Abstract:
A convertible container assembly comprising a convertible container body. The container body includes angular series of conversion demarcations, defining an angular conversion section, and, optionally, at least one storage conversion demarcation, defining a storage conversion section. The angular conversion section includes a portion of a sidewall of the container body and a bottom portion of the container body. The angular conversion section toggles between an expanded configuration having a common horizontal upper rim and a compressed configuration creating a new container body support surface, angling the upper rim. The depth conversion section toggles between an expanded configuration as a container and a compressed configuration collapsing the container for storage. The conversion section can employ a single section or a series of sections, wherein the series of sections enable an accordion styled formation when collapsed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Non-Provisional Utility Application is a Continuation-In-Part, claiming the benefit of:
         co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional Utility application Ser. No. 15/044,075 filed on Feb. 15, 2016 (scheduled to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 9,486,096 on Nov. 8, 2016),   wherein, U.S. Non-Provisional Utility application Ser. No. 15/044,075 is a Continuation-In-Part, claiming the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Utility application Ser. No. 14/672,220 filed on Mar. 29, 2015 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,260,221 on Feb. 16, 2016),   wherein, U.S. Non-Provisional Utility application Ser. No. 14/672,220 is a Continuation-In-Part, claiming the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Utility application Ser. No. 13/728,994 filed on Dec. 27, 2012 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,993,022 on Mar. 31, 2015),   wherein, U.S. Non-Provisional Utility application Ser. No. 13/728,994 claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/580,638, filed on Dec. 27, 2011,   each of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.       

    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a carry out cuisine container and method of use, and more particularly, a carry out bowl having a convertible base, which enables a horizontally oriented configuration for transport and a non-horizontally oriented configuration for use during consumption of the contents therefrom. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Carry out food containers are commonly designed having a base or support surface and an upper or access opening defined by a perimeter or upper rim of the container to which a cover can be removably affixed. The base surface is normally parallel with the perimeter. This feature aids in the attachment of a cover onto the upper rim of the bowl. The cover, when attached to the rim of the container additionally enables stacking of two or more containers within a carry out bag. 
     When the customer arrives at their destination, they typically remove the cover from the bowl and either transfer the contents into a different serving container or eat the contents directly from the carry out bowl. When eating the contents directly out of the carry out bowl, the upper rim of the container defining the opening through which the user accesses the food contained therein is horizontal. 
     Several cuisines are best consumed by being scooped out of the bowl. One example is a rice dish. The dining party commonly tilts the bowl and draws the edible contents from the bowl using chopsticks. 
     Meals, such as salads, are commonly served with a side volume of a condiment, such as salad dressing. Adding the condiment to the entrée just prior to consumption of the meal is desirous for certain cuisines. Placing salad dressing upon a salad a substantial time prior to consumption of the salad can cause the greens and other ingredients to loose their desired crisp texture over time. Currently, the condiment is stored in a condiment container and placed into the carry out bag. If multiple orders are placed within a single carry out bag, the consumer then needs to match the correct condiment with the associated carry out container. If the condiment and carry out containers are mismatched, the results could be detrimental to the consumer&#39;s dining experience. 
     Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a carry out container that enables ease of packaging and transport, while also enhancing a dining experience. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the known art and the problems that remain unsolved by providing a method and respective apparatus for packaging and consumption of take out appetizers, entrees, and desserts. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the invention consists of a carry out container comprising:
         a convertible bowl comprising:   a concave shaped shell defining a content receiving section, the shell having a bottom portion defining a planar support surface, a bowl sidewall extending upwards from a peripheral edge of the bottom surface, and an upper rim circumscribing an upper edge of the bowl sidewall and an opening of the content receiving section, the upper rim defining a stacking plane, wherein the stacking plane and the support plane are substantially parallel to one another;   a conversion demarcation defining a conversion section, the conversion demarcation defining an angled bowl support surface encompassing a portion of the bottom portion and a portion of the bowl sidewall; and   a bowl cover comprising:   a cover section having a peripheral edge, and   a rim attachment feature formed about the peripheral edge, the rim attachment feature being shaped and shaped for removable attachment between the bowl cover and the convertible bowl to retain contents within the carry out container.       

     In a second aspect, the conversion demarcation is provided in a “C” shaped cross sectional geometry. 
     In another aspect, the conversion demarcation is provided in a partially “C” shaped cross sectional geometry. 
