WO2008134864A1

WO2008134864A1 - Multi-compartment food container

Info

Publication number: WO2008134864A1
Application number: PCT/CA2008/000824
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rocco Di Serio; Herbert Anton Jahn; Perry Rizzo
Original assignee: Axiom Group Inc
Priority date: 2007-05-03
Filing date: 2008-05-01
Publication date: 2008-11-13

Abstract

A food container system comprising a base, an opposing lid rotatably mounted on the base, and a food compartment platform configured for placement therein. The food compartment platform provides a plurality of food receiving receptacles. A sealing mechanism is provided to maintain at least one of the plurality of food receiving receptacles separated from the other food receiving receptacles upon closure of the lid upon the base.

Description

MULTI-COMPARTMENT FOOD CONTAINER

Field of the Invention

[0001]The present invention pertains to food containers, and in particular to a multicompartment food container system.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Food storage containers are generally well known in the art, and are routinely used to store and transport meals. For example, food storage containers are routinely used by children at school, by adults in the workplace, on transportation systems, as well as in institutional settings. In fact, as can be appreciated, the use and application of food storage containers are wide ranging.

[0003] Common criticisms of current food storage containers include the inconvenience of having to match up lids to containers, having to fit the containers to thermal storage bags, and need for multiple containers to avoid cross-contamination of foodstuffs.

[0004] While there is a growing trend to return to freshly prepared foods for transported meals, the various inconveniences noted above often have people resorting to commercially prepared products. As such, consumers are faced with a difficult balance between the convenience of commercially prepared foods, and the healthier freshly- prepared alternatives.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Accord ing to a first broad aspect of an embodiment, provided is a food container system comprising a base, an opposing lid rotatably mounted on the base, and a food compartment platform configured for placement therein, the food compartment platform having a plurality of food receiving receptacles, the food container system being provided with a sealing mechanism that maintains at least one of the plurality of food receiving receptacles separated from the other food receiving receptacles upon closure of the lid upon the base. [0006] In some embodiments, the lid and base are provided with at least one hinge to permit the lid to rotate from a closed position through to a generally 180° open position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the lid is detachable from the base at the generally 180° open position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the hinge permits the lid to be detached from the base at an angle less than 180°.

[0009] In some embodiments, the hinge is provided with at least one stop to retain the lid in a predefined fixed open position.

[001O] In some embodiments, the hinge is provided with two stops to retain the lid in one of two predefined fixed open positions.

[0011] In some embodiments, the food container system further comprises at least one latch for releasably closing the lid upon the base.

[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one latch is rotatably mounted on one of the lid and the base, and wherein the lid-mounted latch is configured to cooperate with the base to ensure closure of the lid upon the base, and wherein the base-mounted latch is configured to cooperate with the lid to ensure closure of the lid upon the base.

[0013] In some embodiments the latch is removable to permit access for cleaning.

[0014] In some embodiments the latch is provided with a vacuum break mechanism.

[0015] In some embodiments wherein the latch is mounted on the lid, the vacuum break mechanism comprises a ramped bearing surface provided on the base, the latch being configured with an extension for interacting with the ramped bearing surface, wherein upon rotation of the latch, the extension pushes against the ramped bearing surface, urging the latch and associated lid away from the base, thereby breaking any vacuum formed within a closed food container system.

[0016] In some embodiments wherein the latch is mounted on the lid, the vacuum break mechanism comprises a bearing surface provided on the base, the latch being configured with an extension having a cammed terminal end-surface, wherein upon rotation of the latch, the cammed surface pushes against the bearing surface, urging the latch and associated lid away from the base, thereby breaking any vacuum formed within a closed food container system.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism provides a seal between the food compartment platform and the lid.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism comprises a ridge provided on one of the lid and the food compartment platform, the ridge cooperating with an opposing seal provided on the opposing cooperating structure.

[0019] In some embodiments, the seal is a molecular seal.

[002O] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism is provided to separate each of the plurality of food receiving receptacles.

[0021] In some embodiments, a space is provided between the base and the food compartment platform.

[0022] In some embodiments, the space is at least partially filled with an insulative material.

[0023] In some embodiments, the Nd, base and food compartment platform are manufactured using a food compatible polymer material.

