Abstract:
A temperature-retaining food container includes an outer shell having an inner chamber that can be filled with a temperature storing medium. The shell is shaped to provide an expansion zone within the chamber to permit expansion of the medium. A support is formed to provide additional volume to the chamber and the expansion zone. The support structure can optionally be provided to automatically expand in response to an increase in pressure within the chamber. A lid is provided which covers the container and further operates as a serving platter. The shell of the container can optionally be formed from a plurality of separate portions, which interlock to form the complete serving container and disassemble for storage or use with smaller or crowded appliances.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This is a divisional application of Petitioner&#39;s earlier application Ser. No. 10/632,498 filed Aug. 1, 2003, entitled “TEMPERATURE RETAINING FOOD CONTAINER”. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to containers for holding and transporting food at a select temperature above or below the ambient temperature, and more particularly to food containers having a temperature storing medium disposed within a chamber that is shaped and sized to prevent the rupture of the chamber upon expansion of the medium. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
   Food containers such as bowls and platters are frequently used to transport and/or serve food items for consumption at parties and different meals. Oftentimes the food held by these containers must be served at a temperature above or below the ambient temperature. Although it is possible to place chilled or heated food within a standard container and then transport and/or serve the same, maintaining the food at its lowered or elevated temperature is difficult. 
   Several prior art food container designs have incorporated a temperature storing medium, such as water, crystalline wax, or various thermoplastic gel materials within a chamber disposed beneath the upper surface of the food container. This temperature storing medium can typically be heated or cooled prior to transporting or serving the food in order to keep the food within a desired temperature range. However, these systems suffer from a number of disadvantages. First, the manufacturer must select an appropriate temperature storing medium, which may be costly to obtain and difficult to seal within the container such that the temperature storing medium may expand and contract with the temperature changes. Additionally, the weight added to the overall system by including the temperature storing medium within the container greatly increases the overall weight of the system, thus increasing shipping costs. 
   Other prior art containers have been developed that permit the user to fill an inner chamber of the container with the temperature storing medium selected by the manufacturer. These containers also suffer from a number of deficiencies. First, this type of container typically provides a “fill line” disposed along the side of the container to provide the user with a reference point when filling the inner chamber with the temperature storing medium. When the user inadvertently fills the chamber beyond the fill line and then later heats or freezes the container, the temperature storing medium within the chamber expands beyond the capacity of the chamber and ruptures the shell of the container. Furthermore, this type of container is typically designed for use with only specific types of temperature storing media, providing the user with little choice in the matter. Regardless of the type of temperature storing medium, this type of container also suffers from poor methods of sealing off the inner chamber to prevent the medium from escaping from within the chamber during use. 
   Regardless of the type of container used, most prior art containers typically do not employ a lid for covering the food held within the container. Those containers that do provide a lid do not provide a lid having its own inner chamber that can be filled with a temperature storing medium, allowing the top portions of the food to exchange its lowered or heightened temperature with the environment faster than the lower portions of the food. Moreover, the lids that may be provided with prior art containers typically serve only the purpose of a cover for the container and are not easily adapted for use as a serving platter. Accordingly, multiple containers and platters of different configurations, some of which, if not all, having their own lids, are required in these situations. 
   Oftentimes when a large assortment or volume of food is desired, a large serving platter is best suited for transporting and/or serving the food. However, none of the prior art containers that incorporate a temperature storing medium are both large enough to fit the intended purpose and small enough to be disposed within a freezer (especially a freezer from a side-by-side refrigeration unit), a microwave or a small oven. Accordingly, a plurality of smaller to medium-sized containers must be used if the user is unable to derive a novel way of cooling or heating the large container. 
   Accordingly, what is needed is a novel design for a food container that uses a temperature storing medium for keeping food cool or warm, while remaining simple in design, adaptable for a plurality of uses, and capable of being cooled or heated in small appliances. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The food container of the present invention is generally provided with a shell member having inner and outer portions. The inner portion is preferably shaped to face upward and support various types of food. The outer portion is substantially spaced apart from the inner portion to define a chamber for holding a temperature storing medium. The container is adapted for use with a plurality of different temperature storing media. The shell is shaped to define an expansion zone within the chamber that is sized and shaped to receive expanded portions of the temperature storing medium caused by a change in temperature. 
