WO2005028332A1

WO2005028332A1 - Food containers

Info

Publication number: WO2005028332A1
Application number: PCT/SG2004/000134
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bill Loh
Original assignee: Bill Loh
Priority date: 2003-09-19
Filing date: 2004-05-17
Publication date: 2005-03-31
Also published as: AU2004274379A1; CN1852841A; WO2005028333A1

Abstract

A disposable container (10) for food, the disposable container comprising: (a) an outer container (12) having at least one side wall (16, 18, 20, 22), a base (24) and an open top (26); (b) an inner container (14) receivable in the outer container (12) and having a peripheral lip (52) for resting on and being supported by the at least one side wall of the outer container, the inner container closing the open top; (c) the inner container comprising at least one tub (42) for receiving a first food therein, the at least one tub having at least one wall (48) and an integral base (50); and (d) at least one gap (96) between the wall of the at least one tub an the at least one side wall of the outer container.

Description

Food Containers

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to containers for take out food and refers particularly, though not exclusively, to such containers for carrying and dispensing fast food.

Definition

Throughout this specification a reference to a disposable container is a reference to a container intended for a single use, and then disposal. It does not include a container intended for multiple uses, with washing and drying of the container taking place between uses.

Background to the Invention

Fast food is the term applied to food that members of the public purchase generally as "take out" food from any one of a number chain stores which is often eaten e.g. in cars when the customer is on a road trip, or at parties, picnics, picnics or sporting events where formal "sit down" facilities are not available. Popular fast food items include potato chips, French fried unions and potatoes, beef jerke, hamburgers, hot dogs, soup, noodles, and so forth. The menu most always includes a beverage, for example, a soft drink, coffee, tea or milkshake.

Dispensing fast food has become a major industry. Chains of fast food stores have spread around the world. These chains are often operated as franchises wherein the corporate office supplies the franchisee with all kinds of tools and procedures for operating the franchise such as a standard menu.

As competition among the chains increases, each chain strives to include more and more variety and added attractions to the fare - novel and convenient ways to provide the beverage, inclusion of condiments, such as, for example, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chopped onions, relishes, and so forth.

An important part of a successful operation includes provision of a carrier for food, beverage and utensils. Such a carrier has important requirements. It must be convenient to carry and, preferably, enable the user to eat his food in situation where "sitting down at a dinner table" is not feasible. It must be so inexpensive that it is disposable. ^'

The food containers that are presently available are generally limited in terms of the function that they perform. As the variety of items increases, the demand for convenience increases. The demand for convenience translates to demand for features of a food carrier that provide the user with additional items such as, for example, a napkin, condiments, utensils, and so forth.

Another important concern for the purveyor of fast food is "getting his message out to the public" - advertising. If his advertising is sufficiently clever (e.g., a humorous cartoon) the public can be enticed to buy the product simply to obtain the advertisement. This is especially true of themes attractive to children such as, for example, Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter.

Another desirable feature of packages for industries, such as the fast food industry, is that the packages be "stackable. That is, the empty packages (before use) should be storable as stacks of packages in order to reduce the requirement for storage space.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first preferred aspect there is provided a disposable container for food, the disposable container comprising:

(a) an outer container having at least one side wall, a base and an open top;

(b) an inner container receivable in the outer container and having a peripheral lip for resting on and being supported by the at least one side wall of the outer container, the inner container closing the open top; (c) the inner container comprising at least one tub for receiving a first food therein, the at least one tub having at least one wall and an integral base;

(d) at least one closure receivable in the at least one tub to close the at least one tub; and

(e) a gap between the wall of the at least one tub and the at least one side wall of the outer container. The outer container may have a plurality of side walls. The plurality of side walls may include an end wall. The end wall may have a removable panel at a lower end thereof attached to the end wall by at least one perforated line. The removable panel may be able to be removed from the end wall by application of finger pressure. The removable panel may further comprise a rear portion located within the outer container and resting on the base, and a cut-out portion for receiving therein at least a part of a finger of a user.

The disposable container may further comprise a drawer receivable in the outer container for resting on the base. The integral base of the at least one tub may rest on the drawer when inserted in the outer container. The drawer may be sized and shaped to be a lightly snug fit within the outer container. The drawer may comprise a relatively shallow reservoir with a top extending around and outwardly for the periphery of the reservoir. The top may comprise a finger-grippable tab extending outwardly from the top, and being pivotal relative to the top; as well as a pair of spaced-apart holes for releasably receiving therein a toothpick.

