Abstract:
A compartmented container and method of packaging is provided. 
     The container in one embodiment has first and second compartments and a removable insert to separate the two compartments. In the closed position, the second compartment is on top of the first compartment. The insert is removable when the container is closed and includes a support tab that is insertable into a slot in the container to restrain movement of the insert and to distribute forces through the sidewalls of the container.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a container. More particularly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a food container having two compartments that are especially adapted for separately containing the contents of the two compartments. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For containing certain materials, including various types of foods and especially foods that are served at quick service restaurants, it would be desirable to have a segregated container or package to keep portions of the contained material separate. It would be especially desirable to have such a container for food, such as a hamburger sandwich, in which the relatively hot (or moist) portion of the sandwich is segregated from the relatively cool (or dry) portion of the sandwich, where the sandwich can easily be loaded and enclosed in the container. 
     In addition, a need exists for such a container or package that is easy and simple to utilize, which contains the packaged material or food without deformation of the contents and where the contents can be assembled easily by the consumer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a container or package that is especially suitable for containing food is provided. In accordance with one embodiment, the container or package comprises a first or bottom compartment defined by a bottom portion and side portions with an open portion opposite the bottom portion. A second or top compartment is provided that is defined by a bottom portion and side portions and an open portion opposite the bottom portion. The second or top compartment is adapted to lie over the open portion of the first compartment with the open portion of the first compartment facing the open portion of the second compartment to close the container. 
     A removable insert, which may be a platform, is positionable over the open portion of one of the compartments when the container is open. The insert has a gripping tab on its periphery that extends beyond at least one of the side portions of the container to facilitate removal of the insert when the insert is positioned between the first and second compartments. Removal is accomplished by grasping the tab portion and pulling the insert from the container while the container is closed. The contents of the top and bottom compartments are thereby combined, without further handling by the consumer. 
     The container further includes a support tab that projects from the periphery of the removable insert, preferably opposite the gripping tab, for supporting the insert in the container. A slot is provided in a side portion of the container and is located and dimensioned to permit insertion of the supporting tab when the removable insert is in position between the open portions to restrain movement of the insert. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a container or package is provided that is especially suitable for containing the sandwich. The package comprises first and second compartments, each of which is defined by a bottom portion and side portions with each compartment having an open portion opposite the bottom portion. The second compartment includes a slot in one of its side portions adjacent the open portion of the second compartment. 
     A hinge mechanism connects side portions of the first and second compartments to permit the second compartment to be folded over and onto the first compartment to define an enclosed volume that comprises the first and second compartments with the bottom of the second compartment defining the top of the closed package. 
     A removable platform is provided that is positionable over the open portion of the second compartment. The platform has a support tab that projects from the periphery of the platform and is dimensioned to allow insertion of the tab into the slot when the platform is positioned over the open portion of the second compartment for restraining the platform from movement and for at least partially supporting the weight of the platform and the weight of any contents located in the second compartment. The tab further prevents the contents of the second compartment from moving the platform away from the second compartment when the package is closed by folding the second compartment over and onto the first compartment. 
     The package may further comprise a gripping tab on the periphery of the platform, opposite the support tab, that extends beyond at least one of the side portions of the package when the platform is in position in the slot and over the opening of the second compartment, for facilitating removal of the platform from the package when the package is closed. The gripping tab also facilitates support of the platform in conjunction with the support tab and transfers at least a portion of the weight of the platform and any contents in the compartment to the side portions of the package. 
     The support tab, in conjunction with the gripping tab, can serve to prevent the platform from being urged into the first compartment when the package is closed, thereby preventing contact and deformation of any contents contained in the first compartment. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a method of packaging a sandwich that includes top and bottom portions is provided The method includes obtaining a container for the sandwich as previously described, thereafter placing the bottom portion of the sandwich into the bottom compartment and placing the top portion of the sandwich into the top compartment, while the container is open. After placing the top portion of the sandwich into the second or top compartment, the support tab of the insert or platform is inserted into the slot and placed over the open portion of the second or top compartment. Thereafter, the container is closed by folding the top compartment over and onto the bottom compartment while urging the grasping tab against the side portion of the second compartment while the supporting tab in the slot prevents the insert from moving away from the second compartment. 
     The method in accordance with the invention can be easily accomplished by a human operator and requires only one hand of the human operator to be utilized in order to maintain the insert in position against the side portion of the top compartment during the closing. 
