WO2011029009A1

WO2011029009A1 - Food delivery systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2011029009A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/047825
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stacy Bedsole
Original assignee: Intercontinental Hotels Group
Priority date: 2009-09-04
Filing date: 2010-09-03
Publication date: 2011-03-10

Abstract

Food delivery systems and methods are provided that can include a stackable bento box having a top member and a bottom member defines an interior cavity. Stackable serving pieces that can contain food are insertable into the bento box. A caddy can contain beverages, condiments, and the like and can be configured to be stacked onto the bento box. The bento box or stack of bento boxes and/or the caddy can be carried by a bento wrap to a desired location. The caddy can have a handle and can also be carried outside of the bento wrap to the desired location.

Description

Food Delivery Systems and Methods

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.

61/239,831 filed on September 4, 2009, which is incorporated in its entirety in this document by reference.

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to food delivery systems and methods. In particular, the invention relates to a customizable food delivery system comprising serving and delivery elements.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Current hotel room service menus offer meal options that frequently do not meet the needs of a business traveler or address how the business traveler actually eats in their hotel room. For example, conventional room service is delivered on a plurality of circular plates covered by plastic or metallic shields. When containing food, conventional plates are not stackable and must be laid out on a table in the room. This reduces the overall space of the table available for other purposes, such as, for example, use as a workstation.

[0004] Providing meal options that address how hotel guest actually eat in their room is a partial solution. A stackable system of serving pieces and/or delivery containers can help to free space on a crowded table. Additionally, an improved delivery system can help make delivery quicker and less prone to errors. Therefore, there is a need for a food delivery system customizable to the food being delivered and/or the setting into which it is being delivered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to various aspects, the present invention is a food delivery system and method. In one aspect, the food delivery system can comprise at least one of: at least one bento box defining an interior cavity, at least one serving piece configured to be received therein the interior cavity of the bento box, and at least one bento wrap having proximal and distal end and configured to carry the at least one bento box.

[0006] In another aspect, the bento box can comprise a top member and a bottom member. In this aspect, the top member and the bottom member can be configured to matingly engage each other and define a bento box interior cavity. In another aspect, the bottom member of a first bento box can be configured to matingly engage the top member of a second bento box, such that the bento boxes can be stacked one on top of another.

[0007] In one aspect, the at least one serving piece can be a whole plate, a half plate, a quarter plate, a quarter bowl, a ramekin, and the like. In another aspect, the at least one serving piece can be configured to be contained therein the interior cavity of the at least one bento box and to engage a portion of the bottom member of the at least one bento box. In another aspect, the at least one serving piece can be configured to engage a portion of another serving piece of the at least one serving piece. Thus, the engagement of a first serving piece of the at least one serving piece to the at least one bento box and/or another serving piece can prevent the first serving piece from readily sliding or inadvertently moving out of a desired position.

[0008] In another aspect, the food delivery system can further comprise at least one caddy having an interior cavity configured for containing at least one glass, condiments, bottles, and the like. In still another aspect, the at least one caddy can comprise a handle so that a user can easily carry the caddy. In another aspect, the at least one caddy can stackably engage the top member of the at least one bento box. Thus, in one aspect, a server can optionally stack the loaded caddy onto the at least one bento box.

[0009] In one aspect, the at least one bento box and/or the at least one caddy, if present and desired, can then be placed thereon a center portion of the at least one bento wrap. The proximal and distal ends of the bento wrap can be wrapped around the at least one bento box and the at least one caddy, if present, until the ends are adjacent each other. A server can then insert a hand through apertures defined therein the ends of the bento wrap and can carry the at least one bento box and the at least one caddy, if present, to a desired location.

[0010] Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate (one) several embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0012] FIGS. 1A-1C are a plurality of perspective views and a side elevational view of at least one bento box of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0013] FIG. ID is a cross-sectional perspective view of the bento box of FIG. 1A, according to one aspect.

[0014] FIG. IE is a side elevational view of the bento box of FIG. 1A, according to one aspect.

[0015] FIG. IF is a plan view of a portion of the bento box of FIG. 1 A, according to one aspect.

[0016] FIGS. 2A-2C are a plurality of perspective views of a whole plate of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0017] FIGS. 3A-3C are a plurality of perspective views and a side elevational view of a quarter bowl of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0018] FIGS. 4A-4B are perspective views of a half plate of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0019] FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of a ramekin of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0020] FIG. 5D is a top plan view of a plurality of the ramekin of FIGS. 5A-5C placed in a half plate, according to one aspect.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view a plurality of serving pieces and a plurality of bento boxed of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0022] FIGS. 7A-7C are a perspective view, a top plan view, and a side elevational view of a plurality of serving pieces and a plurality of bento boxed of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0023] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a glass and a glass cover of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0024] FIGS. 8B-8C are top and bottom perspective views of the glass cover of FIG. 8A according to one aspect. [0025] FIG. 9A is a bottom perspective view of a spillage cover of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0026] FIGS. 9B-9C are perspective views of the spillage cover of FIG. 9A engaged with at least one serving piece of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0027] FIGS. 1 OA- IOC are perspective views of a glass cover of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0028] FIGS. 11 A-l ID are a plurality of views of a caddy of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a caddy of a food delivery system, according to one aspect, showing a plurality of items being carried therein.

[0030] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a food delivery system, according to one aspect, showing at least one bento box, a caddy, and a bento box wrap.

[0031] FIGS. 14A-14C are a plurality of views of a bento box wrap of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0032] FIGS. 15 A-l 5C are a plurality of views of a noodle bowl of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0033] FIGS. 16A-16C are a plurality of views of a tea service tray of a food delivery system, according to one aspect.

[0034] FIG. 17 is a plurality of views of the at least one serving piece of a food delivery system, showing a plurality of possible arrangements, according to various aspects.

