Abstract:
An apparatus includes a base box comprising a planar format and raised walls about a perimeter of the base box. The base box further comprises a smooth plastic material being washable for sanitizing. The base box is further configured to be operable for containing a food product. A foldable covering lid has an edge joined to the base box at a top plane of one of the raised walls. The foldable covering lid includes a planar format and lid walls about a perimeter of the foldable covering lid adjacent to the joined edge. The lid walls are configured to fit snugly against the raised walls in a closed position. The foldable covering lid further comprises the smooth plastic material where the apparatus is operable for containing the food product and being washed and sanitized for reuse as a food container.

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to food storage. More particularly, the invention relates to a reusable pizza box. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Pizza boxes used by pizza restaurants for delivery are typically made of cardboard material. This cardboard material may or may not be made out of recycled materials, and these boxes may or may not be recyclable. Regardless if these boxes are produced of recycled materials or if they themselves are recyclable, the majority of the population throws empty pizza boxes in the trash. Used pizza boxes are generally full of grease and left over bits of pizza, and most people find it easier to dispose of them than try to recycle them. Besides delivery, these pizza boxes are also used for carryout orders and to store leftover pizza. With the amount of pizza being consumed in the USA, there are most likely millions if not billions of pizza boxes going into landfills. Some pizza restaurants, for example, without limitation, food court restaurants, may use a box that is slightly different; however, these boxes also typically end up in a landfill. Furthermore, pizza boxes cause trashcans to fill up faster due to their bulk, and consumers must take their trash out more frequently. By taking the trash out more frequently, the consumer must use more plastic trash bags and the trash must be collected more regularly, which all causes more waste, pollution and landfill consumption. Accordingly, it would be desirable and useful to provide a pizza container that reduces waste, is good for the planet, and enables consumers to feel good about doing their part to protect the environment. 
         [0006]    For years, unique and innovative recyclables and related products have been an abiding interest and potential need of wide segments of American manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers. Included among these, without limitation, are department stores, grocery stores as well as private individuals. Industry journals and media articles have been written on the need for new and creative products that provide exceptional value and inventive customer utility to attract and hold a larger share of this flourishing market. 
         [0007]    Furthermore, cardboard is weak, floppy and collapsible. Therefore, cardboard pizza boxes leave their contents subject to being damaged. When a consumer opens a cardboard pizza box to find their food damaged, it gives them ample reasons to complain, which they commonly do and may discourage repeat business. 
         [0008]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques for providing a pizza container that reduces consumer waste and effectively protects its contents. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0010]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C illustrate an exemplary reusable pizza box, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of the pizza box in a closed position.  FIG. 1A  is a side perspective view of the pizza box in an open position, and  FIG. 1C  is a top view of the pizza box in the open position while containing a pizza; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates three reusable pizza boxes in varying sizes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0012]    Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a reusable pizza box is presented. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment an apparatus includes a base box comprising a planar format and raised walls about a perimeter of the base box. The base box further comprises a smooth plastic material being washable for sanitizing. The base box is further configured to be operable for containing a food product. A foldable covering lid has an edge joined to the base box at a top plane of one of the raised walls. The foldable covering lid includes a planar format and lid walls about a perimeter of the foldable covering lid adjacent to the joined edge. The lid walls are configured to fit snugly against the raised walls in a closed position. The foldable covering lid further comprises the smooth plastic material where the apparatus is operable for containing the food product and being washed and sanitized for reuse as a food container. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment an apparatus includes means for containing a pizza, the containing means being washable for sanitizing and means for covering the containing means, the covering means being washable for sanitizing where the apparatus is operable for containing the pizza and being washed and sanitized for reuse as a pizza container. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment an apparatus includes a base box comprising a planar format and raised walls about a perimeter of the base box. The raised walls are configured to be foldable to enable the base box to be stored in a flattened position. The base box further includes a smooth plastic material comprising recycled plastic. The smooth plastic material further is recyclable and dishwasher safe for sanitizing. The base box further is configured to be operable for containing a pizza. A foldable covering lid has an edge joined to the base box at a top plane of one of the raised walls. The foldable covering lid includes a planar format and lid walls about a perimeter of the foldable covering lid adjacent to the joined edge. The lid walls are configured to be foldable to enable the folding covering lid to be stored in a flattened position. The lid walls further are configured to fit snugly against an interior side of the raised walls in a closed position where the lid walls adjacent to the joined edge are notched to facilitate closing the foldable covering lid. The foldable covering lid further is comprised of the smooth plastic material. A tab extends from the foldable covering lid proximate a front edge opposite the joined edge. The tab is configured to be operable for grasping to open the foldable covering lid and configured to be operable for securing the foldable covering lid to a one of the raised walls. The tab further comprises the smooth plastic material where the apparatus is operable for containing the pizza and being washed and sanitized for reuse as a pizza container. 