[0024] In some embodiments, the food compatible polymer material further comprises additives to enhance the R-value of the food compatible polymer material, the additives being selected from the group consisting of blowing agents, mica, silica, coal and other inert materials.

[0025] In some embodiments, the lid and base are configured with suitable mating features to permit a plurality of food container systems to be stacked.

[0026] In some embodiments, the external surface of the lid is provided with at least one rib, the external surface of the base being provided with at least one channel, whereby the at least one rib cooperates with a channel provided on an adjacently positioned food container system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] Embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the food container system shown with the lid in the open position;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the food container system in which the food compartment platform is configured differently;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4a is a sectional side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , with the lid in the closed position;

Figure 4b is a sectional side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , with the lid in a first opened position;

Figure 4c is a partial sectional side view of the hinge assembly wherein the lid is in a first opened position;

Figure 4d is a sectional side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , with the lid in a second extended opened position;

Figure 4e is a partial sectional side view of the hinge assembly wherein the lid is in a second extended opened position;

Figure 4f is a sectional side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , with the lid in a third generally 180° open position;

Figure 4 g is a partial sectional view of the hinge assembly wherein the lid has been detached from the base; Figure 5 is a partial sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the hinge mechanism;

Figure 6a is a partial sectional view of the latching mechanism shown in the closed position;

Figure 6b is a partial sectional view of the latching mechanism shown in a partially disengaged position;

Figure 7 is a partial perspective view showing the latching mechanism separated from the lid;

Figure 8a is a partial sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the latching mechanism shown in the closed position;

Figure 8b is a partial sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the latching mechanism shown in a partially disengaged position;

Figure 9 is a partial sectional view showing the sealing mechanism at an upper region of a wall section of the food compartment platform;

Figure 10 is a front perspective view of three food container systems in a stacked configuration; and

Figure 11 is a side perspective view of three food container systems in a stacked configuration.

Description of a Preferred Embodiment

[0028] Referring now to Figure 1 , shown is the food container system, generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The food container system 10 generally comprises a base 12, a lid 14 and a food compartment platform 16. As shown, the food compartment platform 16 comprises four individualized food and/or container receiving receptacles 18. It will be appreciated, however, that the food compartment platform may be configured with fewer or additional food receiving receptacles as deemed appropriate for the intended application. For example, Figure 2 shows an alternate embodiment of the food container system 10 in which the food compartment platform 16 is separated into five individualized food and/or container receiving receptacles 18.

[0029] Turning now to Figure 3, shown is the food container system 10, in particular the base 12, the lid 14 and the food compartment platform 16. The lid 14 is rotatably mounted to the base 12 by way of a hinge 20 which cooperates with a mating pin 22 (see Figure 4a) provided on the base 12. As shown, the lid 14 is provided with four hinges 20 generally arranged as two pair sets. It will be appreciated that the lid 14 and base 12 may be configured with the hinges 20 arranged in an alternate manner, such as two, three or four equidistantly spaced hinges. Other suitable configurations for the hinges 20 would readily be apparent to one skilled in the art.

[003O]As shown in Figure 4a, the hinge 20 as provided on the lid 14 is configured as a hook 24 designed to engage the pin 22 provided on the base 12. The hinge 20 is dimensioned to allow the lid 14 to rotate through generally 180° from a first closed position as shown in Figure 4a, a second generally open position as shown in Figure 4b, a third generally extended open position as shown in Figure 4d and a fourth generally 180° open position as shown in Figure 4f. With the hook configuration of the hinge 20, in the generally 180° open position, the lid 14 can be disengaged from the base 12 as shown in Figure 4f. The hinge 20 can be configured with at least one stop to retain the lid 14 in a fixed open position. In the embodiment shown, the hinge 20 is configured with two stops, the first stop 26 corresponding to the first open position as shown in Figure 4b, the second stop 28 corresponding to the second open position as shown in Figure 4d. As shown enlarged in Figure 4c, the first stop 26 is provided as a raised channel 30 provided on the outside profile 32 of the hook 24. The raised channel 30 is configured to cooperate with a ridge 34 formed into the base 12 in the region of the pin 22. As the lid 14 is rotated, the raised channel 30 engages the ridge 34 so as to maintain the lid 14 in the predetermined position. An enlarged view of the lid 14 rotated into the second stop position 28 is shown in Figure 4e, while Figure 4g provides and enlarged view of the hinge 20 following disengagement of the lid 14 from the base 12. Although the stops are provided by way of a raised channel on the hook, and a mating ridge provided on the base, the opposite configuration is also possible in which the hook provides the ridge, and the base provides the raised channel Alternately, one will appreciate that other stop mechanisms are possible, such as, but not limited to the use of a nib/detent arrangement.