     The method can further include assembly of the contents of the two compartments by removing the support tab from its slot and removing the platform from the container. Removal of the tab and platform can be accomplished while the container is closed by pulling the insert out of the container. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective view a container in accordance with the invention in a closed position; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates in perspective view the container of FIG. 1 where the insert has been removed from the container; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along lines 3--3 of FIG. 1 showing a hamburger sandwich in position being separated by the insert; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along lines 4--4 of FIG. 2 wherein the contents of each compartment have been combined after removal of the insert or platform without opening the container; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates in perspective view the container of FIG. 1 in an open position after the top and bottom portions of the sandwich have been placed into the respective compartments; 
     FIG. 6 illustrates in perspective view the container of FIG. 1 containing the top and bottom portions of the sandwich with the insert in position over the top compartment opening; and 
     FIG. 7 illustrates in perspective view the container of FIG. 1 being closed after the sandwich and platform insert have been appropriately placed in the container. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the figures generally, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is illustrated in perspective view the sandwich container or package 10. Sandwich container 10 is illustrated in a closed, latched position and is composed of a first or bottom compartment 12, a second or top compartment 14 and an insert 16, which in this case is an insulating platform. 
     First or bottom compartment 12 is composed of a bottom portion or wall 18 and side portions 20, which in this case are upwardly extending side walls that terminate with an outwardly extending lip surface 22, as better illustrated in FIG. 5. Side portions 20, as illustrated in FIG. 3, extend slightly outwardly as they extend upwardly. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, bottom portion 18 includes a trough 24 extending around the periphery of the interior of bottom portion 18. Trough 24 serves to collect any fluids that may drain from the contents and raise bottom portion 18 to facilitate removal of the contents. Bottom portion 18 could also be ribbed (not shown) in addition or in place of trough 24 for providing a space between the contents and bottom portion 18 as well as for providing for airflow and fluid collection. 
     Top compartment 14 includes a top surface 26 and side portions 28 which in this case are downwardly extending side walls that terminate at a lip surface 30 that is complementary to lip surface 22 of bottom compartment 12. 
     Bottom and top compartments 12 and 14 are joined together by a hinge section 32 which can be integrally formed in the material of which bottom and top compartments 12 and 14 are formed. Such a hinge is well known in the art, for example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,132,344, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto. Hinge 32 is almost as wide as sandwich container 10, which promotes stability of and facilitates closing of container 10. 
     Front wall portions 34 and 34a of bottom and top compartments 12 and 14, respectively, have structure that defines a latch mechanism 36. Latch mechanism 36 includes a locking aperture 38 in top compartment 14 and a locking latch 40 that extends from lip surface 22 of bottom compartment 12. Locking aperture 38 is dimensioned to receive locking latch 40 therein. Such a latch mechanism is well known in the art and thus is not described in detail. For example, such a latch is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,132,344. 
     Hinge 32 allows top compartment 14 to be folded over and onto bottom compartment 12 to close sandwich container 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Hinge 32 also permits the container to be opened by lifting and pivoting top compartment 14 about hinge 32 to an open position, as illustrated in FIG. 5, for example. 
     Insert 16, which in this case is an insulating platform forms part of sandwich container 10 and is more completely illustrated in FIG. 2. Insert 16 generally corresponds to the open portion of bottom and top compartments 12 and 14, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Insert 16 also includes a support tab 42 and a gripping tab 44, which extends the periphery of insert 16 beyond the otherwise generally corresponding shape described above. Gripping tab 44 may be embossed or otherwise labelled with a suitable legend, such as &#34;PULL&#34; as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Insert 16 can be of any desired shape. A slot or slots complementary to such support tab or tabs could also be provided in appropriate locations of the container side portions to allow insertion and removal of the support tab(s). 
     Support tab 42 is insertable into a complementary slot 46 that is located in side portion 28 of top compartment 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, which restrains movement of insert 16 relative to side portion 28. When so inserted, support tab 42 rests on side portion 28 of top compartment 14. 
     Complementary slot 46 can be about the same width and/or height as the width and/or thickness of support tab 42 to provide a snug fit of support tab 42 in complementary slot 46. 
     Gripping tab 44 preferably extends beyond at least one of side portions 28 and 20 of container 10 to facilitate removal of insert 16 from container 10 when container 10 is in a closed position, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates in sectional view along lines 3--3 of FIG. 1 sandwich container 10 which contains a hamburger sandwich H therein. Hamburger sandwich H is composed of a bun crown BC, condiments C, which in this case include tomato slices T, lettuce pieces L and a slice of cheese CH. Bun crown BC and condiments C are contained within top compartment 14 of sandwich container 10. 
