Abstract:
A transportable pastry container comprises a modular system of portable containers which comprises a lid portion and a storage portion. The lid portion comprises a flat, rectangular lid with a handle located centrally on a top surface. The storage portion comprises a rectangular bottom surface of as well as integral side walls which extend perpendicularly upward from the sides of the bottom surface. The top edges of the side walls further comprise a plurality of fasteners which extend above the top of the walls. The bottom edges of the side walls and the sides of the lid portion are further comprised of corresponding fasteners which selectively attach or detach the lid portion to the top of a storage portion. In a preferred embodiment, one (1) side wall of each storage portion further comprises a hinged door for selective accessibility.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Sep. 29, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to storage containers, and in particular, to a modular portable container particularly adapted for the carrying and display of foodstuffs. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Baked goods are some of the most commonly consumed foods in the world. The wide range of available baked goods including pastries, donuts, cupcakes, and bagels makes them suitable for a range of events. Furthermore, these goods are often purchased in bulk due to their cheap cost, batch production, and small serving sizes. These features also make them ideal as supplementary items for many meals and events. Most of these goods are purchased at a bakery where they are packaged in a large cardboard box for transportation back to home. 
     While such boxes are convenient for transport of such goods, there are several problems associated with such methods. First, the boxes are generally flimsy and are prone to easily being crushed or falling apart, resulting to damage or ruining of the contained goods. Additionally, such boxes often allow the enclosed baked goods to become stale in a short amount of time. Additionally, such boxes are often discarded after use, resulting in an increase in waste materials. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide baked goods storage and transport containers. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,966, issued in the name of Rothe, describes a multiple tier dessert container with a plurality of side accessible tray portions. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,237, issued in the name of Ferguson, describes a baked goods container with a plurality of removable inserts for the transport of cupcakes and the like. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,120, issued in the name of Danko, describes a pastry box assembly which is capable of containing a plurality of retaining trays. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for a donut box exist, particularly U.S. Pat. Nos. D 393,422. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices do not facilitate quick access to the entire volume of contained objects. Also, many such devices do not provide sufficient features of protection and preservation as desirable for fresh baked goods. Furthermore, many such devices are not adapted to store a wide variety of shapes and sizes of baked goods. In addition, many such devices do not facilitate transport by a single user in a manner which sufficiently prevents damage to contained goods. Accordingly, there exists a need for a transportable pastry container without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a transportable pastry and baked goods container capable of containing a variety of goods in an organized manner which facilitates transport and use by a single user in a manner which provides sufficient protection to the contained goods. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for storage and transport of foodstuffs, particularly baked goods. The apparatus comprises a container, a lid, and a divider. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a washable, reusable container for regular use. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to retain and separate layers of pastries in a tiered manner via the divider. The divider comprises a flat plastic insert which sits upon an interior perimeter ledge portion of the container. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to facilitate removal of the divider via a pair of finger reliefs located along opposing lateral edges of the divider. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the divider of a honey-comb pattern which provides an aesthetic function while facilitating removal of the divider and separation of sticky baked goods from the divider. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to seal the contents of the container in an airtight manner via a lid hingedly connected to the container. In particular, this provides a means to preserve freshly baked goods. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to secure the apparatus in a closed, sealed state via a pair of latching locking means located along corresponding edge portions of the lid and container. The locking means further provide secure engagement of the lid to the container, allowing a user to grasp and transport the apparatus via a handle portion of the lid. A user may disengage the locking means in order to access the interior of the container via a pulling and lifting motion. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of acquiring an instance of the apparatus, lifting the locking means to unlatch the lid, opening the lid to access the interior of the container, removing the divider via the finger reliefs, filling the lower portion of the container with a desired plurality of foodstuffs, replacing the divider on the ledge, filling the upper portion of the container with a desired plurality of foodstuffs separate from the lower portion, locking the lid to provide a securing and sealing means to the container, transporting the apparatus via the handle portion, selectively removing any of the desired plurality of stored items via opening of the lid and removal of the divider as necessary, and washing the apparatus after use in preparation for subsequent reuse. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a transportable pastry container  10  depicting a closed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is another perspective view of the transportable pastry container  10  depicting an open state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the transportable pastry container  10  depicting an open state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is another perspective view of the transportable pastry container  10  depicting a removed divider  26 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the transportable pastry container  10  depicting a container bottom panel  24  being rotated and coplanar with respect to a lid  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of a locking means  36   a , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the locking means  36   a  depicting attachment to a container  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 10 
                 transportable pastry container 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 container 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                 container front panel 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 container side panel 
               