[0031]The ability to remove the lid 14 from the base 12 provides the advantage of being able to wash the sections separately, as well as to conveniently place the sections into a dishwasher. The ability to disengage, as well as reengage the lid 14 with the base 12 in the 180° open position facilitates the interaction between the sections, as a flat table or counter top can be used to align the hinge sections together. This is particularly important when children are using the food container system. In addition, the ability to rotate the lid 14 through the generally 180° range of motion, effectively placing the lid 14 in a flat position on a table serves to prevent the lid 14 from being overextended.

[0032] While the hinge mechanism discussed above is preferred, alternate configurations may also find application with the food container system. One alternative is to provide a hinge arrangement that allows the lid to be disengaged from the base at a different angle, either greater or less than the aforementioned 180° open position. For example, a quick release-type configuration may be used such as the hinge arrangement shown in Figure 5. In the quick release-type configuration, the hinge hook 24 is dimensioned to release from the pin 22 at a smaller angle (e.g. less than 180°, for example 165°). Such arrangements are preferred in implementations where the lid 14 of the food container system 10 is detached prior to the user accessing the foodstuffs contained therein. Still further, the food container system 10 could be configured with a hinge arrangement that does not allow for the lid 14 to be disengaged from the base 12.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4a, the food container system 10 further comprises a latch 36 for releasably closing the lid 14 upon the base 12. Shown enlarged, and in the closed position, Figure 6a presents a preferred embodiment of the latch 36. The latch 36 is rotatable about a pivot 38 provided on the lid 14, from a first closed position as shown in Figure 6a, to a second disengaged position shown in Figure 6b, through to a generally open position shown in Figure 6c. To maintain the latch 36 in the first closed position as shown in Figure 6a, the latch 36 is provided with a hooked extension 40 that cooperates with a ridge 42 on the base 12. To ensure engagement of the latch 36, the hooked extension 40 is biased towards the cooperating ridge 42 provided on the base. To facilitate rotation of the latch 36 from the first closed position, the latch 36 is provided with a finger pull or handle 44. To further facilitate rotation of the latch 36 from the first closed position, the base 12 is provided with a recess 46 (for clarity, see Figure 1 ) allowing the user to grasp the finger pull or handle 44 provided on the latch 36.

[0034] The latch 36 is preferably removable from the lid 14 to permit cleaning. In general, the latch 36 is configured to rotate upon pins 46 provided on the lid 14. As shown in Figure 7, each pin 46 is dimensioned to fit within a cooperating hole 48 provided on the latch 36. Each pin 46 is of sufficient length to securely engage the latch 36, yet sufficiently short enough to allow the latch 36 to be snapped out-of or into position. To facilitate this motion, each pin 46 is preferably provided with tapered or chamfered edges 50 that cooperate with a mating cutaway section 52 provided on at least one hole 48. While each pin 46 and respective hole 48 in the latch 36 can be configured with the respective tapered edge 50 and cutaway section 52, alternate embodiments may provide a latch system wherein just one end of the latch mechanism is provided with these features. In such a case, the side comprising the tapered edge and cutaway section would be the side first engaged/disengaged when attaching/removing the latch 36 from the lid 14.

[0035]Although a removable latch mechanism is preferred, the latch mechanism could be permanently affixed to the lid. Alternatively, the arrangement of the holes 48 and pins 46 described above could be reversed wherein the holes 48 are provided on the lid 14, while the pins 46 are provided on the latch 36 itself. It may also be possible to incorporate the latch mechanism into the base 12, and provide a mechanism whereby the hooked extension or similar feature engages a ridge provided on the lid 14. Still further alterations to the latching mechanism may be evident to one skilled in the art.