[0035] FIG. 18 is a plurality of views of the at least one serving piece of a food delivery system, showing a plurality of possible arrangements, according to various aspects.

[0036] FIGS. 19A-19C are a plurality of views of a food delivery system during transport, showing a plurality of possible arrangements, according to various aspects.

[0037] FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary flow chart showing the steps to deliver food to a desired location.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such can vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0039] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "box" can include two or more such boxes unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0040] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0041] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or can not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0042] As used here, the terms "bento" and "bento" box refer to a container used to deliver food, drink, and/or other related items, such as condiments, napkins, and/or silverware.

[0043] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0044] In one embodiment, the food delivery system 10 can comprise at least one bento box 20 and at least one serving piece 50. In one aspect, the food delivery system can further comprise at least one bento wrap 140. In another aspect, the at least one serving piece 50 can comprise a plurality of serving pieces sized and configured to fit inside the at least one bento box 20, as will be described more fully below. In another aspect, the food delivery system 10 can further comprise at least one of: a glass 100, a spillage cover 110, a glass cover 115, a tea service tray 170, and a caddy 120 configured for carrying bottles, condiments, cutlery, the at least one glass 100 and the like.

[0045] Figure 1 A illustrates one embodiment of a bento box 20 of the food delivery system 10. In one aspect, the bento box 20 can comprise a top member 22 having an upper surface 32 and a bottom member 24. In another aspect, the bottom member can have a peripheral wall 27 extending upwardly therefrom a bottom wall 30 having an upper surface 28 and a lower surface 29. In another aspect, the top member 22 and the bottom member 24 can be configured to selectively, matingly engage each other and define a bento box interior cavity 26. In another aspect, the top member and the bottom member can be configured to selectively, matingly engage each around along at least a portion of their respective peripheral edges. In yet another aspect, the bento box 20 can be substantially square in shape when viewed from above; however, other shapes are also contemplated, such as substantially circular, substantially rectangular, and the like. In still another aspect, the bento box 20 can be sized such that at least one serving piece 50 and/or at least one predetermined food item can be contained therein.

[0046] As illustrated in Figures IE and IF, in one aspect, a groove 38 can be defined in at least a portion of the upper surface 28 of the bottom member 24 of the bento box. In another aspect, the groove can be spaced from the peripheral wall 27 of the bottom member at least a predetermined distance. For example, a portion of the groove can be spaced a first predetermined distance from the peripheral wall, and a second portion of the groove can be spaced from the peripheral wall a second predetermined distance that is greater than the first predetermined distance. In one aspect, the groove of the bottom member can be substantially a four-sided groove in which each side has a curvature of predefined radii. It is of course contemplated that the groove can be other shapes, such as a three-sided groove, a substantially circular groove, a substantially square groove, and the like. It is also contemplated that each side of the groove can be substantially linear, having a radius of curvature only in the corners of the groove. In another aspect, the sides of the groove can have a radius of curvature greater than the corners of the groove. In still another aspect, the groove can be curved away from a center portion of the at least one bento box 20. In another aspect, the groove can be a continuous groove. [0047] In one aspect, the upper surface 28 of the bottom member 24 is sloped downwardly from the peripheral wall 27 towards the groove 38. In another aspect, the groove can define a shoulder 39 oriented outwardly toward the peripheral wall. The sloped upper surface of the bottom member, the groove and the shoulder can cooperate to orient at least one serving piece 50 positioned in the interior cavity of the bento box. For example, and as will be described more fully below, a protrusion 52 of the at least one serving piece can be urged by the slope towards the groove, and the shoulder can encourage the protrusion to remain in the groove. In another aspect, a lower portion 36 of the groove can be substantially coplanar with the upper surface 28 of the bottom member 24 in a center portion 23 of the bottom member. Thus, in this aspect, the lower portion of the groove and the upper surface in the center of the bottom member can be substantially the same distance vertically from the upper edge 25 of the peripheral wall 27. As can be appreciated, a serving dish having a protrusion 52 positioned in the lower portion of the groove and a protrusion positioned in the center of the bottom member can be substantially parallel with the upper edge of the peripheral wall.

[0048] In one aspect, and as illustrated in Figures IB and 1C, the bottom member 24 of the at least one bento box 20 can have a plurality of feet 28 formed in and/or attached to the lower surface 29 of the bottom member 24 of the bento box 20. According to another aspect, a portion of the plurality of feet 28 can be configured to engage at least a portion of a shoulder surface 34 defined therein the upper surface 32 of the top member 22 of the bento box 20. In use, for example, a second bento box 40 can be stacked onto the first bento box as illustrated in Figure 1C. The plurality of feet 28 of the bottom member 24 of the second bento box 40 can engage at least a portion of the shoulder surface 34 of the top member 22 of the first bento box 20, thereby preventing the second bento box from readily sliding off the first bento box.

[0049] In another aspect, the upper surface 28 of the bottom member 24 can define a void, such as a groove, an indention, a notch and the like, configured for engaging a portion of the at least one serving piece 50, described more fully below.

[0050] As illustrated in Figure 1 A, in another aspect, at least a portion of the top member 22 of the bento box 20 can comprise a window 31 formed from a transparent material so that the interior cavity 26 of the bento box 20 can be visible. In this aspect, a user of the bento box, such as, for example, a food server or a hotel guest can see the contents of the interior cavity of the bento box without having to open the box. This allows the user to easily verify the correct item has been delivered. It is also contemplated, however, that at least a portion of the top member 22 of the bento box 20 can be opaque. For clarity and conciseness, when used herein, the term "window" can refer to a portion of the top member of the bento box that is formed from a transparent or an opaque material. In another aspect, at least portions of the top member 22 and/or the bottom member 24 of the bento box 20 can be formed from polymeric materials, metallic materials, ceramic materials, wooden materials and the like. In one exemplary aspect, at least a portion of the top member 22 and/or the bottom member 24 of the bento box 20 can be formed from melamine.

