without destroying thebox 102 or compromising the integrity of thebox 102, but which allows thebox 102 to be resealed to retain structural integrity of thebox 102. For example, thefirst end wall 104 can have afirst portion 116 and asecond portion 118, with thefirst portion 116 removably coupled to thesecond portion 118. Thefirst portion 116 may comprise atab 119, and thesecond portion 118 may comprise a receiving feature, such as a receiving slot or aperture (not shown) that is dimensioned to accommodate thetab 119. When thefirst portion 116 is removed from the surface of thesecond portion 118, thetab 119 may be inserted into the aperture to reform thefirst end wall 104. It may be advantageous to recouple thefirst portion 116 andsecond portion 118 to reform thefirst end wall 104 to increase the structural rigidity of thebox 102 for supporting the dish. For example, by reforming thefirst end wall 104, thebox 102 will resist deformation when the dish is suspended within the volume of thebox 102. Although the resealable interface is shown on thefirst end wall 104 inFIG. 1 , in another embodiment the resealable interface can be included on any of the plurality ofside walls - Optionally, at least one of the plurality of
surfaces vent 117. Alateral wall 106, thefirst end wall 104, and/or thesecond end wall 105 comprises avent 117 in one configuration. In another configuration, theoperative surface 108 and/or theopposing surface 109 comprises avent 117. The user may expose thevent 117 according to the similar techniques described herein concerning the exposure of the opening 110 by removingremovable portion 108A. It may be advantageous to include avent 117 in at least one of the plurality of surfaces to prevent the user from being burned. For example, if thebox 102 comprises vents, heat from the dish will primarily transfer through the vents into the environment instead of through the box and increasing the temperature of the box in the process. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , a top view of thebox 202 and thedish 220 is illustrated. Thedish 220 has abody 226 divided by apartition 227 into tworeceptables lip 224 circumscribes thebody 226. Thedish 220 has been removed from thebox 202 via thefirst end wall 204 after separating thefirst portion 216 of thefirst end wall 204 from the second portion (not shown) of thefirst end wall 204. The removable portion 208A has been detached from thebox 202, exposing thevolume 215 of thebox 202 to the environment. - In some embodiments, the dimensions of the
opening 210 of thebox 202 is based on the dimensions of thedish 220 to allow thedish 220 to be suspended within thevolume 215 of thebox 202, which would reduce and/or eliminate conductive heat transfer through the plurality of surfaces of thebox 202 to prevent a user from being burned or to prevent the dish from damaging surfaces, such as wooden tabletops. For example, thebody 226 of thedish 220 can be sized smaller than theopening 215, but with alip 224 that has a shape and size that is similar but larger than theopening 210, which would allowdish 220 to be suspended in thevolume 215 from the operative surface 205 via thelip 224. In another embodiment, the shape of theopening 210 can allow the outer surface of thebody 226 of thedish 220 to rest on the remainingportion 208B so that thebody 226 of thedish 220 is only suspended partially within thevolume 215. Another advantage of suspending thedish 220 within thevolume 215 of thebox 202 is to provide structural support for thedish 220 in a heated state. For example, thedish 220 may be composed of a material that becomes flimsy after heating, which degrades the structural integrity of thedish 220. When thedish 220 loses structural integrity, the contents of thedish 220 are more likely to spill outside of thedish 220. Thus, by suspending thedish 220 within thevolume 215 of thebox 202, thebox 202 enables thedish 220 to retain its original shape and prevent spillage. - In yet another embodiment, the
opening 210 of thebox 202 is dimensioned to allow thedish 220 to rest on the bottom surface (not shown) while maintained within thevolume 215. In these embodiments, it may be advantageous to use a material with poor heat transfer properties (e.g., paper-based) to construct thebox 202. - In some configurations, the
dish 220 does not contact the opposing surface while it is suspended within thevolume 215 of thebox 220. An advantage to dimensioning thebox 202 such that thedish 220 does not contact the opposing surface is that there will not be direct (conductive) heat transfer from the dish through the bottom surface, which decreases the likelihood that a user will be burned. Alternatively, thebox 202 may be dimensioned such that thedish 220 contacts the opposing surface while suspended within thevolume 215. In configurations with thedish 220 contacting the opposing surface, it may be advantageous to use a material with poor heat transfer properties (e.g., paper-based) to construct thebox 202. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate thedish 320 suspended within thebox 302. After detaching the removable portion 308A from thebox 302, the user may place thedish 320 into the volume of thebox 302. In some configurations, thedish 320 includes alip 324 defining a perimeter of thedish 320. As thedish 320 is suspended within the volume of thebox 320, thelip 324 engages with the operatingsurface 308. In another configuration, thedish 320 comprises a tapered body having a top portion and a bottom portion, with the bottom portion having a smaller area than the top portion. The opening in theoperating surface 308 has an area larger than the bottom portion and smaller than the top portion, enabling the perimeter of the opening to engage the body and ensuring that thedish 320 is secure within the volume. By securing thedish 320 within the volume of thebox 302, thedish 320 is able to maintain its original shape and prevent the spillage of contents. -
FIG. 4 is aflowchart 400 of a process for manufacturing a box according to an illustrative embodiment. The method offlowchart 400 begins atstep 410 by identifying one or more cutting lines on a box template. Instep 420, one or more crease lines are identified on the box template, and instep 430 one or more glue areas identified on the cut material. The one or more crease lines define a plurality of surfaces of the box, with one of the plurality of surfaces being an operative surface. In step 440 a score line is identified on the box template. The score line is disposed on the operative surface and defines a removable portion dimensioned to accommodate the dish. - The method further includes cutting 450 cutting a stock material with a cutting die based on the one or more cutting lines and the one or more score lines to produce a cut material. In
step 460 an adhesive is applied to the one or more glue areas and instep 470 the cut material is folded along the one or more crease lines to form the box. - Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically, and by way of example, although the headings refer to a “Technical Field,” the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology as background information is not to be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any embodiment(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to be considered as a characterization of the embodiment(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple embodiments may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the embodiment(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.