[0036] In certain circumstances, a loaded food container system 10 may develop a vacuum making it difficult to open the lid 14. Excessive forces placed upon the aforementioned latch 36 could result in detachment of the latch, or latch failure/breakage. To facilitate opening of the lid 14 under vacuum conditions, the latch mechanism may be provided with a ramped bearing surface 54 that forces the lid upwards upon rotation of the latch 36. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6a through 6c, the latch 36 is provided with an extension 56 that interacts with the ramped bearing surface 54 (approximately 15°) provided on the base 12. In the first closed position as shown in Figure 6a, the extension 56 positions within a suitably sized channel 58. Upon rotation of the latch 36 as shown in Figure 6b, the extension 56 interferes with the ramped bearing surface 54, forcing the latch 36 and attached lid 14 upwards, breaking the vacuum formed within the container 10, as evidenced by the separation indicated at reference numeral 60.

[0037]Alternatively, the latch mechanism could be configured with a cammed extension 62 that engages a flat bearing surface 64 provided on the base 12. An example of this configuration is shown in Figures 8a and 8b. By rotation of the latch 36, from a first closed position, as shown in Figure 8a, the cammed extension 62 forces the latch 36 and attached lid 14 upwards against the base 12, as shown in Figure 8b, breaking the vacuum formed within the container 10, as evidenced by the separation indicated at reference numeral 66.

[0038] As indicated above, and referring back to Figure 3, the food container system 10 provides a food compartment platform 16 divided into a plurality of food and/or container receiving receptacles 18. To keep the contents of each receptacle separate from the others, a seal mechanism is used. The seal mechanism generally comprises a ridge 68 provided on the food compartment platform 16, and a cooperating molecular seal 70 provided on the inside surface of the lid 14. In the first closed position as shown in Figure 4a, the ridges 68 provided on the food compartment platform 16 engage the molecular seal 70 provided on the sealing surface of the lid 14, thereby forming an effective seal, preventing the ingress and egress of materials and foodstuffs. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the aforementioned seal mechanism first surrounds the food and/or container receiving receptacles 18 by way of an outer perimeter seal 72. Second, the seal mechanism provides divider sections 74 that separate the food and/or container receiving receptacles 18 from each other. In a preferred embodiment, the seal is comprised of a first substrate component made of a generally more rigid material such as a polypropylene resin. The seal material will generally be a much softer material such as an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) - "Rubber Seal". As will be appreciated, the specific performance of the seal will be formulated to a specific shore hardness or compliance in order to ensure a proper seal is achieved while maintaining other system objectives such as durability and heat stabilization. In addition, as shown more clearly in Figure 9, the upper regions of the walls of each receptacle 18 are configured with a radius 76 that mates with a matching radius 78 provided on the sealing surface of the lid 14. In effect, the above described configuration provides a dual seal feature, the first seal being provided by the radiused structures, the second seal being provided by the molecular seal.

[0039]While the embodiment described and represented in Figure 3 provides a food container system with four sealed food and/or container receiving receptacles, it will be appreciated that the food container system could be configured in a manner that seals just one of the receptacles, or two of the receptacles, or any combination of receptacles. One or more of the receptacles may be configured to receive a container, such as a tetra pack drink box, or a water bottle.

[004O]As shown in Figure 9, the food compartment platform provides the ridge 68, while the lid 14 provides the mating molecular seal 70. It will be appreciated that alternate configurations are possible. For example, the sealing mechanism could be configured such that the molecular seal is provided on the food compartment platform, while the mating ridge is provided on the lid. Further, one skilled in the art may contemplate further seal mechanisms, such as one similar to that described above, less the mating ridge, or mechanisms based on the use of o-rings either with or without a mating ridge.

[0041] The food compartment platform 16 is generally welded to the base 12, thereby defining a space or core 80 contained between the platform 16 and the base 12. This space 80 is clearly shown in Figure 4a. This defined space 80, generally containing air provides an insulative thermal characteristic to the food container system 10. It will be appreciated, however, that additional materials may be used to fill this space 80 that offer enhanced insulative characteristics. For example, the space 80 could contain a foam (e g. Styrofoam) insert for added insulation. It may be advantageous to fill this space 80 with a gel, such as those commonly used in gel-packs and the like. To accommodate pressure variations when using gel materials in the aforementioned space, it may be necessary to incorporate pressure release valves as would be known to one skilled in the art. Further, the space 80 could be filled with a composite filler of solid material such as ceramic in order to improve thermal performance. It may be advantageous, or simply more cost effective to insulate just a portion of the aforementioned space 80. As such, this space 80 may be configured with dividers that separate the space into a plurality individual spaces, each generally corresponding to the receptacles around which it is located.