[0051] In one aspect, a portion of the top member 22 of the at least one bento box 20 can have a ventilation means formed therein. In another aspect, the ventilation means can allow steam to exit the interior cavity 26 of the bento box thus reducing the amount of condensation formed on the top member 22 of the bento box. If the top member of the bento box 20 comprises a window 31, the ventilation means can reduce the amount of condensation formed on the window so that the interior cavity 26 of the bento box 20 can remain visible. In another aspect, condensation can form on the interior cavity 26 of the bento box 20 so that food remains intact (i.e., not impacted by condensation formation on the at least one serving piece 50 and/or the food itself).

[0052] In one aspect, the ventilation means can comprise a plurality of spacers 35 configured to offset a cover or the window 31 from a frame 33 of the top member 22 of the bento box. As illustrated in Figures ID and IE, each spacer of the plurality of spacers can have a predetermined length so that at least one gap 37 is formed between the window and the frame of the bento box. In another aspect, the offset window can have at least one dimension sized greater than at least one dimension of an opening in the frame 33 so that a portion of the window underhangs a portion of the frame. According to another aspect, the ventilation means can comprise at least one aperture defined in the top member 22 of the bento box. It is also contemplated that the at least one aperture could be at least one circular aperture defined in the top member of the at least one bento box 20. [0053] In another aspect, the at least one bento box 20 can separate hot and cold foods. For example, hot food can be placed into a first bento box, and cold foods can be placed into a second bento box. In another aspect, if the at least one bento box comprises a plurality of bento boxes, the stackable engagement capability of the plurality of bento boxes allows for easier transport and storage. In yet another aspect, the bottom member 24 and top member 22 of the at least one bento box can cooperate to keep food safe during delivery. In another aspect, the at least one bento box can be easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

[0054] In one aspect, the at least one serving piece 50 can comprise at least one of: a whole plate 60, a half plate 70, a quarter plate 75, a quarter bowl 80, a noodle bowl 85, and a ramekin 90. In another aspect, at least portions of the at least one serving piece 50 can be formed from polymeric materials, metallic materials, ceramic materials, wooden materials and the like. In one exemplary aspect, portions of the at least one serving piece 50 can be formed from porcelain.

[0055] In one aspect, the at least one serving piece can be sized and configured to hold food and/or drink therein. As will be described more fully below, in another aspect, the at least one serving piece 50 can be configured to be placed therein the interior cavity 26 of a bento box 20. In another aspect, the at least one serving piece can be sized so that, when placed therein the interior cavity 26 of a bento box, a sidewall 54 of the serving piece can be spaced a predetermined distance from a peripheral wall 27 of the bottom member 24 of the bento box, as illustrated in Figure 6. In this aspect, the predetermined distance can be sized such that a finger, a utensil, or the like can be inserted into the space between the peripheral wall of the bottom member and the sidewall of the serving piece so that the serving piece can readily be removed from the bento box. In yet another aspect, the at least one serving piece can comprise a plurality of serving pieces. In still another aspect, the at least one serving piece can be configured to be stackably arranged therein the at least one bento box 20 and/or upon other serving pieces of the plurality of serving pieces, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.

[0056] In one aspect, the at least one serving piece 50 can have a base member 56 having a top surface 58 and a bottom surface 59. In another aspect, the at least one serving piece 50 can have a protrusion 52, such as an arm, a shoulder, a pin, and the like extending from the bottom surface 59 of the base member 56, as illustrated in Figures 3B and 4B. In this aspect, at least a portion of the protrusion 52 can have a curvature of predefined radii, although it is contemplated that at least a portion of the protrusion can be substantially linear. In another aspect, at least a portion of a radius of the protrusion can be substantially equal to a radius of the groove 38 of the bottom member 24 of the at least one bento box. In still another aspect, the top surface 58 of the base member 56 can define a void, such as a groove, a slot, an indention, a notch and the like, configured for engaging at least a portion of the bottom surface 59 and/or the protrusion 52 of another serving piece of the at least one serving piece 50. In one aspect, the slot of the top surface 58 of the serving piece can be substantially the same size and shape as the groove 38 defined in the bottom member 24 of the at least one bento box. Although the protrusion 52 is only illustrated with respect to a quarter bowl 80 and a half plate 70, it is contemplated that the protrusion 52 can be formed on or attached to any serving piece of the at least one serving piece 50. In this aspect, the protrusion 52 can be configured for engaging a portion of the slot of the upper surface 28 of the bottom member 24 of the bento box 20 and/or the base member 56 of another serving piece of the at least one serving piece 50. Thus, the engagement between a first serving piece and the bento box 20 and/or a second serving piece of the at least one serving piece 50 can prevent each serving piece from readily sliding on the upper surface 28 of the bottom member 24 of the bento box 20 and/or the top surface 58 of another serving piece.

[0057] In an example, a noodle bowl 85 can be positioned in the bottom member 24 of the bento box. The protrusion 52 of the noodle bowl can engage at least a portion of the groove 38 defined in the bottom member 24 of the bento box in order to prevent the noodle bowl from readily sliding in the bento box. In another example, a whole plate 60 can be positioned in the bottom member of the bento box. The protrusion 52 of the whole plate can engage at least a portion of the groove 38 defined in the bottom member 24 of the bento box. A half plate 70 can be placed on top of the whole plate 60, and the protrusion of the half plate can engage at least a portion of the slot of the top surface 58 of the whole plate. The engagement of the half plate, the whole plate and the bottom member of the bento box 20 can prevent the half plate and the whole plate from readily sliding relative to each other and/or the bento box.