The at least one wall of the at least one tub may have a plurality of vertically- extending corrugations. The plurality of vertically-extending corrugations may extend downwardly from a position intermediate the height of the at least one wall and into the integral base. The at least one wall may have at least one corner, the at least one corner not being corrugated.

There may be a plurality of tubs. A second air gap may between adjacent tubs of the plurality of tubs.

The at least one side wall may be at a first angle of taper, and the at least one wall may be at a second angle of taper. The second angle of taper may be greater than the first angle of taper to form the gap.

The at least one wall of the at least one tub may have a peripheral bead extending outwardly therefrom adjacent the peripheral lip. The at least one bead may be hollow to form an internal groove within the at least one tub.

The at least one closure may comprise at least one closure side wall with a cover extending therebetween, and a peripheral rim extending around and outwardly from the at least one closure. A hole for a straw may be in one of: the cover, the peripheral rim, and the peripheral lip.

The at least one closure side wall may comprise a peripheral seal extending around the at least one closure side wall so as to engage the at least one tub in the manner of a snap fit. The peripheral seal may engage in the internal groove.

The peripheral lip may comprise at least one opening for receiving therein at least one arm of a body. The body may have attached thereto at least one suction cup.

The gap may extend from the peripheral bead to the integral base. When the hole is in the peripheral lip, the gap may be for the passage therethrough of the straw.

A folded disposable napkin may be located between the drawer and the base.

The at least one tub may be of a height proportional to the height of the outer container, the proportionality being in the range 10% to 33%, preferably 15% to 25%, more preferably 20%.

The disposable container may further comprise an insert container insertable into and closing the at least one tub. The at least one closure may be receivable in the at least one insert container. The insert container may be of a height less than half the height of the at least one tub. The insert container may have an insert top for resting upon and being supported by the peripheral lip. A straw passage for a drinking straw may be provided in one of: the insert top, and the at least one closure.

The plurality of vertically-extending corrugations may extend downwardly from a position adjacent a top of the at least one tub to the integral base. The at least one wall may contact the at least one side wall for the full height of the at least one wall, the at least one gap being formed by the corrugations.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention may be fully understood and readily put into practical effect there shall now be described by way of non-limitative example only preferred embodiments of the present invention, the description being with reference to the accompanying illustrate drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a food container. Figure 2 is a horizontal cross section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 2-2 on Figurel; Figure 3 is a vertical cross section along the lines and in the direction of arrows 3-3 on Figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the drawer of Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 is a side view of the inner container of figures 1 to 3;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment;

Figure 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view along the lines and in the direction of arrows 7-7 in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a view corresponding to Figure 7 but of a third embodiment; Figure 9 is a view corresponding to Figure 7 but of a fourth embodiment;

Figure 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 3 but of a fifth embodiment; and

Figure 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 3 and of a sixth embodiment.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment

To refer to Figures 1 to 5, there is show a disposable container 10 for take out food comprising an outer container 12 and an inner container 14. Outer container 12 and inner container 14 may be of different materials, if required or desired. Materials used may be , for example, cardboard, paper, waterproof cardboard, waterproof paper, or a plastics material. By way of example, the outer container 12 may be made of cardboard or paper (including waterproof version of each) and inner container 14 may be made of a plastics material.

The outer container 12 may be made of any suitable material such as, for example, cardboard, paper, plastics, or the like. It is preferably of a material intended for single use as container 10 is intended to be a disposable container for take out/take away/eat out food. The outer container 12 is generally cuboid and has four mutually perpendicular side walls 16, 18, 20 and 22, a rectangular base 24 and an open top 26. The side walls 16, 18, 20 and 22 preferably taper from base 24 to top 26 such that top 26 is larger and wider than base 24. Although outer container 12 is shown as being rectangular, it may be of any suitable shape including, but not limited to, round, eliptical, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, and so forth.

Located in end wall 16 at a lower end 26 thereof adjacent base 24 is a removable panel 30. The removable panel 30 is preferably releasably attached to end wall 16 by a horizontal perforation line 32 and vertical perforation line 34 at the junction of end wall 16 with side wall 18. The vertical perforation line 34 extends from horizontal perforation line 32 to base 24. Removable panel 30 has an arcuate cutout 36 at the end remote from vertical perforation line 34 to enable a finger or the like of a user to be inserted therein to break the perforations 32, 34 to allow removable panel 30 to be separated from end wall 16. The cut-out 36 preferably extends from base 24 to horizontal perforation line 32 where removable panel 24 intersects with side wall 22.