[0042]The materials used to construct the food container system 10 are generally food- compatible polymer materials (e.g. FDA approved co-polymer polypropylene). Further, the materials used are generally compatible over the range of temperatures typically expected with such a product (i.e. -20⁰C to 100⁰C). Further, the materials must be dishwasher safe, as well as being freezer and microwave compatible. The polymer materials may additionally comprise additives that enhance the R-value of the polymer material. For example, the polymer used to construct the lid 14 and/or base 12 could be augmented with insulative ceramic glass spheres. Alternate examples of additives include blowing agents to introduce voids into the polymer, mica, various composite materials such as silica, coal and other inert materials.

[0043]The lid 14 and base 12 of the food container system 10 may be configured with mating features that allow a plurality of food container systems to be stacked, as shown in Figure 10. For example, the lid 14 can be configured with one or more ribs 82 that mate with corresponding channels 84 provided in the base 12 of a second food container system. The channel 82 may be protruding as shown in the figure, or recessed into the base 12. The opposite configuration is also possible with the ribs 82 being provided on the base 12, and the channels 84 being provided on the lid 14. As shown, the rib 82 and channels 84 extend from front to back. The rib 82 and channels 84 may alternatively be configured to run side to side. To prevent the food container systems from sliding relative to one another, the rib 82 and channels 84 may be discontinuous, or configured with stops or detents 86 that permit engagement, as shown in Figure 1 1.

[0044]The ability to stack the food container system provides numerous advantages. First, at the retail level, the stackability of the food container system presents a clean and pleasant appearance to the displayed product. The stackability of the product is also very useful at home, or any location where the food container system is stored in multiple units. For example, multiple units can be safely and neatly stacked in a refrigerator. The food container system may also find application in commercial settings, in which case the ability to stack large numbers of prepared, and spent food container systems is certainly desirable.

[0045] The food container system described above is well suited for a wide range of uses. For children and youth, the food container system provides a robust means of transporting food, snacks and the like. Since the container generally provides a seal between the individual food receptacles, there is no requirement to maintain the food container system in a generally horizontal position. Instead, the food container system is well suited for placement in a backpack, gym bag or any suitable carrying device. The slim profile of the food container system enhances the compatibility of the container with books and other items. In fact, the food container system could be configured with surface features that allow the container to be removably attached to other carrying systems, such as backpacks, bicycle racks and the like. The food container system could also be configured with rubberized or textured grips on the outside surfaces to facilitate handling of the food container system. For all the same reasons, the aforementioned food container system will be attractive to the adult market as well.

[0046] In addition to its suitability as a household food storage product, the food container system may be suitably used in a wide range of other applications. For example, the food container system may be used on mass transit systems such as trains and airplanes. The food container system may be effectively used at conferences or seminars where large groupings of people are to be served a meal. Other settings include institutional settings such as daycares, schools, old age homes, nursing homes and hospitals. The food container system could also find application in delivered meal programs such as Meal-on-Wheels. For higher intensity usage, such as in the various setting proposed above, the materials and dimensions chosen for constructing the food container system may be of greater robustness. In addition, particularly when applied to health care settings, one may choose construction materials that are compatible with various sterilization techniques. [0047] The food container system may be provided in a range of colour combinations, and may further comprise surface features that allow for advertisement and/or identification markings. For the younger demographic, the food container system could be configured with surface features that are compatible with "transferable" hot stamp sheets that allow users to personalize their food container systems with their own computer generated ideas (e,g, artwork, etc.)