[0058] In another aspect, the at least one serving piece 50 can have at least one sidewall 54 attached to or formed to an outer edge of the bottom member 56 of the at least one serving piece 50. In this aspect, the at least one sidewall 54 and the bottom member 56 can cooperate to define a chamber 55 configured for containing food and/or other serving pieces of the at least one serving piece 50. In one aspect, the at least one sidewall 54 can have a height such that when the at least one serving piece 50 is placed in the bottom member 24 of the at least one bento box 20, an upper edge 57 of the sidewall of the at least one serving piece 50 is substantially coplanar with an upper edge 25 of the peripheral wall 27 of the at least one bento box 20. In another aspect, the at least one sidewall 54 can have a height such that when the at least one serving piece 50 is placed in the bottom member 24 of the at least one bento box 20, the upper edge 57 of the sidewall of the at least one serving piece 50 can be substantially parallel with the upper edge 25 of the peripheral wall 27 of the at least one bento box 20. In another aspect, the at least one sidewall 54 can have a height such that when the at least one serving piece 50 is placed in the bottom member 24 of the at least one bento box 20, the upper edge 57 of the sidewall is substantially not coplanar with the upper edge 25 of the peripheral wall 27 of the at least one bento box 20. For example, the upper edge 57 of the sidewall of the at least one serving piece 50 can be located in a plane above or below the upper edge 25 of the peripheral wall of the at least one bento box 20.

[0059] Similarly, in one aspect, when the at least one serving piece 50 comprises a plurality of serving pieces, the at least one sidewall 54 of a first serving piece can have a height such that when the first serving piece is stacked onto a second serving piece, the upper edge 57 of the sidewall 54 of the first serving piece is substantially coplanar with the upper edge 57 of the sidewall of the second serving piece. In another aspect, the at least one sidewall 54 of the first serving piece can have a height such that when the first serving piece is stacked onto the second serving piece, the upper edge 57 of the sidewall 54 of the first serving piece is substantially not coplanar with the upper edge 57 of the sidewall of the second serving piece. For example, the upper edge 57 of the sidewall of the first serving piece can be located in a plane above or below the upper edge 57 of the sidewall 54 of the first serving piece. In still another aspect, and as illustrated in Figures 7A and 7C, at least two serving pieces of the plurality of serving pieces can have a sidewall 54 having a height such that the upper edge 57 of the sidewalls of the at least two serving pieces are substantially coplanar, and at least a third serving piece of the plurality of serving pieces can have a sidewall having a height that is not substantially coplanar with the upper edges of the sidewalls of the at least two serving pieces.

[0060] In another aspect, the sidewall 54 of the at least one serving piece 50 can have a height such that when the at least one serving piece 50 is placed therein the interior cavity 26 of the at least one bento box 20, the sidewall does not prevent the top member 22 of the bento box 20 from matingly engaging the bottom member 24. In various other aspects, when the at least one serving piece 50 comprises a plurality of serving pieces, the sidewall 54 of each serving piece can have a height such that when the plurality of serving pieces are arranged in a predetermined arrangement, such as, for example and without limitation, a stacked arrangement, and placed therein the interior cavity 26 of a bento box 20, the upper edge 57 of each sidewall of the plurality of serving pieces does not prevent the top member 22 of the bento box 20 from matingly engaging the bottom member 24 of the bento box.

[0061] As previously discussed, when a serving piece 50 is placed in a bento box 20, the upper edge 57 of the sidewall 54 of the serving piece can be substantially parallel with the upper edge 25 of the peripheral wall 27 of the bento box. Moreover, when the serving piece is removed from the bento box and placed on a planar surface, the the upper edge 57 of the sidewall 54 of the serving piece can be substantially parallel with the planar surface.

[0062] As illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, the whole plate 60 can be substantially the same shape as the at least one bento box 20 when viewed from above, according to one aspect. For example, if the bento box 20 is substantially square in shape when viewed from above, the whole plate 60 can be substantially square in shape when viewed from above. In another aspect, the whole plate 60 can have a slightly smaller area than the bento box 20 so that the whole plate 60 can be contained therein the interior cavity 26 of the bento box 20, illustrated in Figure 6.

[0063] In one aspect, the half plate 70 can be substantially triangular in shape, as illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, though other shapes, such as substantially rectangular, substantially square, substantially circular and the like are contemplated. In another aspect, the half plate 70 can have an area approximately one-half the area of the whole plate 60 and/or the at least one bento box 20 when viewed from above, illustrated in Figure 6.

[0064] In another aspect, the quarter bowl 80 can be substantially triangular in shape, as illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, though other shapes, such as substantially rectangular, substantially square, substantially circular and the like are contemplated. In another aspect, the quarter bowl 80 can have an area approximately one-fourth the area of the whole plate 60 and/or the at one least bento box 20 when viewed from above.

[0065] In another aspect, the quarter plate 75 can be substantially triangular in shape, as illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, though other shapes, such as substantially rectangular, substantially square, substantially circular and the like are contemplated. In another aspect, the quarter plate 75 can have an area approximately one-fourth the area of the whole plate 60 and/or the at one least bento box 20 when viewed from above. According to another aspect, the quarter plate can have a sidewall 54 having a height less than the height of a sidewall of the quarter bowl 80.

[0066] In another aspect, the noodle bowl 85 can be substantially square in shape, as illustrated in Figures 15 A, 15B, and 15C though other shapes, such as substantially rectangular, substantially triangular, substantially circular and the like are contemplated. In another aspect, noodle bowl can be substantially the same shape as the at least one bento box 20 when viewed from above, according to one aspect. According to another aspect, the noodle bowl 85 can have a sidewall 54 having a height less than, equal to, or greater than the height of a sidewall of the quarter bowl 80.