- Moreover, the Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
Claims (20)
1. A box comprising:
a plurality of surfaces defining a volume sized to enclose a dish, wherein a first surface of the plurality of surfaces is an operative surface; and
a score line disposed on the operative surface, wherein the score line defines a removable portion sealing an opening of a remaining portion of the operative surface, and wherein the opening is dimensioned to suspend the dish within the volume.
2. The box of claim 1 , wherein:
a second surface of the plurality of surfaces is a lateral wall having a first portion and a second portion; and
the first portion is removably coupled to a surface of the second portion.
3. The box of claim 2 , wherein:
the first portion comprises a tab; and
the second portion comprises an aperture dimensioned to accommodate the tab.
4. The box of claim 3 , wherein after the first portion is removed from the surface of the second portion, the tab of the first portion is inserted into the aperture, thereby coupling the first portion to the second portion and reforming the lateral wall
5. The box of claim 2 , wherein
a third surface of the plurality of surfaces is a bottom surface, the bottom surface is opposing the operative surface; and
the dish does not contact the bottom surface while suspended within the volume.
6. The box of claim 2 , wherein
a third surface of the plurality of surfaces is a bottom surface, the bottom surface is opposing the operative surface; and
the dish contacts the bottom surface while suspended within the volume.
7. The box of claim 1 , wherein the removable portion includes a tab for removing the removable portion from the operative surface.
8. The box of claim 1 , wherein:
the plurality of surfaces includes one or more lateral walls defining a perimeter of the box;
another score line is disposed on at least one lateral wall; and
the score line disposed on the at least one lateral wall defines a vent.
9. The box of claim 1 , wherein:
another one of the plurality of surfaces is a bottom surface, the bottom surface is opposing the operative surface;
another score line is disposed on the operative surface and/or the bottom surface; and
the score line disposed on the operative surface and/or the bottom surface defines a vent.
10. A box comprising:
a plurality of surfaces defining a volume, wherein one of the plurality of surfaces is an operative surface;
a dish disposed within the volume; and
a score line disposed on the operative surface, wherein the score line defines a removable portion sealing an opening of a remaining portion of the operative surface, and wherein the opening is dimensioned to suspend the dish within the volume.
11. The box of claim 10 , wherein:
the dish comprises a lip; and
the opening is dimensioned to permit the remaining portion to engage the lip and suspend the dish within the volume.
12. The box of claim 10 , wherein:
another one of the plurality of surfaces is a lateral wall having a first portion and a second portion; and
the first portion is removably coupled to a surface of the second portion.
13. The box of claim 12 , wherein:
the first portion comprises a tab; and
the second portion comprises an aperture to accommodate the tab.
14. The box of claim 13 , wherein;
the dish is withdrawn after the first portion is removed from the second portion; and
after the dish is withdrawn, the tab of the first portion is inserted into the aperture, thereby reforming the lateral wall.
15. The box of claim 10 , wherein
another one of the plurality of surfaces is a bottom surface, the bottom surface is opposing the operative surface; and
the dish does not contact the bottom surface while suspended within the volume.
16. The box of claim 10 , wherein the removable portion includes a tab for removing the removable portion from the operative surface.
17. The box of claim 10 , wherein:
the dish comprises a tapered body having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion having a smaller area than the top portion; and
the opening has an area larger than the bottom portion and smaller than the top portion.
18. The box of claim 10 , wherein:
the plurality of surfaces includes one or more lateral walls defining a perimeter of the box;
another score line is disposed on at least one lateral wall; and
the score line disposed on the at least one lateral wall defines a vent.
19. A method of manufacturing a box for holding a dish, the method comprising:
identifying one or more cutting lines on a box template;
identifying one or more crease lines on the box template, wherein the one or more crease lines define a plurality of surfaces of the box, and wherein one of the plurality of surfaces is an operative surface;
identifying a score line on the box template, wherein the perforation line is disposed on the operative surface and defines a removable portion dimensioned to accommodate the dish;
cutting a stock material with a cutting die based on the one or more cutting lines and the one or more score lines, thereby producing a cut material; and
folding the cut material along the one or more crease lines, thereby forming a structure of the box.
20. The method of claim 19 , further comprising:
identifying one or more glue areas on the cut material; and
applying an adhesive to the one or more glue areas.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/893,844 US20240067391A1 (en) | 2022-08-23 | 2022-08-23 | Apparatus for handling food dishes |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/893,844 US20240067391A1 (en) | 2022-08-23 | 2022-08-23 | Apparatus for handling food dishes |
Publications (1)
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US20240067391A1 true US20240067391A1 (en) | 2024-02-29 |
Family
ID=90001061
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/893,844 Pending US20240067391A1 (en) | 2022-08-23 | 2022-08-23 | Apparatus for handling food dishes |
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US (1) | US20240067391A1 (en) |
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