   In a preferred embodiment, an opening is formed within the shell so that a temperature storing medium can be inserted within, or removed from, the chamber. The opening is preferably located at a position in the shell which substantially prevents the user from filling the expansion zone with the temperature storing medium when the medium is being inserted into the chamber. Another preferred embodiment forms a support member as a part of the outer portion of the shell. The support member provides a base on which the container can sit on a table or counter. The support structure is formed to provide an added volume to the chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the opening is positioned with respect to the support structure such that a substantial portion of the expansion zone is provided by the added volume supplied by the support structure. In one embodiment, the support structure is provided with accordion-shaped sides, which automatically expand in response to an increase of pressure within the chamber. 
   A lid is provided for covering the container. The lid is preferably provided with a temperature storing medium disposed within an inner chamber. In one embodiment, the lid is reversible so that a lower surface of the lid becomes a serving platter for a portion of the food. One or more depressions can be formed in the lid to provide receptacles for food or smaller food containers. These same depressions are also optionally formed in the inner portion of the shell of the container in alternate embodiments. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the shell of the container is formed from a plurality of separate shell portions having mating surfaces that interlock with one another for assembly of the complete container. The separate portions are releasably coupled with one another, allowing the user to more easily cool or heat the container in appliances having limited or awkward available space. 
   Accordingly, it is one of the principal objects of the present invention to provide a novel food container utilizing a temperature storing medium to keep the temperature of food above or below the ambient temperature. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a food container having a temperature storing medium disposed within a chamber having an expansion zone to prevent expansion of the medium beyond the pressure limits of the chamber. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a food container having an opening for inserting and removing a temperature storing medium within or from a chamber within the container. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a food container having an inner chamber that cannot be inadvertently filled beyond an expansion capacity with any type of temperature storing medium. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a food container that is separable into a plurality of separate portions, each having an inner chamber for holding a temperature storing medium. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a food container with a lid having an inner chamber that holds temperature storing media. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a food container having a lid that is reversible to use as a serving tray. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a food container having a chamber that can be filled with a temperature storing medium that is simple to manufacture and use. 
   These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the food container of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the food container of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a cutaway perspective view of the food container of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a cutaway side elevation view of the food container of  FIG. 2  as the same may be substantially filled with a temperature storing medium; 
       FIG. 5  is a cutaway side elevation view of another embodiment of the food container and corresponding lid/tray of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a cutaway side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the food container of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a cutaway side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the food container and lid/tray of the present invention in a service configuration; 
       FIG. 8  depicts the food container and lid/tray of  FIG. 7  in a storing or transport configuration; 
       FIG. 9  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the food container of the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a cutaway side elevation view of the food container of  FIG. 9 ; and 
       FIG. 11  is a cutaway side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the food container of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The food container  10 , as generally depicted in  FIGS. 1-11 , is provided with a shell having an inner portion  12  and an outer portion  14 . The inner portion  12  and the outer portion  14  are preferably secured to one another about their peripheral end portions and spaced apart from one another to form a chamber  16  therebetween. The chamber  16  has a volume that may be at least substantially filled with nearly any temperature storing medium  18 , such as water, crystalline wax, thermoplastic gels, grain hulls or various synthetic and natural particulate matter. It is merely desirable that the temperature storing medium be one that is capable of retaining heat and cold for an extended period of time. Although it is contemplated that the chamber  16  could be permanently sealed after the temperature storing medium  18  has been inserted, it is preferred that an opening  20  be provided so that the user may insert or remove the temperature storing medium  18  as desired. 