         [0017]    Other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0018]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0019]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0020]    It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0021]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0022]    From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. 
         [0023]    Although Claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. 
         [0024]    Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom. 
         [0025]    References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. 
         [0026]    As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application. 
         [0027]    It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details. 
         [0028]    A preferred embodiment of the present embodiment and at least one variation thereof provide a plastic pizza box preferably made of recycled materials with the purpose of being reused for an extended period. Some preferred embodiments may be returned to the original food service provider, which can sterilize, reuse and/or recycle this same container. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C illustrate an exemplary reusable pizza box  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of pizza box  100  in a closed position.  FIG. 1A  is a side perspective view of pizza box  100  in an open position, and  FIG. 1C  is a top view of pizza box  100  in the open position while containing a pizza  105 . In the present embodiment, pizza box  100  resembles a regular pizza box; however, pizza box  100  is preferably made of recyclable plastic that is durable and reusable such as, but not limited to, a polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc. These materials are preferably in a recycled state at the point of production of pizza box  100 ; however, non-recycled materials may be used. Furthermore, various different types of materials other than smooth plastic may be used, such as, but not limited to, corrugated plastic materials, non-recyclable materials, lightweight wood or metal, fiberglass, etc. 
         [0030]    In the present embodiment, pizza box  100  comprises a base box  110  in a rectangular planar format with low-height walls  115  about its perimeter. A foldable covering lid  120  attaches to base box  110  at the top plane of one raised wall  115 . Lid  120  also features low-height walls  125  that fit snugly within walls  115  of base box  110  for a comfortable seal when in the closed position. At a center-point of wall  125  opposite the folding point of lid  120  is an extending tab  130 , which acts as a grip to open pizza box  100 . In some alternate embodiments, the tab may be configured to lock the pizza box when closed or other securing mechanisms may be used to seal the pizza box when closed such as, but not limited to, clips, snaps, hook and loop material, suction cups, etc. 
         [0031]    In the present embodiment, pizza box  100  is approximately the same size as a typical cardboard pizza box for a large pizza. Base box  110  measures approximately fourteen inches in length by fourteen inches in width (14″×14″) with walls  115  approximately two inches (2″) in height. Foldable lid  120  is also approximately fourteen inches by fourteen inches (14″×14″) in size, yet slightly reduced in total area to that of base box  110 . This slight reduction in total area of lid  120  enables extending walls  125  of lid  120 , each of which measure approximately one and three-quarter inches in length (1 ¾″), to fit within raised walls  115  of base box  110  when lid  120  is folded down into the closed position to seal base box  110 . Tab  130  is approximately one-inch in length by one half-inch in width (1″×½″). Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that alternate embodiments of the present invention may be made in a multiplicity of suitable sizes, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 2  and that any of these dimensions may be varied to suit the needs of a particular application. For example, without limitation, reusable pizza boxes of smaller sizes may be implemented to hold small or medium pizzas, or reusable pizza boxes may have various different dimensions to match the sizes of pizzas made by different restaurants. Furthermore, reusable pizza boxes in alternate embodiments may be produced in variations of sizes and shapes to accommodate other specific food items such as, but not limited to, breadsticks, sandwiches, wings, Chinese take-out, french-fries, desserts, etc. Many preferred embodiments can be produced for use with any type of delivery or carryout food, which makes these preferred embodiments useful for many types of restaurants. 