Removable panel 30 may be pivotally attached to base 24 or, preferably, is separate from base 24. In the latter instance, removable panel has an end portion 38 adapted to be slidably and removably located on base 24 when removable panel 30 is in position. In this way when perforation lines 32, 34 are broken, the removable panel 30 (including end portion 38) may be removed from outer container 14. If desired it can be disposed of. Alternatively, removable panel 30 may be fully inserted into container 10 such that it is all located on base 24.

Inner container 14 is adapted to be releasably received within the outer container 12, and to close the top 26 of outer container 12. Preferably, apart from locating on top of side walls 16, 18, 20, 22, the inner container 14 does not extend above the side walls 16, 18, 20, 22. The inner container 14 has an upper surface 40 from which depends at least one food-receiving tub 42. As shown, there are two tubs 42 - a front tub 44 and a rear tub 46 - depending from top 40. Front tub 44 is shown as being of a different size to rear tub 46. However, they may be of the same size, if required or desired. Both are shown as being rectangular. They may be of any desired, required or suitable shape, and may be of different shapes.

Tubs 44, 46 are sized, shaped and dimensioned to fit within outer container 12 with a relatively firm fit, at least adjacent top 26. Each tub 44, 46 has four mutually perpendicular walls 48 and a base 50. The walls 48 preferably taper from top 40 to base 50. More preferably the angle of taper is greater than the angle of taper of wails 16, 18, 20, 22 of outer container 12. For example, walls 16, 18, 20, 22 may have a taper angle of about 3°, and walls may have a taper angle of about 5°.

To assist the firm fit in outer container 12, the walls 48 in contact with outer container 12 may have a peripheral head 52. The bead 52 may be on all walls 48, and may be hollow. Preferably, bead 52 causes a peripheral groove 54 on the inner surfaces of walls 48.

Bases 50 may be slightly concave. Extending downwardly from a position intermediate the height of walls 48, preferably for half the height 38, are vertically- extending corrugations 58. Corrugations 58 may extend for substantially the full height of walls 48 or, as shown, for only a part of the height. The part is preferably the lower half. Corrugations 58 may extend partially into bases 50. Corrugations 58 provide an increase in strength to walls 48 and base 50. The corners 60 of tubs 44, 46 may not have corrugations 58. However, corrugations 58 are generally equally- spaced along wall 48. Corrugations also trap air therein. In combination with the walls 48 and the walls of outer container 12, this creates an effective insulation between the contents of tubs 44, 46 and outer container 12 .

The top 40 has a length and width such that it extends beyond walls 16, 18, 20, 22 and has a peripheral lip 62.

Also located within outer container 12 and resting on base 24 is a drawer 64. Drawer 64 is sized and shaped to be a lightly snug fit within outer container 12 to prevent unwanted relative movement therebetween, and to enable drawer 64 to be removed and reinserted through the opening created when removable panel 30 is removed. Also, bases 40 of tubs 44, 46 may rest on top of drawer 64 to provide support for tubs 44, 46.

Drawer 64 has a relatively shallow reservoir 66 formed by four mutually perpendicular side walls 68 and a bottom 70. Extending around and extending outwardly from walls 68 is a top 72. From one end of top 72 extends a semicircular (or other shaped) finger-grippable tab 74. Also, top 72 has two aligned and spaced- apart holes 76 near tab 73 to enable a toothpick 78 to be releasably held in drawer 64. Tab 74 may be foldable or pivotable relative to top 72 to enable drawer 64 to fit within outer container 12. If desired, a folded napkin 80 may be placed between drawer 64 and base 24. The napkin is preferably of paper. Napkin 80 may also rest on end portion 38 of removable panel 30. Napkin 80 also assists in providing insulation between the contents of tubs 44, 46 and base 24.

As shown, closures 82 may be used to close tubs 44, 46. Closures 82 are each sized and shaped to be received in tubs 44, 46 and have sides 84 each with a peripheral seal 86 shaped, sized and located to fit within groove 54 so that closures 82 engage in tubs 44, 46 in the manner of a snap fit. Closures 82 also have a cover 88 extending between and integral with sides 84. Closures 82 also have a peripheral rim 90 extending around and outwardly from sides 84 so that when closures engage in tubs 44, 46 the rim 90 rests on top 40. Either or both of the covers 82 may have a centrally located, pre-formed chad 91 able to be removed to allow a straw 92 to pass through the resultant hole 94 to enable a fluid contained in the relevant tub or tubs 44, 46 to be consumed.