   Although the cap means  26 , for selectively closing and sealing the opening  20 , is depicted in  FIGS. 3-8  as being a bolt-like member, it is contemplated that other structures could be used. For example, a common threaded cap, such as that depicted in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , or the recessed plug member depicted in  FIG. 11 , could be used. Other structures could be implemented; however, it is desirable for the cap means  26  to close the opening  20  in a simple and convenient manner. 
   It is preferred that the shell be shaped and sized to provide an expansion zone  22  that remains substantially devoid of the temperature storing medium  18  until the chamber  16  has been filled with the temperature storing medium  18  and the opening  20  has been closed. This will provide an area in which the temperature storing medium  18  may expand when it is cooled or heated. In one preferred embodiment, the outer portion  14  of the shell can be shaped to have a support structure  24  that extends outwardly from the shell and provides a base on which the container  10  can rest on a table, counter or other operating surface. The support structure  24  preferably adds volume to the chamber  16 . The added volume can be oriented to provide an area for the expansion zone  22 . Although the support  24  depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is shown as being a generally annular support having a narrow diameter, it is contemplated that the support could be formed to take nearly any shape and have nearly any size. It is further contemplated that a plurality of individual supports could be formed to extend from the outer portion  14  of the shell. In another embodiment, the shell could be formed so that an expansion zone  22 ′ is formed adjacent the inner portion  12  of the shell, or adjacent the peripheral edge of both the inner portion  12  and outer portion  14 , as depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
   Wherever it is desired to locate the expansion zone  22 , it is preferred that the location of the opening  20  correspond to the desired location of the expansion zone  22 . For example, as depicted in  FIG. 4 , the opening  20  is positioned within the outer portion  14  of the shell, adjacent but below the level of the expansion zone  22 . In this position, it will be difficult, if not impossible, for the user to fill the chamber  16  completely full, regardless of the angle at which the user pours the temperature storing medium  18  through the opening  20 . Likewise, in  FIG. 6 , the expansion zone  22 ′ is located adjacent the peripheral edge of the inner portion  12  of the shell, and the opening  20  is formed through the inner portion  12  of the shell below the level of the expansion zone  22 ′. Again, it will be difficult for the user to insert more of the temperature storing medium  18  than would be desired. It is contemplated that, without the expansion zone  22 , the chamber  16  could be inadvertently filled to capacity with the temperature storing medium  18 ; and, upon freezing or overheating of the temperature storing medium  18 , the shell could rupture. 
   In an alternate embodiment, depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the support  24 ′ could be formed to be expandable in nature. As depicted, support  24 ′ is generally provided with accordion-shaped sides that can be selectively collapsed and expanded.  FIG. 7  depicts the support  24 ′ in a fully extended position, whereas  FIG. 8  depicts the support  24 ′ in a fully collapsed position. It is intended that the expandable portion of the shell provide an expansion zone  22 ″, which serves to provide an enlarged area for the expanding temperature storing medium  18  when necessary. It is contemplated that only a portion of the support  24 ′ could be accordion-shaped (i.e., the innermost or outermost walls only) to achieve an expansion zone  22 ″. Regardless of the specific configuration, the inclusion of the expanding shell portion greatly limits the reliance on accurate placement of the opening  20  in preventing the unintentional overfilling of the chamber  16 . For example, if a user were to fill the chamber  16 , depicted in  FIG. 8 , to its capacity, the temperature storing medium  18  could still expand into the support  24 ′ by expanding the support  24 ′ in the manner depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
   The inner portion  12  of the shell may be shaped to have one or more depressions  28  formed therein, as depicted in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  7  and  8 . It is contemplated that the depression  28  depicted in  FIGS. 3-5  could be used to hold any food matter directly, such as vegetables or a semi-liquid food, such as a dip. However, it is also contemplated that the depression  28  could be formed to have a shape and size that would accommodate the shape and size of a bowl  30 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 . It is contemplated that the depression  28  could be sized to accommodate a portion or all of the size of the bowl  30 . As depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a plurality of depressions  128 ′ could be formed within the inner portion  12  for similar purposes. 