         [0032]    In the present embodiment, pizza box  100  is completely reusable and is structurally sound to hold up to this repeated use. The goal is to be able to reuse pizza box  100  for a very long time. Pizza box  100  can also be easily cleaned for repeated use without subjectivity to damage from this cleaning Pizza box  100  is preferably dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and sanitizing; however, some alternate embodiments may not be dishwasher safe. Pizza box  100  is durable and able to keep its form during transport and usage and can protect its contents. Also, pizza box  100  is more insulating than cardboard, meaning pizza box  100  can better maintain the desired serving temperature of its contents to generally ensure satisfied consumers. In some alternate embodiments, the pizza box can feature additional insulating material to generally ensure the contents stay warm. In the present embodiment, pizza box  100  resists moisture from entering and escaping its structure better than typical cardboard containers. Pizza box  100  can also store pizza and other food items for refrigeration better than ordinary containers. 
         [0033]    The present embodiment provides a new avenue for environmental responsibility that has otherwise remained absent and neglected. The use of pizza box  100  has the potential to prevent a large amount of cardboard pizza boxes from going into landfills, which will appeal to everyone, especially environmentally conscious consumers. Today&#39;s consumers are very environmentally conscious and interested in “green” products. By using less cardboard in pizza box production, less trees and carbon fuels are used in the production of pizza boxes according to the present embodiment. Pizza box  100  can preferably be further recycled when necessary. The use of reusable pizza boxes according to the present embodiment can encourage consumer recycling. The recyclability of pizza box  100  is preferably obvious to consumers, for example, without limitation, by placing a large recycling symbol or eco-friendly label on lid  120 . This enables restaurant providers of pizza box  100  to attract and retain consumers inclined to recycling and eco-friendly concepts and to create a responsible, active, socially aware, and eco-friendly reputation. Furthermore, the use of reusable pizza boxes according to the present embodiment reduces the costs of food containers and packages in time as fewer containers must be bought. 
         [0034]    In typical use of the present embodiment, pizza box  100  stores and encloses pizzas, and other foods, for delivery and temporary storage. Referring to  FIG. 1C , pizza  105  is placed in base box  110 , and lid  120  is then folded to encase pizza  105  within box  100  in the closed position, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 1A . In some alternate embodiments a liner may be placed in the bottom of base box  110  to soak up some of the grease from pizza  105  for easier cleanup. This liner may be made of various different materials such as, but not limited to, paper or cardboard. The pizza can be then be transported to its ordering consumer, who may use pizza box  100  to safely access pizza  105  and to store any leftovers if needed. Once the consumer is finished with pizza  105 , the consumer may wash pizza box  100  and store it for reuse. The next time the consumer orders food from the same provider, he can return pizza box  100  to the provider for its reuse on other orders. 
         [0035]    In the present embodiment, pizza box  100  can create a new method of business. The goal is that pizza restaurants use these reusable boxes for their delivery and carryout orders. The restaurants can then charge a small deposit, for example, without limitation, $0.25 to a $1.00 per box, to the consumer. The delivery driver collects the deposit fee, or, if the consumer picks up the pizza from the restaurant, the consumer pays the deposit fee to the cashier. Next time a pizza is delivered to that address, as long as the consumer has a reusable pizza box to turn into the delivery driver, the consumer does not need to pay a deposit fee. However, if the consumer does not have a reusable pizza box to return to the delivery driver, the consumer must pay another deposit fee. Similarly, if the consumer is picking up a pizza from the restaurant, they can avoid paying a deposit fee if they have a reusable pizza box to return to the restaurant when they pick up their new pizza. However, if the consumer does not have a reusable pizza box to return to the pizza restaurant, the consumer must pay another deposit fee. When ordering multiple pizzas, the consumer must preferably have one used pizza box for each new pizza box. Otherwise, the consumer must pay the deposit fee for any extra boxes. The pizza restaurant can then sanitize the used pizza boxes and reuse them for subsequent orders. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps may be suitably replaced, reordered or removed and additional steps may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application. 