To allow for thermal separation between tubs 44, 46 there is an air gap 96 between them. Air gap 96, being trapped air, plus the nature of the material of inner container 14 (preferably a plastics material) will allow a reasonable amount of thermal insulation. The air gap 96 preferably extends from bases 50 to underneath top 40.

A further air gap 98 exists between tubs 44, 46 and outer container 12, except at top 26. When removable panel 30 is attached to end wall 16, drawer 64 and napkin 80 are in place, and inner container 14 located in outer container 12, the air gaps 96, 98 will contain relatively still, trapped air. Such air is a reasonably good insulator. With drawer 64 being between base 24 and bases 50, further thermal protection is obtained. Therefore, a user can reasonably expect to be able to carry container 10 even if one or both of tubs 44, 46 contain very hot food or beverage.

In this way the outer container 12 can relatively easily be stored in stacks, each being mounted with another. Similarly for inner containers 14, and drawers 64.

To assemble containers 10, the napkins 80 are placed on base 24. The drawer 64 (with tab 74 folded and toothpick 79 in place) is then placed on napkin 80. Drawer 64 may be used to hold sauces, condiments, or the like, either loose or in sachets or the like. Inner container 14 is then inserted, tubs 44, 46 filled with desired beverages and/or food, chad 90 removed (if required) and straw 92 inserted, and closures 82 engaged in tubs 44, 46.

To refer now to Figures 6 and 7 there is shown a second embodiment. In this embodiment like components have like reference numerals with the addition of a prefix number 2.

In this embodiment there is a container 210 comprising an outer container 212 and an inner container 214. The outer container 212 is shown as being an inverted truncated cone having a side wall 216, base 224 and top 226. Outer container 212 may be made of any suitable material including for example, plastics, cardboard, or the like. Again, container 210 is intended to be a single use, disposable container.

As with the first embodiment, the inner container 214 is intended to rest upon the top 226 of outer container 212 and be supported thereby. The inner container 214 also forms a closure or lid for the outer container. Inner container 214 is of a height significantly less than the height of outer container 212. Preferably, it is less than half the height of outer container 212. The inner container 214 may be of different heights for different food products to be placed therein. Preferably, the inner container 214 is of a height proportional to the height of the outer container 212. That proportionality may be in the range 10% to 33%, preferably 15% to 25%, more preferably 20%.

Inner container 214 comprises a tub 242 and a removable closure 282. The tub 242 has a radially outwardly directed top 240 that locates on side wall 216 and which contains a preformed hole 294 to allow a straw 292 to pass therethrough. The hole 294 is located radially between side wall 216 of outer container, and wall 248 of tub 242. Preferably, there is a gap 298 between wall 248 of tub 242 and side wall 216 of outer container 212. The gap 298 should be of sufficient size to easily allow straw 292 to pass through. The gap 298 maybe formed by walls 216 and 248 having differing angles of taper. Preferably, tub wall 248 has a higher angle of taper than outer container wall 216.

In this way a food such as, for example, a beverage 208, may be placed in outer container 212. Inner container 214 can then be placed in outer container 212. Tub 242 of inner container 214 may contain a different food 206 such as, for example, ice cream. Straw 292 is then passed through hole 294. Straw 292 can be used to consume beverage 208. As such, container 210 can be held with one hand, and both foods 206, 208 consumed with relative ease, after removing closure 282 and insertion of straw 292. If the beverage 208 is cold, and the food 206 is cold, they both assist each other in maintaining their temperature as the cool food 206 assists in preventing the beverage 208 from quickly becoming warm as it provides a thermal barrier on top of the beverage 208. Similarly, the beverage 208 assists in keeping the food 206 cold as it also provides a thermal barrier for the food 206. The situation is the same if the food 206 and beverage 208 are both hot. If beverage 208 is hot, the hole 294 may be somewhat elliptical in shape to allow the beverage 208 to be consumed directly through hole 294 without use of a straw 294. An air bleed hole (not shown) may also be provided to assist such direct consumption, as is well known. The air bleed hole may be diagonally opposite hole 294.

The foods 206, 208 may both be liquid, or may both be solid. In the latter case, straw 292 may not be required. Container 210 may be of any suitable or required size or shape including, but not limited to, round, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, and so forth.

