Abstract:
An insert including a support panel, a first tab, and a second tab. The support panel defining a front edge, a back edge opposite the front edge, a first side edge extending between the front edge and the back edge, and a second side edge extending between the front edge and the back edge opposite the first side edge. The support panel is adapted to support a food product during cutting of the food product and during transfer of the food product to a container. The first tab extends along the first side edge of the support panel from the front edge only partially toward the back edge. The second tab extends along the second side edge of the support panel from the back edge only partially toward the front edge. Other inserts and trays and combinations including inserts or trays provide additional advantages.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Pizza is one of the most popular food items in the United States. Pizzas come in many different shapes and sizes, with virtually unlimited variation in the types of toppings, meats, vegetables, cheese, doughs/crusts and other ingredients used. Commercial pizza makers with national and international presence, especially pizza restaurants, typically select, develop and promote a number of different pizzas. 
   Once a pizza is prepared, pizza for take-out or delivery is typically cut and boxed for transport from the pizza restaurant. The pizza is typically cut on a cutting surface prior to placement of the pizza into the pizza box. Placement of each individual piece of pizza into the box with a spatula or other device would be time consuming. As a result, individual piece placement into a box would decrease overall restaurant productivity. On the other hand, sliding of a cut pizza from a pizza peel or paddle into a pizza box can also be problematic as it potentially disrupts the arrangement of cheese and toppings on the pizza, for example. In particular, sliding of the pizza may cause the toppings to slide to undesirably intermingle with each other or to entirely slide off of the pizza crust. In addition, the pieces of pizza may shift, destroying the uniform and aesthetically appealing arrangement of the individual slices of pizza within the pizza box. 
   Problems associated with transfer of pizza from the cutting table to the box are further exacerbated in instances in which multiple smaller pizzas, composite pizzas, or other multiple food products are desired to be placed within a single pizza box. In particular, due to the individual nature of the separate or composite pizzas, problems with shifting or sliding of toppings or of the smaller individual products themselves are amplified. Similar problems are also encountered with other food products. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One embodiment of the present invention relates to an insert including a support panel, a first tab, and a second tab. The support panel defining a front edge, a back edge opposite the front edge, a first side edge extending between the front edge and the back edge, and a second side edge extending between the front edge and the back edge opposite the first side edge. The support panel is adapted to support a food product during cutting of the food product and during transfer of the food product to a container. The first tab extends along the first side edge of the support panel from the front edge only partially toward the back edge. The second tab extends along the second side edge of the support panel from the back edge only partially toward the front edge. Other articles, features, and advantages are also disclosed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded, perspective view of a boxed food article, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an insert of the boxed food article of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating a process of cutting and transferring a food product from a cutting table to a box to form the boxed food article of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the placement of multiple pizzas onto the insert of  FIG. 2 , according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of cutting of the pizzas of  FIG. 4 , according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of lifting the pizzas and package insert of  FIG. 5  from a support surface, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a box/food combination  10  for transport from a preparation site, such as for delivery to or pickup by a consumer. Combination  10  includes a food product  12 , a package or box  14 , and a tray or insert  16 . Food product  12  is placed upon insert  16  and food product  12  and insert  16  are collectively placed within box  14 . When box  14  is closed, food product  12 , box  14 , and insert  16  can collectively be transported by delivery personnel or by the consumer, for example, with relative ease. 
   In one embodiment, food product  12  is any edible food product. Food product  12  is e.g. an edible food product  12  benefiting from cutting or other arrangement prior to placement within box  14  and subsequent consumption by the consumer. In one embodiment, food product  12  includes a plurality of food products  18 , each requiring cutting or other arrangement prior to placement within box  14  and subsequent consumption by the consumer. In one embodiment, food product  12  is a pizza. In one embodiment, in which the food product  12  is a plurality of food products  18 , the plurality of food products  18  are a plurality of pizzas, e.g. a plurality of pizzas backed simultaneously. 
   In one embodiment, box  14  is a pizza box, such as a conventional pizza box. Accordingly, a unitary, double-sided corrugated cardboard piece is folded about a plurality of scored or perforated lines to enable the unitary cardboard piece to form box  14 . More specifically, in one embodiment, box  14  defines a bottom panel  20 , a central panel  22 , and a top panel  24 . In one embodiment, bottom panel  20  includes a main portion  26  and side walls  28 ,  30 , and  32 . Main portion  26  is substantially rectangular and substantially planar. Side walls  28 ,  30 , and  32  each extend from an edge of main portion  26 . 