         [0036]    The deposit charges that may be collected by a restaurant using reusable pizza boxes according to the present embodiment help to offset the cost the restaurant incurs due to purchasing these pizza boxes for use in their establishments. These deposit charges also help to generally ensure that consumers return the boxes. Also, encouraging consumers to return the boxes can provide restaurants with consistent follow-up business. If consumers do not return the reusable pizza boxes, the collected deposits can help the restaurants pay for the purchase of new reusable pizza boxes. Many people care about the environment and going “Green” is important to them, so these small deposits should not be discouraging. These deposits may actually be encouraging for these consumers to see business, who typically only care about their bottom line, moving towards “Green Solutions.” Restaurants that choose to utilize reusable pizza boxes according to the present embodiment may garner new respect and appreciation from their existing client base and may even increase their client base by attracting additional environmentally-conscious consumers. 
         [0037]    Pizza box  100  may bear no logos and be universal; meaning that pizza box  100  may be used at multiple pizza restaurants. For example, without limitation, the consumer can order from Pizza Restaurant A on Monday and order from Pizza Restaurant B on Thursday and return the box they received from Pizza Restaurant A to Pizza Restaurant B to avoid a deposit fee. This enables any pizza restaurant to be able to accept, sanitize and reuse pizza box  100 . For advertisement, the pizza restaurants can attach flyers, coupons, menus, etc. to the front of pizza box  100 . Alternatively, pizza box  100  can bear logos. In this case, the consumer would have to re turn a box from Restaurant A back to Restaurant A. Placing a logo on pizza box  100  is great advertising and enables the restaurant to use pizza box  100  as a promotional tool. For example, without limitation, the restaurant may use their environmental consciousness as a major advertising theme. Even without logos, pizza box  100  can be used to promote and generate business. For example, without limitation, consumers may call the restaurant to inquire about collection and return of reusable pizza boxes, and these consumers will be apt to place further orders with the restaurant at the time of such inquiries. Also, pizza box  100  can be used in relevant promotional campaigns, such as, but not limited to, lower cost on second orders following the return of a pre-used pizza box. 
         [0038]    In alternate embodiments, consumers can purchase a reusable pizza box to use as their own. These reusable pizza boxes may be used for cook at home pizzas, frozen pizzas, or individuals can use their own box when they pick up their order at a pizza restaurant. In some instances cook at home pizzas or frozen pizzas may be packed in reusable pizza boxes. These reusable pizza boxes can be reused over and over again as storage containers for leftovers or to transport pizzas and other food items to locations such as, but not limited to, picnics, other outdoor functions, potluck dinners, parties, lunch, etc. 
         [0039]      FIG. 2  illustrates three reusable pizza boxes in varying sizes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment the boxes come in multiple sizes and shapes to accommodate different pizza sizes and include, without limitation, a small box  201 , a medium box  205 , and a large box  210 . Various different sizes of boxes may be available in alternate embodiments such as, but not limited to, extra large, small leftover boxes, boxes able to hold two pizzas, taller boxes for deep-dish pizza, etc. The retail price of each box depends on the size of box. Also, reusable pizza boxes in alternate embodiments may be made in a multiplicity of suitable shapes such as, but not limited to, rectangular boxes or round boxes. Furthermore, reusable pizza boxes can be produced in various different colors and can bear various logos, images and designs, which may or may not be of registered trademark and/or copyright status such as, but not limited to, the logos, images and designs of restaurant providers. 
         [0040]    Alternate embodiments of the present invention may be implemented with various different features to suit the preferences of different users. For example, without limitation, one alternate embodiment provides a reusable pizza box comprising extending sidewalls that can be folded, which can enable the pizza box to be collapsible for easier storage. Other alternate embodiments may comprise various different types of lids such as, but not limited to, lids that are separate from the base box, lids without extending sidewalls, lids that fit over the base box, hinged rather than folding lids, lids that slide onto the base box or into channels formed in the base box, etc. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will readily recognize that a multiplicity of suitable features may be included in alternate embodiments of the present invention including, but not limited to, handles, insulating sleeves, dividers, vents, etc. 
         [0041]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a reusable pizza box according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the box may vary depending upon the particular type of container for which the box is being substituted. The boxes described in the foregoing were directed to implementations to be used in place of cardboard pizza boxes; however, similar techniques are to provide reusable boxes to replace other types of food storage containers such as, but not limited to, foam carryout containers, aluminum containers, disposable plastic containers, etc. Non-pizza box implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 
         [0042]    Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.