[0067] In still another aspect, the ramekin 90 can be substantially triangular in shape when viewed from above, as illustrated in Figures 5A-5D, though other shapes, such as substantially rectangular, substantially square, substantially circular and the like are contemplated. In another aspect, illustrated in Figure 5D, the ramekin 90 can be sized such that three ramekins can be placed inside the chamber 55 of the half plate 70. In various other aspects, however, it is contemplated that the ramekin 90 can be sized such that one, two, four, five or more ramekins can be placed inside the chamber 55 of the half plate 70. It is also contemplated that the ramekin can be formed without the protrusion 52 extending from the bottom surface 59 of the bottom member 56 so that the ramekin can be arranged in a variety of orientations, as illustrated in Figure 5D.

[0068] The at least one glass 100 can be a conventional glass configured for containing a liquid, as illustrated in Figure 8A, according to one aspect.

[0069] In one aspect, the at least one spillage cover 110 can be a cover configured to at least partially seal the at least one serving piece 50 in order to prevent or reduce the amount of spillage of the food or liquid contained therein. In another aspect, and as illustrated in Figures 7A-7C, and 9A-9C, the spillage cover can be shaped and sized to at least partially seal a predetermined serving piece. In still another aspect, the at least one spillage cover 1 10 can have a bottom surface 112 having a shoulder 113 defined around at least a portion of the perimeter of the bottom surface of the spillage cover. In this aspect, the shoulder 113 can be configured such that at least a portion of the spillage cover can be inserted therein the chamber 55 of the at least one serving piece 50 and the shoulder 113 can be placed adjacent to the upper edge 57 of the sidewall 54 of the at least one serving piece 50 to prevent or reduce the amount of spillage of the food or liquid contained therein. In another aspect, at least a portion of the shoulder 1 13 of the spillage cover can contact the sidewall of the serving piece to create at least a partial seal between the cover and the serving piece. In yet another aspect, the spillage cover can be formed from resilient and/or flexible polymeric material, such as rubber, silicone, and the like.

[0070] In another aspect, the at least one glass cover 115 can be a cover configured to at least partially seal the at least one glass 100 in order to prevent or reduce the amount of spillage of the contents thereof. In another aspect, and as illustrated in Figures 8A and 10A- 10C, the glass cover can be shaped and sized to at least partially seal a predetermined glass. In still another aspect, the at least one glass cover 115 can have a bottom surface 112 in which at least one void 114, such as a groove, an indention, a notch and the like, is defined therein. In this aspect, the void 114 can be configured such that at least a portion of an upper lip of a glass 100 can be inserted into the void 114. In yet another aspect, the glass cover can be formed from resilient and/or flexible polymeric material, such as rubber, silicone, and the like, so that when the upper lip of a glass is inserted into the void 114, the cover can at least partially seal the glass 100. In one aspect, the seal can be liquid-tight such that a glass filled with a liquid and having a glass cover 115 attached does not spill when the filled glass is tilted. In another aspect, the bottom surface 112 of the glass cover can define a plurality of voids, illustrated in Figures 10B and IOC, such that a single glass cover can be used to seal glasses having different diameters.

[0071] In another aspect, the at least one spillage cover 110 and/or the at least one glass cover 115 can have a tab 116 protruding therefrom such that a user of the cover can grasp the tab 116 to more easily remove the cover 110, 115 from a glass or serving piece. In another aspect, a top surface 118 and/or the bottom surface 112 of the spillage cover 110 and/or the glass cover 115 can have graphics formed thereon, printed thereon, and/or applied thereto.

[0072] The at least one caddy 120 is illustrated in Figures 11 A-l ID, according to one embodiment. In one aspect, the caddy can have a bottom member 122, at least one sidewall 124, and at least one dividing member 126. In another aspect, at least portions of the caddy can be formed from polymeric materials such as, for example and without limitation, melamine. In other aspects, at least portions of the caddy can be formed from metallic materials, ceramic materials, wooden materials and the like. In another aspect, the at least one sidewall 124 can be attached to or formed to an outer edge of the bottom member 122 of the caddy to form an interior cavity 128 configured for containing the at least one glass 100, condiments, bottles, and the like. In another aspect, the at least one dividing member 126 can divide the interior cavity 128 into a plurality of compartments 130 so that items contained in the interior cavity 128 can be separated from each other. For example and as illustrated in Figure 1 IB, if the at least one dividing member 126 comprises two dividing members, the interior cavity 128 can be divided into four separated interior compartments. In still another aspect, the at least one dividing member 126 can define an aperture 132 configured to be a handle so that a user can easily carry the caddy.

[0073] In another aspect, and as illustrated in Figure 1 ID, the bottom member 122 of the caddy can have a plurality of feet 136 and/or other protrusion formed in and/or attached to a bottom surface 134 of the bottom member 122 of the caddy. According to another aspect, a portion of the plurality of feet 136 and/or other protrusion can be configured to engage at least a portion of the shoulder surface 34 defined therein the upper surface 32 of the top member 22 of a bento box 20. In another aspect, at least portions of the bottom member 122 and/or the sidewall of the caddy can be configured to engage the shoulder surface 34 formed in the top member 22 of a bento box 20. In use, for example, the caddy can be stacked onto a bento box 20 as illustrated in Figure 13. The plurality of feet 136 of the bottom member 122 and/or the bottom member and/or the sidewall 124 of the caddy can engage at least a portion of the top member 22 of the bento box 20, thereby preventing the caddy from readily sliding off the bento box 20. [0074] The at least one bento wrap 140, according to one embodiment, is illustrated in Figures 14A-14C. In one aspect, the bento wrap 140 can be an elongate element configured for carrying the at least one bento box 20 and/or the beverage caddy. In another aspect, the bento wrap can have a proximal end 142, a distal end 144, and a center portion 146. In still another aspect, the center portion 146 of the bento wrap 140 can have a width approximately the same as the width of the at least one bento box 20. In yet another aspect, the width of the proximal end 142 and the distal end 144 of the bento wrap 140 can be less than the width of the center portion 146. In this aspect, the width of the bento wrap 140 can decrease when moving along a longitudinal axis of the wrap from the center portion 146 toward the proximal and the distal ends of the wrap. In yet another aspect, an aperture 148 can be defined in the proximal and the distal ends of the bento wrap 140 and can be configured to be used as handles. In still another aspect, a plurality of magnets can be positioned adjacent the proximal and the distal ends of the bento wrap. In this aspect, the plurality of magnets can be configured to maintain the proximal and distal ends 142, 144 of the bento wrap 140 in a desired position adjacent each other, described more fully below.