               
                   
                 23 
                 container rear panel 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 container bottom panel 
               
               
                   
                 25 
                 container interlocking feature 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 divider 
               
               
                   
                 27 
                 finger relief 
               
               
                   
                 28a 
                 notch 
               
               
                   
                 28b 
                 protrusion 
               
               
                   
                 29a 
                 ledge 
               
               
                   
                 29b 
                 detent 
               
               
                   
                 29c 
                 container lip 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 lid 
               
               
                   
                 31 
                 lid front panel 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 lid side panel 
               
               
                   
                 33 
                 lid rear panel 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 lid top panel 
               
               
                   
                 35 
                 lid interlocking feature 
               
               
                   
                 36a 
                 locking means 
               
               
                   
                 36b 
                 gripping means 
               
               
                   
                 37 
                 locking lip 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 supporting member 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 handle 
               
               
                   
                 41 
                 handle attachment means 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 hinge 
               
               
                   
                 51 
                 container connection 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 lid connection 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 finger 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 7 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a transportable pastry container (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for storing of foodstuffs, particularly suited for baked goods such as, donuts, cupcakes, bagels, or other similar pastries. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a closed state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  provides a user with an airtight, durable, and reusable container which provides a means to retain the freshness of the pastries, protect the pastries during transporting to a desired location for serving, and is environmental friendly, respectively. The apparatus  10  is preferably fabricated from a durable opaque plastic, yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of said apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  may also comprise indicia which may provide script or logos based upon the user&#39;s preference and may include images such as, but not limited to: sports names/logos, personal names, symbols, pictures, and the like to further customize and personalize the apparatus  10  further comprising a variety of colors and patterns. The apparatus  10  further comprises dimensions measuring approximately five (5) inches in height by eight (8) inches in width by twelve (12) inches in length. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting an open state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a container  20 , a lid  30 , and other associated enhanced features. The container  20  comprises expected features such as a front panel  21 , a pair of side panels  22 , a rear panel  23 , a bottom panel  24 , and an open upper surface which provides a means to secure and place desired pastries within said container  20 . Each container panel  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24  is preferably integrally molded via conventional plastic welding or extruding techniques. The container  20  also provides a securing means to a divider  26  (also see  FIG. 3 ) which enables said container  20  to retain and separate layers of pastries in a tiered manner. 
     Hingedly attached to an upper perimeter surface of the container  20  is the lid  30  which provides a means to seal-off the contents of the container in a preferably airtight manner. The lid  30  comprises expected features such as a lid front panel  31 , a pair of lid side panels  32 , a lid rear panel  33 , a lid top panel  34 , and an open rear surface which provides a means to engage said lid  30  to the container  20 . The lid  30  also comprises a pair of locking means  36   a  (also see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) to secure the apparatus  10  in a close state (see  FIG. 1 ) and a handle  40  (see  FIG. 5 ) which provides a grasping means for transporting said apparatus  10  to a desired location. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an exploded perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting an open state and  FIG. 4 , another perspective view of the transportable pastry container  10  depicting a removed divider  26 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The lid  30  secures to the container  20  via engaging a container interlocking feature  25  to a lid interlocking feature  35  which provides an airtight seal to the contents within the apparatus  10  in a common manner. The container interlocking feature  25  is located along the upper perimeter edges of the container front panel  21 , the container side panels  22 , container rear panel  23  and the lid interlocking feature  35  is located along the upper perimeter edges of the lid front panel  31 , the lid side panels  32 , and lid rear panel  33 . The lid  30  further secures to the container  20  via a pair of locking means  36   a  engaging a pair of corresponding apertures  29   c  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). 