Side walls 216 may have a curved lip 204 if desired or required. Top 240 may have a similar curved lip 202 so that it will locate over and engage with lip 204 to relatively securely yet releasably engage inner container 214 and outer container 212. Inner container 214 may also have corrugations 259, if desired or required.

The embodiment of Figure 8 is similar to that of Figure 7 except that the straw hole 294 is in a sleeve 295 integral with wall 248. Wall 248 has a recess 297 therein to accommodate the straw 292. In this way the radius of inner container 214 may be much closer to that of outer container 212 such that the walls 248,216 are adjacent each other. The gap 298 will therefore be of minimal size, or may not exist.

Also, an internal partition 299 may be provided in inner container 214. If the food 216 is, for example, French fries, a sachet of a suitable condiment may be held within the partition zone 293. If food 206 is ice cream, the partition zone 293 may be used to hold a scoop, ladle or spoon. Figure 9 shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 7 where inner container 214 is of a stepped shape to facilitate it being used to hold an ice cream cone of similar shape. In this way the inner container 214 has an upper, wider portion, and a lower, narrower portion.

Figure 10 is, effectively a combination of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 5 with the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7. Like reference numerals are used for like components but with a prefix number 3.

In this embodiment there is a container 310 that is, essentially, the same as container 10. In one or both of the tubs 344, 346 there is located an insert container 311 that is similar to inner container 214 of Figures 6 and 7.

The insert container 311 is of lesser height than tubs 344, 346; preferably less than half the height of tubs 344, 346. It has integral walls 313, base 315 and top 317. Top 317 is adapted to rest upon top 340 of inner container 314. In this instance, closure 382 will engage in insert container 311, and insert container 311 constitutes the closure for the tub or tubs 344, 346 in which it is placed. Again, a hole 394 for a straw 392 may be provided. Gap 398 between walls 313 and 348 is provided for straw 392.

As such, a first food 308 may be placed in the relevant tubs 344, 346; insert container 311 with second food 306 placed in position in the relevant tub or tubs 344, 346; closures 382 placed in position; and, optionally, straw 392 placed through hole 394. Straw 392 would only be required if food 308 was such that a straw was appropriate. First food 308 may be solid or liquid; and second food 306 may be solid or liquid. As before, first food 308 may be a beverage, and second food 306 may be an ice cream. Alternatively first food 308 may be a soup, and second food 306 biscuits for use with the soup; first food 308 may be a salad, and second food 306 a salad dressing; and so forth.

As shown on Figure 1 an attachment mechanism such as a suction cup 431 may be used with any of the three embodiments. The suction cup 431 illustrated has a generally U-shaped body 433 with arms 439 releasably attachable to top 40 by passing through holes 435. The arms 439 of body 433 preferably have barbed ends 435 to facilitate this. To either side of body 433 are attached suction cups 437. Therefore, when a consumer is in a vehicle such as, for example, a motor car, light truck, prime mover, or the like, the base 24 outer container 12 can be located on the ledge of a door of the vehicle adjacent a window, and suction cups 437 pressed onto the window. With the ledge taking the weight of the container 10 and its contents, even though in an unstable condition, the suction cups 437 are to resist the bending moment created by gravity on the container 10 and its contents. The bending moment is caused by the ledge support being under side wall 18 rather than the centre of gravity of container 10 and its contents. The body 433 may be of any suitable shape with the U shape being a mere exemplification. For example, it may be V-shaped, L-shaped, W-shaped, inverted T-shaped, Y-shaped, H-shaped, and so forth.

The embodiment of Figure 11 is the same to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, except that corrugations 558 extend for substantially the full height of walls 548. The extend at least as high as the bead 552, and may extend to, or adjacent, top 540.

Also, walls 548 are of the same angle of taper as outer container 512 walls 516, 518, 520 and 522 (not shown). Therefore, inner container 514 is a relatively snug fit within outer container 512 for the full height of walls 548. The air gap 598 exists because of the corrugations 558. As the corrugations 558 are concave, their edges contact the outer container 512 and have trapped air in them. The trapped air acts as an insulator.

Whilst there has been described in the foregoing description preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology that many variations or modifications in details of design, construction or operation without departing from the present invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

The Claims

1. A disposable container for food, the disposable container comprising: (a) an outer container having at least one side wall, a base and an open top; (b) an inner container receivable in the outer container and having a peripheral lip for resting on and being supported by the at least one side wall of the outer container, the inner container closing the open top; (c) the inner container comprising at least one tub for receiving a first food therein, the at least one tub having at least one wall and an integral base; and (d) at least one gap between the at least one wall of the at least one tub and the at least one side wall of the outer container.