   In one embodiment, central panel  22  is substantially elongated and rectangular. Central panel  22  extends from main portion  26  on an edge not coupled to side wall  28 ,  30 , or  32 . More specifically, central panel extends from main portion  26  a distance substantially equal to or greater than the extension of each of the sides walls  28 ,  30 , and  32  from main portion  26 . In one embodiment, top panel  24  includes a main portion  34  and side walls  36 ,  38 , and  40 . Main portion  34  is sized substantially similar to main portion  26  of bottom panel  20 . One edge of main portion  34  is coupled to central panel  22  opposite main portion  26  of bottom panel  20 . Side walls  36 ,  38 , and  40  extend from the three edges of main portion  34  not coupled with central panel  22 . 
   In one embodiment, at least a portion of inside surfaces  42  and  44  of bottom panel  20  and top panel  24 , respectively, are coated with an oil barrier coating to generally prevent grease or other fluid and semi-fluid components of food product  12  from penetrating through panels  20  and/or  22  and onto clothes, auto seats, or anything else which may come in contact with the outside of box  14 . In one embodiment, box  14  is scored or perforated along an interface  46  between bottom panel  20  and central panel  22  and along an interface  48  between top panel  24  and central panel  22 , respectively, to facilitate folding and assembly of box  14 . In particular, upon full assembly, box  14  is folded along interfaces  46  and  48  such that top panel  24  is aligned and positioned directly opposite bottom panel  20  and such that side walls  28 ,  30 , and  32  fit around side walls  36 ,  38 , and  40 . 
   To this end, in one embodiment, bottom panel  20  acts as a base whereas top panel  24  acts as a cover. Notably, top panel  24  and bottom panel  20  are sized such that upon closing box  14 , side walls  36 ,  28 , and  40  tightly fit around and interact with side walls  28 ,  30 , and  32  to generally prevent lifting of top panel  24  away from bottom panel  20  without the application of deliberate force. Accordingly, bottom panel  20  and central panel  22  collectively define a cavity  50  that is selectively capped by top panel  24 . 
   One embodiment of insert  16  is generally illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Insert  16  includes a support panel or member  60 , a first tab or handle  62 , and a second tab or handle  64 . Support panel  60 , first tab  62 , and second tab  64  are each integrally formed of a single material. In one embodiment, support panel  60 , first tab  62 , and second tab  64  are collectively formed of a single piece of corrugated cardboard medium, such as a corrugated, double-faced cardboard. Other materials, such as paper, plastic, etc. are also contemplated. In one embodiment, the corrugated cardboard medium is formed of an E-flute corrugated, double-faced cardboard. In one embodiment, support panel  60 , first tab  62 , and/or second tab  64  are formed of a material having a combination of a sufficiently small thickness and a sufficiently high density to decrease absorption of cutting blade energy, which would inhibit cutting of food product  12 , as will be further described below. 
   Support panel  60  defines a front edge  66 , a back edge  68 , a first side edge  70 , and a second side edge  72 . In one embodiment, support panel  60  is substantially rectangular and front edge  66  is opposite back edge  68 . Although defined herein as front and back edges  66  and  68 , during use, in one embodiment, insert  16  is orientable such that front edge  66  may be back edge  68  and vice versa. Side edges  70  and  72  of support panel  60  extend between front  66  and back  68  opposite one another. 
   First tab  62  is initially positioned on a common plane with support panel  16 . More specifically, in one embodiment, first tab  62  is coupled with support panel  60  at first side edge  70  to define a linear interface  74  between first tab  62  and support panel  60 . In one embodiment, first tab  62  is positioned relatively near front edge  66  relative to back edge  68  of support panel  60 . In one embodiment, first tab  62  extends along first side edge  70  in a position substantially flush with front edge  66  partially toward back edge  68 , for example, along one of substantially half of substantially half or less than half of a length of the first side edge. In one embodiment, a back edge  76  of first tab  62 , which is opposite front edge  66 , is angled back toward first side edge  70 . Accordingly, first tab  62  is generally trapezoidal. In other embodiments, first tab  62  extends entirely along first side edge  70  or partially along any portion of first side edge  70 . 
   In one embodiment, interface  74  between first tab  62  and support panel  60  is scored or perforated to facilitate rotation or folding of first tab  62  about interface  74  as indicated by rotation arrow  78 . In one embodiment, first tab  62  includes indicia  80  generally indicating the proper orientation of insert  16  during use, for example which side of insert  16  should be facing up during use. Indicia  80  are printed, stamped, perforated, indented, or otherwise formed on first tab  62 . 