     A hamburger patty HP and a bun heel BH are contained within bottom compartment 12 as illustrated in FIG. 3. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the contents of the bottom compartment are relatively hot and the contents of the top compartment are relatively cool. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 3, insert 16 serves to separate and insulate bottom compartment 12 and its contents from top compartment 14 and its contents. Moreover, insert 16 carries the weight of the contents of top compartment 14 since the contents, in this case bun crown BC and condiments C rest on insert 16. The weight of the contents of top compartment 14 and the weight of insert 16 is at least partially carried by side portions 20 and 28 of container 10. The support formed by support tab 42 and gripping tab 44 which transmits at least a portion of the weight to the side portions of sandwich container 10 restrain insert 16 from being displaced into bottom compartment 12. This has the effect of preventing or substantially preventing insert 16 from contacting and deforming the contents of bottom compartment 12, which in this case are hamburger patty HP and bun heel BH. 
     Support tab 42 and gripping tab 44 provide other advantages as hereinafter described. 
     When the consumer desires to assemble and consume hamburger sandwich H, insert 16 is removed from container 10 merely by grasping gripping tab 44 and pulling insert 16 in the direction of arrow R without handling by the consumer. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates sandwich container 10 with insert 16 removed. The effect of removal of insert 16 is to assemble the sandwich by causing the contents of top compartment 14 to contact the contents of bottom compartment 12. In this case, bun crown BC and condiments C of hamburger sandwich H contact hamburger patty HP. Upon opening sandwich container 10 by releasing latch mechanism 36 and lifting and pivoting top compartment 14, hamburger sandwich H is presented in a configuration ready for removal and consumption (not shown). 
     The loading and packaging of hamburger sandwich H into sandwich container 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. 
     In FIG. 5, sandwich container 10 is in the open position and bun crown BC and condiments C have been placed with the condiments C face up in top compartment 14. Bun heel BH and hamburger patty HP are placed in bottom compartment 12 with hamburger patty HP facing upwardly. After bun crown BC and condiments C are placed in top compartment 14, insert 16 can be placed over top compartment 14, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Insert 16 is placed in position by inserting support tab 42 into complementary slot 46 and otherwise placing insert 16 so that it covers or substantially covers the opening of top compartment 14. Placing insert 16 in position can occur either before or after the loading of bun heel BH and hamburger patty HP, as will be readily appreciated. 
     After hamburger sandwich H has been loaded into container 10, and insert 16 is in place, container 10 is ready for closing. Closing of container 10 is illustrated in FIG. 7 where a human operator HO grasps gripping tab 44 and lip surface 30 between thumb T and finger F. Top compartment 14 is lifted and rotated about hinge 32 in the direction of arrow R&#39; while gripping gripping tab 44 and lip surface 30 as aforesaid until top compartment 14 is over bottom compartment 12 and sandwich container 10 is closed. Thereafter, latch mechanism 36 can be engaged by inserting locking wedge 40 into locking aperture 38. Sandwich container 10 with hamburger sandwich H contained therein is ready for storage or delivery to a customer. 
     Sandwich container 10 can be constructed of materials as desired. Suitable materials include polystyrene, which may be foamed as well as other foamed material. Foamed material is advantageous because of its insulating properties. Other materials can be of course used as those skilled in the art will recognize. For example, other plastics, paper, cardboard and similar materials can be used. 
     Compartments 12 and 14 can be fabricated from a single piece of material as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,132,344. 
     The specific embodiments shown and described are only illustrative of the present invention. Changes in the structure and method of the present invention would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, a sandwich container in accordance with the invention can be formed of separate top and bottom compartments that are not connected by a hinge but could be connected by, for example, a pair of latch mechanisms which could be similar to latch mechanism 36, one on either side of the container. The shape of the container in accordance with the invention can of course be as desired. 
     In describing various embodiments herein, the compartments and portions of the container are sometimes referred to as top and bottom. It is to be understood that such relative positions can be reversed or could be otherwise described and the particular orientations utilized herein are for convenience and are not to be construed as a limitation upon the invention. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous modifications, rearrangements and changes and such modifications, rearrangements and changes are intended to be covered by the scope of the appended claims.