   A lid  32 , as depicted in  FIGS. 5 ,  7  and  8 , can be provided for use with the container  10 . It is contemplated that the lid  32  could be formed from a solid or partially hollow material to provide a certain degree of insulation to the food when the lid  32  is operatively engaged with the container  10  as depicted in  FIG. 8 . However, it is also contemplated that the lid  32  could be provided with a temperature storing medium  18  to fill the cavity  34  that is formed between the lower surface  36  and upper surface  38 . In this manner, the temperature storing medium  18  would serve much the same purpose as described previously when used within the chamber  16  of the container  10 . It is preferred that a sufficient expansion zone be provided within the chamber  34  to prevent rupturing the lid. Likewise, it is contemplated that an opening could be formed at a location along the lower surface  36  or the upper surface  38  to enable the user to insert or remove the temperature storing medium  18  in or from the chamber  34 . 
   It is preferred that the lid  32  be shaped so that it may be reversed from its typical orientation depicted in  FIG. 8  and be used as a serving platter, wherein the lower surface  36  is positioned upwardly as depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . To this end, the lower surface  36  may be formed to have a plurality of shapes and depressions  40  to hold food, bowls, and the like. Using the lid  32  as a serving platter further serves to protect food from becoming too hot or too cold due to the temperature of the temperature storing medium  18  within the container  10 . For example, where shrimp are placed on the lower surface  36  of the lid  32 , and the lid  32  is positioned closely adjacent the inner portion  12  of the shell, the shrimp will not become too cold or frozen if the temperature storing medium  18  within the container  10  was frozen. Accordingly, the insulative properties of the lid  32  serve a dual function. 
   When cooling or heating the container  10  in an appliance that is too small, overcrowded or configured awkwardly, the container may be provided in a plurality of separate portions. Although it is contemplated that virtually any number of separate container portions could be provided to couple with one another, the container  10 ′ is generally depicted as having a first portion  42  and a second portion  44 . The first portion  42  and the second portion  44  are generally depicted as being similar in size and shaped to have matable configurations. However, it is contemplated that the separate portions could be of unequal size; and some separate portions may be of similar, if not exact, configuration depending on the particular application. Regardless of the configuration or the number of separate portions, it is preferred that each of the separate portions function much in the same way as the container  10 , as described previously. For example, each of the separate portions will be comprised of a shell having an inner portion  12 ′ and an outer portion  14 ′, which will be spaced from one another to form an individual chamber  16 ′. An opening  20 ′ can be formed in the shell of each separate portion to permit the user to introduce a temperature storing medium  18  to the chamber  16 ′. A cap means  26 ′ or  26 ″ can be provided to selectively close the opening  20 ′. The opening  20 ′ is preferably placed at a location on the shell to form an expansion zone  22 ′″, which preferably remains substantially devoid of any temperature storing medium  18  until the user has completed filling the chamber  16 ′. Each of the separate portions may be provided with a support  24 ′ to provide a base on which the container  10 ′ may be placed. When desired, the support  24 ′ may be provided to be expandable in a manner similar to that depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
   It is preferred that each of the separate portions be provided with a mating surface  46 , which is selectively and removably engageable with a mating surface  46  from another separate portion. In this manner, the separate portions are made into the container  10 ′. The mating surfaces  46  are preferably provided with a locking means for securing opposing separate portions to one another. Two examples of such a locking means are depicted in  FIGS. 10 and 11 .  FIG. 10  depicts a pair of interlocking lip members that can be positioned adjacent one another and slid into a locking position. Where this interlocking method is incorporated, it is preferred that the inner portion  12 ′ be shaped accordingly to complete a surface for supporting the food when the opposing separate portions are coupled with one another, an example of which is depicted in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 11  depicts an alternate embodiment of an interlocking means which utilizes a dovetail system having a pin and socket mechanism that interlock when the pin is slid within the socket. However, other interlocking structure such as a push pin and socket assembly could be used. 
   In the drawings and in the specification, there have been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention; and although specific items are employed, these are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Changes in the form and proportion of parts, as well as substitution of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as further defined in the following claims. 
   Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.