[0075 J In another aspect, the bento wrap 140 can be formed from polymeric materials, metallic materials, wooden materials and the like. In various exemplary aspects, the bento wrap 140 can be formed from a flexible material such as silicone, woven vinyl, and/or a PVC coated canvas, though other materials are also contemplated. In another aspect, it is contemplated that the bento wrap can comprise a strap configured to hold an item such as a menu, a bill, a receipt and the like.

[0076] According to another aspect, the tea service tray 170 is illustrated in Figures 16A-16C. In one aspect, the tea service tray can have an upper surface 172 and a lower surface 174. In another aspect, the lower surface of the tea service tray can have a plurality of feet 176 formed in and/or attached to the lower surface 174 of the tray. According to another aspect, a portion of the plurality of feet can be configured to engage at least a portion of the shoulder surface 34 defined therein the top member 22 of the bento box 20. In use, for example, the tea service tray can be stacked onto a bento box. The plurality of feet 176 of the tray can engage at least a portion of the shoulder surface 34 of the top member 22 of the bento box 20, thereby preventing the tray from readily sliding off the bento box. In another aspect, the upper surface 172 of the tray can have a plurality of ridges 178 formed thereon or attached thereto that each enclose an area. In this aspect, each ridge of the plurality of ridges can be sized and configured to conform to the outline of a respective serving piece 50. In use, a serving piece can be positioned within an enclosed area of a ridge 178, which can prevent the serving piece from readily sliding on the upper surface of the tray.

[0077] In one aspect, in use, the at least one serving piece 50 of the food delivery system 10 can be used alone. As can be appreciated by one of skill in the arts, however, because the at least one serving piece is modular and stackable, a plurality of serving pieces can be used together in many combinations. For example and without limitation, a whole plate 60 can be used to position up to two half plates in a desired arrangement, a whole plate 60 can be used to position up to four quarter bowls 80 or quarter plates 75 in a desired arrangement, a whole plate 60 can be used to position one half plate 70 and up to two quarter plates in a desired arrangement, and the whole plate 60, half plate 70, quarter plate 75, and quarter bowl 80 can each be used to position at least one ramekin 90 in a desired arrangement. Figures 17 and 18 illustrate various combinations and/or arrangements of the at least one serving piece 50 in use.

[0078] In use, a predetermined amount and type of food can be inserted into the chamber 55 of a serving piece of the at least one serving piece 50. In one aspect, the type of the at least one serving piece can be chosen based upon the amount and/or type of the food to be inserted therein. For example, soup would likely not be inserted therein the whole plate 60, but would instead be inserted in the chamber of a quarter bowl 80 having a high sidewall. In another example, hot food could be placed in a first serving piece, and cold food could be placed in a second serving piece.

[0079] In another aspect, the type of the at least one serving piece 50 can be chosen based upon a predetermined location at which the food will be eaten. For example, a half plate 70 might be chosen so that a user could conveniently position the half plate 70 adjacent a work station 180 as illustrated in Figure 17. In still another aspect, the type of the at least one serving piece 50 can be chosen based upon the other serving pieces to be delivered to a user within the same bento box 20. For example, two whole plates likely would not be desired in the same bento box 20, but a whole plate 60 with a half plate 70 and/or two quarter plates 75 or quarter bowls 80 stacked thereon the whole plate 60 are a likely combination of serving pieces to be in the same bento box 20, as illustrated in Figures 7A-7C.

[0080] In another aspect, after the predetermined type and amount of food has been inserted into the chamber 55 of the selected at least one serving piece 50, at least one spillage cover 1 10 can optionally be placed thereon the at least one serving piece 50, if desired. As previously discussed, the spillage cover can matingly engage at least one serving piece 50, and thus, it is contemplated that the spillage cover would be inserted onto any serving pieces containing easily spilled food, such as, for example and without limitation, soup.

[0081] In another aspect, after the predetermined type and amount of food has been inserted into the selected at least one serving piece 50, the selected at least one serving piece 50 can be inserted therein the interior cavity 26 of the at least one bento box 20. In one aspect, and as discussed above, the combination of serving pieces can be selected to fit into the cavity of one bento box 20. In another aspect, however, the at least one bento box 20 can comprise a plurality of bento boxes as needed to contain the selected serving pieces therein. For example, the selected serving pieces can be inserted therein the interior cavity of one bento box, two, three, four, five or more bento boxes. When the selected at least one serving piece has been inserted into the interior cavity of the at least one bento box 20, the top member 22 of the bento box 20 can be inserted thereon the bottom member 24, enclosing the selected at least one serving piece 50 therein. If a plurality of bento boxes are to be used, a first bento box can be stacked thereon a second bento box 40, a third bento box can be stacked thereon the first, and so on, as described above and illustrated in Figures 13 and 14C.

[0082] In another aspect, any desired liquid, such as for example and without limitation, water, can be poured into the at least one glass 100, at least one mug, and/or at least one creamer. In one aspect, optionally, a glass cover 115 can be inserted thereon the glass or mug to prevent or reduce the beverage from spilling during transport. The filled glass or mug can be inserted therein the interior cavity 128 of the caddy 120. In another aspect, it is contemplated that at least one empty glass or mug can be inserted therein the interior cavity of the caddy 120 so that a beverage can be poured into the glass or mug at a final location, such as, for example and without limitation, the hotel room of a user. In still another aspect, other miscellaneous items, such as condiments, bottles, carafes, and the like can be inserted therein the interior cavity of the caddy, as illustrated in Figure 12.