[0048]The food container system described above provides numerous advantages compared to prior art food storage solutions. For example, the follow advantages have been noted:

• The dual seal keeps meals fresher, longer;

• The removable lid facilitate cleaning of the food container system

• The food container system easily fits into most backpacks, gym bags and the like;

• The ability to provide freshly prepared foods provides a healthy alternative to commercially packaged meals;

• The use of the food packaging system is likely to reduce waste generally associated with commercially packaged meals;

• The stackability of the food container systems offers advantages at the retail level as well as during storage of the units;

• The sealed receptacles eliminates the need to keep the food container system in a generally horizontal position, as foodstuffs contained therein cannot cross contaminate other adjacent receptacles;

• The latch provides a means to break a vacuum that may develop within the sealed receptacles, making the food container system more user friendly, particularly with respect children and youth markets. [0049] It will be appreciated that, although embodiments of the food container system have been described and illustrated in detail, various modifications and changes may be made. It will be appreciated that some of the features described above can be modified, replaced or even omitted. Still further alternatives and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art. All such alternatives and modifications are believed to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A food container system comprising a base, an opposing lid rotatably mounted on said base, and a food compartment platform configured for placement therein, said food compartment platform having a plurality of food receiving receptacles, said food container system being provided with a sealing mechanism that maintains at least one of said plurality of food receiving receptacles separated from the other food receiving receptacles upon closure of said lid upon said base.

2. The food container system of claim 1 , wherein said lid and said base are provided with at least one hinge to permit said lid to rotate from a closed position through to a generally 180° open position.

3. The food container system of claim 2, wherein said lid is detachable from said base at said generally 180° open position.

4. The food container system of claim 2, wherein said hinge permits said lid to be detached from said base at an angle less than 180°.

5. The food container system of claim 2, wherein said hinge is provided with at least one stop to retain said lid in a predefined fixed open position.

6. The food container system of claim 5, wherein said hinge is provided with two stops to retain said lid in one of two predefined fixed open positions.

7. The food container system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one latch for releasably closing said lid upon said base.

8. The food container system of claim 7, wherein said at least one latch is rotatably mounted on one of said lid and said base, and wherein the lid-mounted latch is configured to cooperate with said base to ensure closure of said lid upon said base, and wherein the base-mounted latch is configured to cooperate with said lid to ensure closure of said lid upon said base.

9. The food container system of claim 7, wherein said latch is removable to permit access for cleaning.

10. The food container system of claim 7, wherein said latch is provided with a vacuum break mechanism.

11. The food container system of claim 10, wherein for a latch mounted on said lid, said vacuum break mechanism comprises a ramped bearing surface provided on said base, said latch being configured with an extension for interacting with said ramped bearing surface, wherein upon rotation of said latch, said extension pushes against said ramped bearing surface, urging said latch and associated lid away from said base, thereby breaking any vacuum formed within a closed food container system.

12. The food container system of claim 10, wherein for a latch mounted on said lid, said vacuum break mechanism comprises a bearing surface provided on said base, said latch being configured with an extension having a cammed terminal end-surface, wherein upon rotation of said latch, said cammed surface pushes against said bearing surface, urging said latch and associated lid away from said base, thereby breaking any vacuum formed within a closed food container system.

13. The food container system of claim 1 , wherein said sealing mechanism provides a seal between said food compartment platform and said lid.

14. The food container system of claim 1 , wherein said sealing mechanism comprises a ridge provided on one of said lid and said food compartment platform, said ridge cooperating with an opposing seal provided on the opposing cooperating structure.

15. The food container system of claim 14, wherein said seal is a molecular seal.

16. The food container system of claim 1 , wherein said sealing mechanism is provided to separate each of said plurality of food receiving receptacles.

17. The food container system of claim 1 , wherein a space is provided between said base and said food compartment platform.

18. The food container system of claim 17, wherein said space is at least partially filled with an insulative material.

19. The food container system of claim 1, wherein said lid, said base and said food compartment platform are manufactured using a food compatible polymer material.

20. The food container system of claim 19, wherein said food compatible polymer material further comprises additives to enhance the R-value of the food compatible polymer material, said additives being selected from the group consisting of blowing agents, mica, silica, coal and other inert materials.

21. The food container system of claim 1, wherein said lid and said base are configured with suitable mating features to permit a plurality of said food container systems to be stacked.

22. The food container system of claim 21 , wherein the external surface of said lid is provided with at least one rib, the external surface of said base being provided with at least one channel, whereby said at least one rib cooperates with said channel provided on an adjacently positioned food container system.