     In another aspect, the conversion demarcation is provided having a necked down configuration formed within a sidewall of the convertible bowl body. 
     In another aspect, the conversion demarcation is formed on an exterior surface of the convertible bowl. 
     In another aspect, the conversion demarcation is formed on an interior surface of the convertible bowl. 
     In another aspect, the conversion demarcation is formed on at least one of the exterior surface of the convertible bowl and the interior surface of the convertible bowl. 
     In another aspect, the apex of the conversion demarcation is oriented towards the content receiving section of the bowl. 
     In another aspect, the conversion demarcation encompasses a majority of the bottom portion. 
     In another aspect, the conversion section can include a series of demarcations formed to collapse the conversion section. 
     In another aspect, the conversion section can include a series of circular demarcations or fold lines to collapse the conversion section. 
     In another aspect, the convertible container comprises a plurality of angular conversion demarcations, each angular conversion demarcation of the series of angular conversion demarcations being a flexible formation that segments the convertible container body defining a depressible angular conversion section, an outermost angular conversion demarcation of the series of angular conversion demarcations substantially defining a plane angularly disposed from the bottom surface and encompassing a combined portion of the support surface and the container sidewall, one demarcation of the series of angular conversion demarcations is formed having a first cross sectional demarcation configuration and a different demarcation of the series of angular conversion demarcations is formed having a second cross sectional demarcation configuration, wherein the first cross sectional demarcation configuration and the second cross sectional demarcation configuration are different from one another. 
     In another aspect, the demarcations are formed as interior favored demarcations and exterior favored demarcations. 
     In another aspect, the interior favored demarcations and the exterior favored demarcations can be arranged in an alternating pattern. 
     In another aspect, the interior favored demarcations can be formed having material removed from an interior surface of the convertible container. 
     In another aspect, the interior favored demarcations would favor a fold forming an acute angle on an interior of the convertible container. 
     In another aspect, the exterior favored demarcations can be formed having material removed from an exterior surface of the convertible container. 
     In another aspect, the exterior favored demarcations would favor a fold forming an obtuse angle on the interior of the convertible container. 
     In another aspect, the first cross sectional demarcation configuration and the different demarcation can be formed having different thicknesses. 
     In another aspect, the depth of each demarcation can control a remaining thickness of the material of the convertible container in each respective demarcation. The greater the depth, the thinner the remaining material. The changes in thickness can be one feature used to control the order of the folding of the conversion segments. The thinner the demarcation, the quicker the demarcation reacts to the folding process. 
     In another aspect, the convertible container can be designed to cause the inner conversion segment to recess first, then each of the intermediary conversion segment, and ending with the folding of the outer conversion segment. 
     In another aspect, the convertible container can be designed to cause the outer conversion segment to recess first, then each of the intermediary conversion segment, and ending with the folding of the inner conversion segment. 
     In another aspect, the first cross sectional demarcation configuration and the different demarcation can be formed having different shapes. 
     In another aspect, the first cross sectional demarcation configuration and the different demarcation can be formed having a cross sectional shape in a form of a “V”. 
     In another aspect, the first cross sectional demarcation configuration and the different demarcation can be formed having a cross sectional shape in a form of a “U”. In another aspect, the conversion section can include a series of semi-circular demarcations or fold lines to collapse the conversion section. 
     In another aspect, the conversion section can include a series of formed demarcations or fold lines to collapse the conversion section, wherein the formed demarcations define segments having a circular or annular plan shape, a semi-circular plan shape, a “D” shaped plan shape, a triangular shape, a linear shape, a trapezoidal shape, a pentagonal shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, and the like. The segments can include one or more of the various shapes to define a conversion section. 
     In another aspect, the conversion section can include a series of formed demarcations wherein the formed demarcations are off-centered from one another, to collapse the conversion section. 
     In another aspect, the conversion section can include a series of formed demarcations wherein the formed demarcations are concentric with one another, to collapse the conversion section. 
     In another aspect, the convertible container includes a second series of conversion sections defined by a series of demarcations, wherein the second series of conversion sections and associated series of demarcations are arranged generally parallel to at least one of a plane defined by the bowl upper opening rim and a plane defined by the container bottom portion. 
     In another aspect, the second series of conversion sections in conjunction with the associated series of demarcations enables a collapse of the bowl in an arrangement that is parallel to at least one of the plane defined by the bowl upper opening rim and the plane defined by the container bottom portion to reduce an overall height of the convertible bowl for storage. 