[0083] As described above, the caddy can stackably engage the top member 22 of the at least one bento box 20. Thus, in one aspect, a server can optionally stack the loaded caddy onto the at least one bento box 20 (or stack of bento boxes). In another aspect, the caddy can be carried to a desired location without being stacked onto a bento box 20, as illustrated in Figure 19C.

[0084] The at least one bento box 20 (or stack of bento boxes) and the at least one caddy 120, if present and desired, can then be placed thereon the center portion 146 of the bento wrap 140, as illustrated in Figure 14B. The proximal and distal ends 142, 144 of the bento wrap 140 can be lifted above the at least one bento box 20 until the ends are adjacent each other. As illustrated in Figures 19A-19C, a server can then insert a hand through the apertures 132 of the proximal and distal ends of the bento wrap and can carry the at least one bento box 20 and the at least one caddy (if present) to a desired location. If the stack of bento boxes and/or caddy is too high to bring the proximal and distal ends of the bento wrap 140 adjacent each other, in one aspect, additional bento wraps can be used and at least one of the bento boxes and/or caddies can be inserted therein the additional bento wraps. If a plurality of magnets are present in the at least one bento wrap 140, the magnets can maintain the proximal and distal ends 142, 144 of the bento wrap adjacent each other. Thus, if a user of the bento wrap has to set the bento wrap down, the plurality of magnets will prevent the proximal and distal ends of the bento wrap from falling down so that the user can easily lift the bento wrap when desired. In another aspect, the caddy can be carried to without a bento wrap 140, thus freeing up room in the bento wrap 140 for additional bento boxes.

[0085] One embodiment of a method for delivering food is shown, for example, in Figure 20. The method can begin, in one aspect, at step 1000 with the selection of a food item(s) to be delivered. In one aspect, the food to be delivered can be ordered by a user, such as for example and without limitation, a hotel guest ordering room service. In another aspect, food from a predetermined menu can be delivered to a user. At step 1002, at least one serving piece 50 can be selected to contain the food to be delivered. In one aspect, the at least one serving piece can be selected based upon the amount and/or type of the food to be inserted therein. For example, soup would likely be delivered to a user in a quarter bowl 80 having a high sidewall. In another aspect, it is contemplated that a plurality of serving pieces can be used to separate foods having different temperatures. For example, hot food could be placed in a first serving piece, and cold food could be placed in a second serving piece. In yet another aspect, the at least one serving piece 50 can be selected based upon a predetermined location at which the food will be eaten. For example, a half plate 70 might be chosen so that a user could conveniently position the half plate 70 adjacent a workstation 180. In still another aspect, the type of the at least one serving piece 50 can be selected based upon the other serving pieces to be delivered to a user within the same bento box 20. For example, two half plates 70 might be chosen to contain the selected food item because two half plates can easily and conveniently be contained therein the same at least one bento box.

[0086] At step 1004, the selected food can be inserted into the chamber 55 of the selected at least one serving piece 50. At step 1006, optionally, at least one spillage cover 1 10 can be inserted onto any selected at least one serving piece, if desired. For example, a spillage cover can be inserted onto any serving piece containing an easily spilled food, such as, for example and without limitation, soup. At step 1008, the selected at least one serving piece (with food contained therein) can be inserted therein the interior cavity 26 of at least one bento box 20. In one aspect, if the at least one serving piece 50 comprises a plurality of serving pieces that do not fit into a single bento box, or if it is not desired to placed all of the serving pieces into a single bento box, a plurality of bento boxes can be used to contain the plurality of serving pieces therein. In another aspect, after the at least one serving piece has been placed therein the cavity 26 of the at least one bento box, the top member 22 of the at least one bento box can matingly engage the bottom member 24, thereby enclosing the at least one serving piece (and the selected food) therein.

[0087] At step 1010, beverages or other liquids, such as for example and without limitation, water, can be poured into the at least one glass 100, if desired. At this point, optionally, at least one glass cover 115 can be inserted onto the at least one glass, if desired. In one aspect, any desired filled glass, empty glass, condiments, bottles (such as for example and without limitation, a wine bottle, beer bottle, or soda bottle) and the like can be inserted therein a compartment 130 of the at least one caddy. If these items are not required to be delivered, the at least one caddy is not necessary. A plurality of caddies can be used if necessary.

[0088] The at least one bento box 20 and the at least one caddy can be positioned on the at least one bento wrap at step 1012, as illustrated in Figures 14B-14C and 19A-19C. In one aspect, the at least one bento box and the at least one caddy can be stacked together so that a plurality of bento boxes and a caddy can be carried in s single bento wrap. In another aspect, the at least one caddy can be positioned outside of a bento wrap for hand delivery, as illustrated in Figure 19C. A plurality of bento box wraps can be used if desired, or if required to carry the at least one bento box and/or the at least one caddy. At step 1014, the proximal and the distal ends 142, 144 of the at least one bento wrap can be brought adjacent to each other, so that a delivering person's hand can be inserted through apertures of the bento wrap. The at least one bento wrap containing at least the at least one bento box 20 can then be delivered to the desired location. The at least one caddy, if desired, can be delivered separately from or within the at least one bento wrap.

[0089] Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0090] Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims that follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A food delivery system comprising:

at least one bento box comprising a top member and a bottom member, wherein the top member and the bottom member are configured to selectively, matingly engage each other to define an interior cavity, wherein the bottom member of the at least one bento box has a peripheral wall extending upwardly therefrom a bottom wall having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein a groove is defined in at least a portion of the upper surface of the bottom member, and wherein the groove is spaced from the peripheral wall at least a predetermined distance; and

at least one serving piece for holding food therein, wherein the at least one serving piece is configured to be selectively positioned in the interior cavity of the at least one bento box, wherein the at least one serving piece has a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the bottom surface has at least one male protrusion spaced from a respective edge of the bottom surface at least a predetermined distance,

wherein at least a portion of the at least one male protrusion of the at least one serving piece is configured to matingly engage with a portion of the groove in the at least one bento box.