   Second tab  64  is coupled with second side edge  72  of support panel  60  in a similar manner as first tab  62  is coupled with support panel  60  at first side edge  70 . Accordingly, second tab  64  is also initially formed on a common plane with support panel  60 . In addition, a generally linear interface  82  is defined between second tab  64  and support panel  60 . In one embodiment, second tab  64  is coupled with second side edge  72  from first side edge  70  in a position substantially flush with back edge  68  and extending only partially towards front edge  66 , for example, along one of substantially half or less than half of a length of the second side edge  68 . In one embodiment, a front edge  84  of second tab  64 , which is opposite back edge  58 , is angled toward second side edge  72  of support panel  60 . Accordingly, second tab  64  is generally trapezoidal. In other embodiments, second tab  64  extends entirely along second side edge  72  or partially along any portion of second side edge  72 . 
   In one embodiment, interface  82  is scored or perforated in order to facilitate rotation or folding of second tab  64  about the interface  82  as indicated by arrow  86 . In one embodiment, second tab  64  includes indicia  88 , which generally indicate the proper orientation of insert  16  during use, for example, which side of the insert should be facing up during use. Indicia  88  are printed, stamped, perforated, indented, or otherwise formed on second tab  64 . In one embodiment, other indicia (not illustrated) are additionally or alternatively included on support panel  60 . 
   When tabs  62  and  64  are folded to extend in an angular manner from support panel  60 , tabs  62  and  64  can be easily grasped by a consumer or a user to manipulate and translate the entirety of insert  16 . In one embodiment, first and second tabs  62  and  64  are configured such that first tab  62  rotates about interface  74  in a clockwise direction (arrow  78 ) to extend from support panel  60  in a substantially perpendicular manner, and second tab  64  is configured to rotate about interface  82  in a counterclockwise direction (arrow  86 ) to extend from main panel  60  in a substantially perpendicular manner. Notably, in one embodiment, first and second tabs  62  and  64  are each sized such that upon rotation of tabs  62  and  64 , tabs  62  and  64  extend from support panel  60  a distance greater than an overall height of food product  12  or plurality of food products  18 . Moreover, in one embodiment, each tab  62  and  64  extends from support panel  60  a distance less than the extension of side walls  28 ,  30 , and  32  of bottom panel  20  from main portion  26 . 
   In one embodiment, tabs  62  and  64  are configured to facilitate manufacture of insert  16  by allowing multiple inserts  16  to be cut from adjacent portions of the stock material with little or no waste stock material between inserts  16 . In particular, in one embodiment, multiple inserts  16  are sequentially laid out on the stock board or material for subsequent cutting such that a second tab  64  of a second insert (not shown) is adjacent to back edge  76  of first tab  62  as well as first side edge  70  of first insert  16 . The adjacent or side-to-side configuration of tabs  62  and  64  on stock board prevents excess waste of the stock board during manufacture of a plurality of inserts, and thereby, decreases overall insert production costs. 
   In one embodiment, a coating  90  is placed upon at least one surface of support panel  60  and/or first and second tabs  62  and  64  to prevent absorption of grease or other components of food product  12  and to resist cutting (i.e. to prevent absorption of blade force during cutting). In one particular embodiment, support panel  60  and/or first and second tabs  62  and  64  are coated with an oil barrier coating  90  to prevent or decrease absorption of blade energy and grease or other components of food product  12 . 
     FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of a process for cutting and boxing pizza  12  generally at  100 . At  102 , insert  16  is placed on a support surface  104 , such as a table, counter, cart, peel, etc., capable of maintaining insert  16  a distance from the ground during cutting of pizza  12 . In one embodiment, insert  16  is placed on support surface  104  such that front edge  66  is nearer the user than back edge  68 . In one embodiment, insert  16  is placed upon support surface  104  such that the directional indicia  80  and/or  88  is upright and easily readable to the user. In particular, insert  16  is placed upon support surface  104  such that the surface of insert  16  having an oil barrier coating  90  faces up (i.e., is positioned opposite support surface  104 ). In one embodiment, first and second tabs  62  and  64  are each folded about the respective interface  74  and  82  to effectively “break-in” tabs  62  and  64  for subsequent rotation upon lifting of insert  16  from support surface  104 , as will be further described below. Such movement of tabs  62  and  64  moves tabs  62  and  64  out of the common plane with support panel  60 . 
   At  106 , pizza  12  is placed upon support panel  60  of insert  16  opposite support surface  104  as illustrated with additional reference to  FIG. 4 . In one embodiment, in which food product  12  is a plurality of individual cooked pizzas  18 , each pizza  18  is arranged adjacent to each other on support panel  60 . In one embodiment, the plurality of pizzas  18  includes four pizzas each positioned on a respective quadrant of support panel  60 . 