     In another aspect, the bowl cover further comprises a cover upper surface, wherein the upper surface provides a surface for supporting additional carry out containers. 
     In another aspect, the bowl cover further comprises a condiment container receptacle, the condiment container receptacle being provided in the cover upper surface. 
     In another aspect, the condiment container receptacle is contiguous with the cover, maintaining a seal for contents stored within the convertible bowl assembly. 
     In another aspect, the cover upper surface further comprises a recessed cover section, wherein a surface of the recessed cover section is positioned below a cover upper surface. 
     In another aspect, the bowl cover further comprises a condiment container receptacle, the condiment container receptacle being provided in the recessed cover section. 
     In another aspect, the convertible bowl assembly further comprises a condiment container assembly; the condiment container assembly comprises a condiment container and a condiment container cover. 
     In another aspect, the condiment container assembly comprises a container retention feature and the bowl cover further comprises a condiment container retention mating feature, wherein the condiment container retention feature engages with the container retention mating feature to retain the condiment container with the convertible bowl. 
     In another aspect, the condiment container retention feature is a recession formed at least partially circumscribing the condiment container and the container retention mating feature is a boss, which engages with the condiment container retention. 
     In another aspect, the condiment container retention feature is located to position the condiment container assembly enabling stacking of a second convertible bowl assembly upon the first convertible bowl assembly. 
     In another aspect, the convertible bowl assembly further comprising a recessed bottom surface to accommodate an attached condiment container assembly when stacked the convertible bowl assembly is placed upon a second convertible bowl assembly. 
     In another aspect, stacking of a first and a second convertible bowl assembly is enhanced by integrating a stacking base interface into the bowl bottom portion and a stacking cover interface into the cover upper surface. 
     In another aspect, the stacking base interface and mating stacking cover interface comprise a recess and a mating boss respectively. 
     In another aspect, the stacking base interface and mating stacking cover interface comprise a recessed cylindrical shape and a mating bossed cylindrical shape respectively. 
     In another aspect, the stacking base interface and mating stacking cover interface comprise a recessed vertically oriented tubular shape and a mating bossed vertically oriented tubular shape respectively. 
     In another aspect, the stacking base interface and mating stacking cover interface comprise a recessed ring and a mating bossed ring respectively. 
     Introducing another embodiment, a method of use includes the steps of:
         depositing an edible content into a convertible carry out container;   sealing the convertible carry out container by attaching a bowl cover to the convertible carry out container;   depressing a conversion section of the convertible carry out container inward to create a support surface which positions an upper edge of the convertible carry out container to a non-horizontal orientation;   removing the bowl cover from the convertible carry out container;   placing the convertible carry out container upon a support surface; and   consuming the edible content from the edible content.       

     In another aspect, the method further comprises steps of:
         depositing a volume of a condiment into a condiment container assembly; and   inserting the condiment container assembly into a condiment container receptacle forming within the bowl cover.       

     In another aspect, the method further comprises a step of: 
     securing a second convertible bowl assembly onto an upper surface of a first convertible bowl assembly by securing a stacking cover interface and a stacking base interface together. 
     These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  presents an isometric, exploded assembly view of an exemplary convertible carry out bowl; 
         FIG. 2  presents a front, exploded assembly elevation view of the convertible carry out bowl originally introduced in  FIG. 1 , illustrated in a carry out configuration; 
         FIG. 3  presents a front, assembled elevation view of the convertible carry out bowl originally introduced in  FIG. 1 , illustrated in a carry out configuration; 
         FIG. 4  presents a front, assembled elevation view of the convertible carry out bowl originally introduced in  FIG. 1 , illustrated in an initial conversion step of being transformed into a tilted configuration, for employment during consumption of edible contents stored therein; 
         FIG. 5  presents a front, assembled elevation view of the convertible carry out bowl as converted in  FIG. 4 , illustrating the tilted configuration and positioned for employment during consumption of the edible contents stored therein; 
         FIG. 6  presents a sectioned exploded assembly side view of the exemplary convertible carry out bowl originally introduced in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  presents a sectioned assembled side view of the exemplary convertible carry out bowl as previously presented in  FIG. 6  with the cover engaged with the bowl rim; 
         FIG. 8  presents an enhanced version of the convertible carry out bowl introducing an exemplary stacking interface feature, the illustration presenting a pair of stacked bowls in an exploded assembly view; 
         FIG. 9  presents the convertible carry out bowl of  FIG. 8 , illustrating a pair of bowls in stacked configuration; and 
         FIG. 10  presents an isometric view of a lid comprising an alternative integrated dressing storage and serving configuration. 
