US20170156463A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20170156463A1
Application number: US15/368,762
Authority: US
Inventors: Grace Elizabeth Morrow
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-12-04
Filing date: 2016-12-05
Publication date: 2017-06-08

Abstract

A food storage container is provided. The food storage container includes an outer cover. The outer cover includes an outer edge, a first portion, a second portion and a middle portion disposed in between the first and second portions. A sidewall extends vertically from the outer edge of the first portion, the second portion, and the middle portion. A first handle extends from the first portion and a second handle extends from the second portion. The food storage container includes a closed mode and an open mode. The closed mode includes a connector connecting the upper edge of the sidewall at the first portion to the upper edge of the sidewall at the second portion. The open mode includes the connector detached and the outer cover substantially planar forming an eating surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/263,140, filed Dec. 4, 2015, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a food storage container and, more particularly, to a food storage container that provides an eating surface.

The lunch container, also referred to as a lunch box, lunch pail or lunch kit, is used to store food to be taken anywhere. Today, lunch containers are generally made of plastic, with foam insulation, and an aluminum/vinyl interior. As a result, they're usually much better at retaining their temperature but are less rigid/protective.

Lunch containers do not provide for sanitary food consumption. When food or liquids are spilled, they seep into the lining causing odors. Further, the food within the lunch container must be removed from the container and placed on a public use surface, such as a cafeteria table.

As can be seen, there is a need for an improved lunch container that provides an eating surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a food storage container comprises: an outer cover comprising an outer edge, a first portion, a second portion and a middle portion disposed in between the first and second portions; a sidewall extending vertically from the outer edge of the first portion, the second portion and the middle portion, wherein the sidewall comprises an upper edge comprising a connector; and a first handle extending from the first portion and a second handle extending from the second portion, wherein the food storage container comprises a closed mode and an open mode, wherein the closed mode comprises the connector connecting the upper edge of the sidewall at the first portion to the upper edge of the sidewall at the second portion and the open mode comprises the connector detached and the outer cover substantially planar.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a closed mode;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in an open mode;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating an insertion of an ice pack;

FIG. 4A is a top view of an embodiment of the ice pack;

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of an embodiment of the ice pack;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in an open mode illustrating an ice pack within a food storage container;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention illustrating a transition between the open mode to the closed mode;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line7-7 inFIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention in an open mode illustrating the present invention used as a tray;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line9-9 inFIG. 5; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line10-10 inFIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

The present invention includes a machine washable lunch container that opens into a tray with a concealed ice sheet. The present invention provides for organized and clean food and beverage placement during transport and while eating. The vertical sides of the tray keep food from rolling or sliding off onto a public use surface at meal-time. Pairs of tucks in three locations cause the sides of the container to fold in when the zipper is closed, keeping the inside of the container clean. The concealed ice sheet maintains temperature control for refrigerated items.

The present invention allows for thorough cleansing since the lunch container is machine washable and dryable. Because the container opens to form a tray with vertical sides, food stays on the clean surface while eating. Tucks at each end of the zipper and across the center bottom outer edges of the container cause the vertical sides of the container to fold inward when the zipper is closed, thereby keeping the inside of the container clean.

Referring toFIGS. 1 through 10, the present invention includes afood storage container27. Thefood storage container27 includes anouter cover1. Theouter cover1 includes an outer edge, a first portion, a second portion and a middle portion disposed in between the first and second portions. Asidewall7 extends vertically from the outer edge of the first portion, the second portion, and the middle portion. Afirst handle5 extends from the first portion and asecond handle5 extends from the second portion. Thefood storage container27 includes a closed mode and an open mode. The closed mode includes aconnector6 connecting the upper edge of thesidewall7 at the first portion to the upper edge of thesidewall7 at the second portion. The open mode includes theconnector6 detached and theouter cover1 substantially planar forming an eating surface.

Theconnector6 may include a zipper, snap buttons, a hook and loop fastener, clips, and the like. In certain embodiments, theconnector6 may create a water tight seal. For example, theconnector6 is a zipper that is disposed along a substantial portion of the upper edge of thesidewall7. The zipper connects the upper edge of thesidewall7 together, thereby closing thefood storage container27. In certain embodiments, thesidewall7 portion extending from the middle portion aretucks11. Thetucks11 may be made of additional foldable material. Thetucks11 allow thevertical sidewall7 to fold inward when thefood storage container27 is closed.

The present invention may further include a lining2. The lining2 includes an outer edge. A substantial portion of the outer edge is attached to an inner surface of theouter cover1 forming apocket21a.A portion of the outer edge of the lining2 is detached from the inner surface of theouter cover1, forming anopening20 into thepocket21a.Thepocket21aextends over the first portion, the middle portion and the second portion. Aflap16 is secured to the inner surface of theouter cover1. Theflap16 includes aconnector21, such as a hook and loop fastener, a snap button, magnets, and the like. Theconnector21 releasably secures theflap16 to the lining2 and covers the opening20 of thepocket21a.

Thefood storage container27 may further include aninsulating layer4.Insulation4 may be placed throughout thecontainer27, as well as in thehandles5 for temperature retention and cushioned comfort. Theinsulating layer4 may include a material incorporating polyester fibers with a metalized, conduction-resistant film. The insulatinglayer4 may be secured to the inner surface of theouter cover1 by aninsulation cover9. Theinsulation cover9 may be stitched to the inner surface of theouter cover1 and the insulation may be disposed in between theinsulation cover9 and theouter cover1. Theinsulation cover9 aids in the easy insertion of anice pack22 in thepocket21a.Theinsulation cover9 and theinsulation layer4 may be disposed within thepocket21a.