   Following placement of pizza  12  upon insert  16 , at  108 , a blade, knife, cutting wheel, etc., such as a blade  110 , is used to cut pizza  12  as illustrated with additional reference to  FIG. 5 . In one embodiment, blade  110  is used to cut each of the plurality of pizzas  18  into four pieces or quadrants  112  to facilitate subsequent consumption by consumers. In one embodiment, pizzas  18  are aligned with each other and cut into quadrants  112  by drawing blade  110  in four passes  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and  120  wherein each blade pass  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and  120  cuts into and through at least two of the plurality of pizzas  18 . 
   In particular, each blade pass  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and  120  fully cuts through each contacted pizza  18  while not substantially penetrating into support panel  60  of insert  16 . In particular, the material used to define support panel  60  has a thickness and a density configured to generally decrease absorption of blade energy by main panel  60  with cutting blade  110  during passes  114 ,  116 ,  118 , and  120 , to reduce the likelihood of incomplete cuts through pizza  12 . In addition, the oil barrier coating generally prevents pizza grease, steam, etc. from soaking into support panel  60  from pizza  12 . 
   When pizza  12  has been arranged and cut upon support panel  60 , at  122 , insert  16  is lifted from support surface  104 . In particular, tabs  62  and  64  grasped by a user  124  and are rotated up from support panel  60  about interfaces  66  and  72 , respectively (see arrows  78  and  86  of  FIG. 2 ) as generally illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Notably, as illustrated, in one embodiment, tabs  62  and  64  extend from main panel a distance further than the extension of pizza  12  from support panel  60  to allow user  124  to grasp tabs  62  and  64  without contacting or contaminating pizza  12 , which may, in turn, prevent burning, injury, or soiling of user  124  or deformation or soiling of pizza  12 . Upon grasping or lifting of tabs  62  and  64 , insert  16  maintains support panel  60  in a substantially level manner such that pizza  12  is evenly supported on insert  16 . 
   At  126 , user  124  places insert  16 , and therefore pizza  12 , into cavity  60  of box  14  as generally illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In particular, insert  16  fits within cavity  60  such that front edge  66  is relatively near and substantially parallel with side wall  30 , back edge  68  is relatively near and substantially parallel with central panel  22 , first side edge  70  is relatively near and substantially parallel with side wall  28 , and second side edge  72  is relatively near and substantially parallel with side wall  32 . In one embodiment, side walls  28 ,  30 , and  32  as well as central panel  22  each extend from bottom panel  20  a distance sufficient to extend above the extension of tabs  62  and  64  and pizza  12  from support panel  60  and, therefore, bottom panel  20  when placed within cavity  60  of box  14 . In this manner, pizza  12 , and in one embodiment, the plurality of pizza pieces  14  can be placed within cavity  60  of box  14  in an orderly and aesthetically appealing manner, rather than in a haphazard manner that could lead to inadvertent mixing, loss of toppings, or consumer displeasure. 
   At  128 , box  14  is closed and box/food combination  10  is transported as necessary for subsequent consumption of pizza  12  by the consumer. In particular, central panel  22  is rotated about interface  38  and top panel  24  is rotated about interface  40  of box  14  to close box  14  by placing top panel  24  directly opposite bottom panel  20 . When directly opposite bottom panel  20 , top panel  24  is positioned such that side walls  34 ,  36 , and  38  fit tightly around side walls  28 ,  30 , and  32  of bottom panel  20 . Once closed, box/food combination  10  is ready for transportation by delivery or via consumer pickup. Notably, insert  16  also facilitates simultaneous removal of entire pizza  12  for subsequent consumption. Following removal or consumption of pizza  12  from box  14  and insert  16 , box  14  and insert  16  are readily disposable in similar manners such as via a trash, garbage, or recycling receptacle. 
   A tray or insert according to embodiments of the present invention facilitates cutting and subsequent positioning of a food product, such as pizza or a plurality of pizzas, within a box for transport to an area for consumption. In particular, by providing a single surface to serve as a cutting surface and a support surface, handling of the food product is decreased, thereby decreasing the probability that the food product will be disrupted or contaminated during packaging. In addition, the insert increases productivity by providing a quick and easy way of aesthetically arranging the food product prior to cutting of the food product. By saving boxing time and decreasing food product deformities, the tray or insert of the present invention saves a pizza restaurant money in the form of increased productivity and decreased product waste. In addition, by contributing to overall customer satisfaction, the insert increases the chance or repeat customer patronage of the pizza restaurant.