2. A disposable container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer container has a plurality of side walls, the plurality of side walls including an end wall, the end wall having a removable panel at a lower end thereof attached to the end wall by at least one perforated line, the removable panel being able to be removed from the end wall by application of finger pressure.

3. A disposable container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the removable panel further comprises a rear portion located within the outer container and resting on the base, and a cut-out portion for receiving therein at least a part of a finger of a user.

4. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a drawer receivable in the outer container for resting on the base; the integral base of the at least one tub resting on the drawer when inserted in the outer container.

5. A disposable container as claimed in claim 4, wherein the drawer is sized and shaped to be a lightly snug fit within the outer container and comprises a relatively shallow reservoir with a top extending around and outwardly for the periphery of the reservoir.

6. A disposable container as claimed in claim 5, wherein the top comprises a finger-grippable tab extending outwardly from the top, and being pivotal relative to the top.

7. A disposable container as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the top includes a pair of spaced-apart holes for releasably receiving therein a toothpick.

8. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one wall of the at least one tub has a plurality of vertically- extending corrugations.

9. A disposable container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of vertically-extending corrugations extend downwardly from a position intermediate the height of the at least one wall and into the integral base.

10. A disposable container as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of vertically-extending corrugations extend downwardly from a position adjacent a top of the at least one tub, to the integral base.

11. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the at least one wall has at least one corner, the at least one corner not being corrugated.

12. A disposal container as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the at least one wall contacts the at least one side wall for the full height of the at least one wall, the at least one gap being formed by the corrugations.

13. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein there are a plurality of tubs, there being a second air gap between adjacent tubs of the plurality of tubs.

14. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the at least one side wall is at a first angle of taper, and the at least one wall is at a second angle of taper, the second angle of taper being greater than the first angle of taper to form the gap.

15. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the at least one wall of the at least one tub has a peripheral bead extending outwardly therefrom adjacent the peripheral lip, the at least one bead being hollow to form an internal groove within the at least one tub.

16. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising at least one closure receivable in the at least one tub to close the at least one tub.

17. A disposable container as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least one closure comprises at least one closure side wall with a cover extending therebetween, and a peripheral rim extending around and outwardly from the at least one closure.

18. A disposable container as claimed in claim 17, wherein a hole for a straw is in one of: the cover, the peripheral rim, and the peripheral lip.

19. A disposable container as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the at least one closure side wall comprises a peripheral seal extending around the at least one closure side wall so as to engage the at least one tub in the manner of a snap fit.

20. A disposable container as claimed in claim 19 when appended to claim 15, wherein the peripheral seal engages in the internal groove.

21. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the peripheral lip comprises at least one opening for receiving therein at least one arm of a U-shaped body, the body having attached thereto at least one suction cup.

22. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the gap extends from the peripheral bead to the integral base.

23. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein a folded disposable napkin is located between the drawer and the base.

24. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the at least one tub is of a height proportional to the height of the outer container, the proportionality being in the range 10% to 33%.

25. A disposable container as claimed in claim 24 when appended to claim 18, wherein the hole is in the peripheral lip, the gap being for the passage therethrough of the straw.

26. A disposable container as claimed in claim 25, wherein the outer container is for receiving therein a second food, the second food and the first food being one of: the same and different.

27. A disposable container as claimed in claim 26, wherein the first food and the second food create thermal barriers for each other.

28. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the gap is formed by a recess in the at least one wall.

29. A disposable container as claimed in claim 28, wherein the peripheral lip has a sleeve through which the hole passes, the sleeve being at the top of the recess.

30. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the tub comprises at least one internal partition.

31. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the at least one tub is stepped and has an upper, wider portion and a lower, narrower portion

32. A disposable container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 31 , further comprising an insert container insertable into and closing the at least one tub, the at least one closure being receivable in the at least one insert container.

33. A disposable container as claimed in claim 32, wherein the insert container is of a height less than half the height of the at least one tub.

34. A disposable container as claimed in claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the insert container has an insert top for resting upon and being supported by the peripheral lip.

35. A disposable container as claimed in claim 34, wherein a straw passage for a drinking straw is provided in one of: the insert top, and the at least one closure.