The present invention may further include theice pack22 sized to fit within thepocket21ain between theinsulation layer4 and the lining2. Theice pack22 may be disposed within acover25. Theice pack22 may be easily inserted into thepocket21aand removed from thepocket21athrough theopening20. Theice pack22 is formed of an outer casing and a liquid disposed within the outer casing. The outer casing may be made of a flexible material. The outer casing includes a first portion disposed at the first portion of theouter cover1, a middle portion disposed at the middle portion of theouter cover1, and a second portion disposed at the second portion of theouter cover1. In certain embodiments, arigid plate23 with lockingstrips24 may be secured to the middle portion of theice pack22. Therigid plate23 adds additional form to thefood storage container27 and supports thefood storage container27 in an upright position when resting on a surface.

In certain embodiments, the first portion, second portion and middle portion of theice pack22 may be made of a rigid outer casing. In such embodiments, a first live hinge26 secures the first portion and the middle portion of theice pack22 together and a second live hinge26 secures the middle portion and the second portion of theice pack22 together. The live hinges26 may bend with theouter cover1 when thefood storage container27 is transitioning from the open mode to the closed mode.

Inside the container, afood pocket12 withfood pocket casings13 enclosing the casing elastic14 may be stitched in place. Also, two utensil/food loops15 are attached inside. Reinforcement strips may back the areas of the lining2 where thefood pocket12 and utensil/food loops15 are attached, as well as theopening20.

In use, theice pack22 is frozen until thecontainer27 is to be packed. Thecontainer27 is opened to the tray position. Theice pack22 is placed in thepocket21awith therigid panel23 disposed at the middle portion. Thepocket21amay be closed using theflap16 and theconnector21, securing theice pack22 within. Thefood pocket12 holds an apple, yogurt, etc. in place because of the casing elastic14 in thefood pocket casings13 at its top and bottom. The utensil/food loops15 provide a similar function, providing secure placement for silverware or food.Other food items28 and abeverage container29 are placed on the tray over the middle portion.

To close thecontainer27, thehandles5 are pulled up until the zipper meets. The zipper is zipped. Thevertical sidewall16 naturally folds inward when the zipper is closed because oftucks11 placed on each side of each end of the zipper, and also on the bottom, outside edge of the container's ends. Theinsulation4 and theice pack22 keeps the food cool. Asmall pocket19 covers the bottom end of the zipper, keeping it from raveling, and also providing decoration where the zipper extends beyond thecontainer27. To wash the container, theice pack22 is removed with thecontainer27 open to the tray position. Theice pack22 may be wiped (if needed) and returned to the freezer. Thecontainer27 may be washed in cold water and dried as needed.

Theouter cover1 and the lining2 may be made of a fabric material. The material of thecover1 and the lining2 may be the same or different. The fabrics used can be solid colors, plaids and prints, calicos, or any other design. The fabrics used in thecontainer27 may be machine washable and dryable. Theinsulation4 material may also be machine washable and dryable.

The lunch container of the present invention could be used for a variety of purposes other than transporting and consuming a meal. With the ice sheet in place, the container could be used in the food industry for transporting a small number of prepared samples to prospective customers. The present invention may be used to keep small temperature sensitive grocery items cool, such as butter, fresh yeast, cheese, or meat. The present invention may be used to keep prescriptions or over the counter medicines within the ideal temperature range when one is outside or traveling. The present invention may be used as a cooler to keep beverages cold. The present invention may be used to keep bait fresh while fishing.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A food storage container comprising:

an outer cover comprising an outer edge, a first portion, a second portion, and a middle portion disposed in between the first and second portions;

a sidewall extending vertically from the outer edge of the first portion, the second portion, and the middle portion, wherein the sidewall comprises an upper edge comprising a connector; and

a first handle extending from the first portion and a second handle extending from the second portion, wherein

the food storage container comprises a closed mode and an open mode, wherein the closed mode comprises the connector connecting the upper edge of the sidewall at the first portion to the upper edge of the sidewall at the second portion and the open mode comprises the connector detached and the outer cover substantially planar.

2. The food storage container ofclaim 1, further comprising a lining comprising an outer edge, wherein a substantial portion of the outer edge is attached to an inner surface of the outer cover forming a pocket, wherein a portion of the outer edge of the lining is detached from the inner surface of the outer cover forming an opening into the pocket.

3. The food storage container ofclaim 2, wherein the pocket extends over the first portion, the middle portion and the second portion.

4. The food storage container ofclaim 3, further comprising an ice pack sized to fit within the pocket.

5. The food storage container ofclaim 4, wherein the ice pack is formed of an outer casing and a liquid disposed within the outer casing.

6. The food storage container ofclaim 5, wherein the outer casing comprises a first portion disposed at the first portion of the outer cover, a middle portion disposed at the middle portion of the outer cover, and a second portion disposed at the second portion of the outer cover.

7. The food storage container ofclaim 6, further comprising a rigid plate secured to the middle portion of the ice pack.

8. The food storage container ofclaim 6, further comprising a first live hinge securing the first portion and the middle portion of the ice pack together and a second live hinge securing the middle portion and the second portion of the ice pack together.

9. The food storage container ofclaim 2, further comprising an insulating layer disposed in between the lining and the outer cover.

10. The food storage container ofclaim 2, further comprising a flap secured to the inner surface of the outer cover, wherein the flap comprises a connector releasably securing the flap to the lining to cover the opening of the pocket.