2. The food delivery system of Claim 1 , wherein the upper surface of the bottom member is sloped downwardly from the peripheral wall towards the groove.

3. The food delivery system of Claim 2, wherein the groove defines a shoulder oriented outwardly toward the peripheral wall, and wherein at least a portion of the at least one male protrusion of the at least one serving piece matingly engages the shoulder.

4. The food delivery system of Claim 3, wherein the groove of the bottom member of the at least one bento box is substantially a four-sided groove in which each side has a curvature of predefined radii, and wherein the groove is curved away from a center portion of the at least one bento box.

5. The food delivery system of Claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the protrusion of the at least one serving piece has a curvature of predefined radii, and wherein at least a portion of a radius of the at least one serving piece is substantially equal to a radius of the groove of the bottom member of the at least one bento box.

6. The food delivery system of Claim 2, wherein a lower portion of the groove is substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the bottom member in a center portion of the bottom member.

7. The food delivery system of Claim 6, wherein the top surface of the at least one serving piece defines a slot having substantially the same size and shape as at least a portion of the groove defined in the at least one bento box.

8. The food delivery system of Claim 7, wherein the at least one serving piece comprises a plurality of serving pieces, and wherein the protrusion of the bottom surface of a first serving piece engages the slot in the top surface of a second, adjoining serving piece.

9. The food delivery system of Claim 8, wherein, when the first and second serving pieces are positioned therein the interior cavity of the at least one bento box, an upper edge of the peripheral wall of the bottom member of the bento box is substantially coplanar with an upper edge of a sidewall of the first and second serving pieces.

10. The food delivery system of Claim 1 , wherein the groove of the bottom member is a continuous groove.

1 1. The food delivery system of Claim 1 , wherein the top member and the bottom member are configured to selectively, matingly engage each other along at least a portion of their respective peripheral edges.

12. The food delivery system of Claim 1 , wherein the lower surface of the bottom member of the at least one bento box has a plurality of feet configured to engage at least a portion of a shoulder surface defined therein the upper surface of the top member.

13. The food delivery system of Claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the top member of the at least one bento box comprises a window formed from a transparent material such that when the top member and the bottom member are engaged, the interior cavity of the bento box is visible.

14. The food delivery system of Claim 1 , further comprising a means for ventilating the at least one bento box.

15. The food delivery system of Claim 14, wherein the means for ventilating the at least one bento box comprises an opening defined in the top member of the bento box and a cover positioned in the interior cavity spaced from the opening, wherein the cover has a larger area than the opening.

16. The food delivery system of Claim 1, wherein the at least one bento box comprises a plurality of bento boxes, and wherein the lower surface of the bottom member of one bento box has a plurality of feet configured to engage at least a portion of a shoulder surface defined therein an adjoining bento box.

17. The food delivery system of Claim 16, wherein each bento box of the plurality of bento boxes is configured to deliver food at a respective desired temperature.

18. The food delivery system of Claim 1 , wherein the at least one serving piece is selected from the group consisting of a whole plate, a half plate, a quarter plate, a quarter bowl, and a noodle bowl.

19. The food delivery system of Claim 1, wherein, when the at least one serving piece is positioned therein the interior cavity of the at least one bento box, an upper edge of the peripheral wall of the bottom member of the bento box is substantially coplanar with an upper edge of a sidewall of the at least one serving piece.

20. The food delivery system of Claim 18, wherein, when the at least one serving piece is positioned therein the interior cavity of the at least one bento box, the upper edge of the peripheral wall of the bottom member of the bento box is spaced from the upper edge of the sidewall of the at least one serving piece.

21. The food delivery system of Claim 1, further comprising at least one glass and a caddy configured for carrying the at least one glass.

22. The food delivery system of Claim 21 , wherein a bottom surface of the caddy has a plurality of feet configured to engage at least a portion of a shoulder surface defined therein the upper surface of the top member of the at least one bento box.

23. The food delivery system of Claim 1, further comprising at least one elongate bento wrap configured for carrying at least the at least one bento box.

24. A method of delivering food comprising:

placing food in at least one serving piece having a protrusion on a bottom surface of the at least one serving piece,

placing the at least one serving piece in a bottom member of at least one bento box, wherein the protrusion of the at least one serving piece can be oriented and positioned by a groove defined in the bottom member of the at least one bento box, and wherein an upper edge of the at least one serving piece is substantially parallel with a peripheral wall of the at least one bento box;

engaging a top member of the at least one bento box with the bottom member; positioning the at least one bento box on a center portion of a bento wrap;

moving a proximal and distal end of the bento wrap to a position adjacent each other; and

carrying the bento wrap to a desired location.

25. A food delivery system comprising:

at least one bento box comprising a top member and a bottom member, wherein the top member and the bottom member are configured to matingly engage each other to define an interior cavity;

at least one serving piece for holding food therein, wherein the at least one serving piece is configured to be positioned in the interior cavity of the at least one bento box; means for orienting the at least one serving piece relative to a peripheral wall of the at least one bento box; and

at least one elongate bento wrap configured for carrying at least the at least one bento box.

26. The food delivery system of Claim 25, wherein the means for orienting the at least one serving piece comprises a groove defined in the bottom member of the at least one bento box, wherein the groove is spaced from the peripheral wall at least a predetermined distance, wherein the at least one serving piece has a male protrusion spaced from a respective edge of a bottom surface of the at least one serving piece at least a predetermined distance, wherein the groove and the protrusion are configured to matingly engage each other; and wherein an upper surface of the bottom member is sloped downwardly from the peripheral wall towards the groove.