     The apparatus  10  also comprises a divider  26  as above-mentioned which provides a means to separate contents within the container  20 . The divider  26  enables desired pastries to be placed upon the container bottom panel  24  and upon said divider  26 . The divider  26  comprises dimensions slightly smaller than the container  20  to enable placement within. The divider  26  preferably comprises a transparent honeycomb-shaped inlay which provides an aesthetically pleasing and unique feature to the apparatus  10 . The divider  26  also comprises a pair of finger reliefs  27  and a pair of notches  28   a . The finger reliefs  27  comprise a “U”-shaped cut-out along opposing lateral edges of the divider  26 . The finger reliefs  27  enable the user to conveniently remove or place the divider  26  into the container  20 . The divider  26  is suspended onto the container  20  via a ledge  29   a  which protrudes from an intermediate interior surface of the container front panel  21 , the container side panels  22 , and container rear panel  23 . The ledge  29   a  enables the divider  26  to be set upon superjacently in a secure position. The notches  28   a  are located along a front longitudinal surface and are utilized to correspond to a pair of protrusions  28   b  located on the ledge  29   a  along the container front panel  21 . The protrusions  28   b  are utilized to structurally support the container front panel  21  during attachment of the locking means  36   a  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a top view of the transportable pastry container  10  depicting a container bottom panel  24  being rotated and coplanar with respect to a lid  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Illustrated herein is the attachment means and hinging means of the container  20  to the lid  30 . An upper perimeter edge of the container rear panel  23  comprises a container connection  51  and a lower perimeter edge of the lid rear panel  33  comprises a lid connection  52 . Each connection  51 ,  52  is preferable integrally molded into the container  20  or lid  30 , respectively, and provides additional connection to the hinge  50 . The hinge  50  enables the lid  30  to rotate up to one-hundred-and-eighty degrees (180°) from the container  20 , thereby enabling the apparatus  10  to be positioned in an open or closed state. 
     An upper surface of the lid top panel  34  comprises a handle  40  which provides a grasping means to the apparatus  10  for transportation purposes. The handle  40  comprises an arcuate ergonomic form and is rotatably attached to the lid  30  via a pair of opposing handle attachment means  41 . The handle attachment means  41  comprise a beehive-shape for illustration purposes only; it is known that other shapes, pattern, or the like may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a rear view of a locking means  36   a  and  FIG. 7 , a side view of the locking means  36   a  depicting attachment to a container  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. As abovementioned the apparatus  10  further comprises a locking means  36   a  which provides a feature to secure the lid  30  in a closed position onto the container  20 . The locking means  36   a  comprises a gripping means  36   b , a locking lip  37 , and a plurality of supporting structures  38 . The locking means  36   a  is integrally molded and extends from the lid front panel  31 . The gripping means  36   b  provides a structure for the user to position a finger  60  upon for latching and unlatching of the locking means  36   a  onto the container  20 . The gripping means  36   b  is depicted herein as comprising a beehive-shape for illustration purposes it is known that other shapes and patterns may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . A rear surface of the gripping means  36   b  comprises the locking lip  37 . The locking lip  37  comprises an “L”-shaped member which extends from said gripping means  36   b  in a perpendicular orientation. The locking lip  37  is structurally supported via a plurality of triangular integrally molded supporting members  38 . The supporting members  38  are located along an underside of the lock lip  37 . The locking lip  37  engages a detent  29   b  to secure the lid  30  to the container  20 . The detent  29   b  is located on an underside of a container lip  29   c . The container lip  29   c  is located on an exterior intermediate surface of the container front panel  21  and the container side panels  22  (see  FIG. 1 ). The locking lip  37  latches upwardly into the detent  29   b , thereby securing the locking means  36  to the container  20 . The user may utilize a pair of fingers  60  to remove the locking means  36  from the container  20  via applying a forward and upward force to the rear surface of said locking means  36 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 3 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; positioning the container  20  on a level surface with the container bottom panel  24  parallel with said surface; lifting the locking means  36   a  to unlatch the locking lip  37  from the detent  29   b  via grasping the gripping means  36   b ; rotating the lid  30  away from the container  20  via the hinge  50 ; filling the container  20  with a desired contents; inserting the divider  26  onto the ledge  29   a  as desired via utilizing the finger reliefs  27  to position the divider  26  and mating the notches  28   a  with each protrusion  28   b ; positioning desired contents onto said divider  26 ; closing the lid  30  onto the container  20  via engaging the container interlocking feature  25  with the lid interlocking feature  35 ; latching the locking means  36   a  via grasping the gripping means  36   b  and engaging the locking lip  37  into the detent  29   b ; grasping the handle  40  to transport the apparatus  10  to a desired location; and, utilizing the apparatus  10  to provide a better way of purchasing and transporting baked goods in a manner which is not only environmentally responsible, but provides for better tasting products as well. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.