         FIG. 11  presents an isometric view of another enhanced version of the convertible carry out bowl, wherein the enhancement introduces an accordion expansion and collapsing design; 
         FIG. 12  presents a bottom plan view of the enhanced version of the convertible carry out bowl originally introduced in  FIG. 11 , wherein the illustration presents a bottom view describing the accordion expansion and collapsing design; 
         FIG. 13  presents a side elevation view of the enhanced version of the convertible carry out bowl originally introduced in  FIG. 11 , wherein the illustration presents a side elevation view describing the accordion expansion and collapsing design; 
         FIG. 14  presents a sectioned isometric side view of the enhanced version of the convertible carry out bowl originally introduced in  FIG. 11 , wherein the illustration presents the convertible carry out bowl in an expanded, carry out configuration; 
         FIG. 15  presents a sectioned isometric side view of the enhanced version of the convertible carry out bowl originally introduced in  FIG. 11 , wherein the illustration presents the convertible carry out bowl in a collapsed, serving configuration prior to removal of the container lid; 
         FIG. 16  presents a sectioned isometric side view of the enhanced version of the convertible carry out bowl originally introduced in  FIG. 11 , wherein the illustration presents the convertible carry out bowl in the collapsed, serving configuration following removal of the container lid; 
         FIG. 17  presents a sectioned isometric side view of the enhanced version of the convertible carry out bowl originally introduced in  FIG. 11 , wherein the illustration presents the convertible carry out bowl in the collapsed, being rotated into a serving orientation with the collapsed section becoming the bottom, supporting surface of the carry out container; 
         FIG. 18  presents a sectioned isometric side view of the enhanced version of the convertible carry out bowl originally introduced in  FIG. 11 , wherein the illustration presents the convertible carry out bowl in the collapsed, being rotated into a serving orientation with the collapsed section becoming the bottom, supporting surface of the carry out container; 
         FIG. 19  presents a bottom, elevation isometric view of a further enhanced version of the convertible bowl, wherein the enhancement introduces an accordion expansion and collapsing design to increase and decrease an overall height of the convertible bowl body, the illustration presenting the convertible bowl in an expanded bowl configuration having a maximum height for use as a bowl; 
         FIG. 20  presents a bottom, elevation isometric view of the further enhanced version of the convertible bowl originally introduced in  FIG. 19 , the illustration presenting the convertible bowl in a collapsed bowl configuration having a minimum height for storage; 
         FIG. 21  presents a sectioned bottom, elevation isometric view of the further enhanced version of the convertible bowl as originally presented in an expanded configuration illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the section being taken along an elevation plane through a central region of the convertible bowl; and 
         FIG. 22  presents a sectioned bottom, elevation isometric view of the further enhanced version of the convertible bowl as originally presented in a collapsed configuration illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the section being taken along an elevation plane through a central region of the convertible bowl. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     A convertible bowl assembly  100  is presented in various configurations in the illustrations of  FIGS. 1 through 7 . The convertible bowl assembly  100  includes a convertible bowl  110  and a bowl cover  140 . The convertible bowl assembly  100  can be further enhanced by optionally integrating a condiment container receptacle  148  into the bowl cover  140  for receiving and retaining a condiment container assembly  160 . 
     The convertible bowl  110  comprises a concave shaped shell sidewall  112  extending upward from a peripheral edge of a bowl bottom portion  116  and terminating at an upper opening rim  114 . An interior portion of the concave shaped shell sidewall  112  and bowl bottom portion  116  collectively define a bowl content receiving section  118  for storage of edible contents. A conversion demarcation  130  is formed within the convertible bowl  110  wherein the conversion demarcation  130  encompasses a portion of the concave shaped shell sidewall  112  and a portion of the bowl bottom portion  116 . The conversion demarcation  130  defines a conversion section  132 . It is preferred that the conversion section  132  includes a majority of the bowl bottom portion  116 . The conversion demarcation  130  can be a “C” shaped formation, a necked down configuration, or other shape to clearly identify a transition edge. The concave shaped shell sidewall  112  can include optional shaping such as scalloping to enhance the rigidity thereof, the aesthetics, and the like. The conversion demarcation  130  can extend inward from at least one of an interior surface of the body of the convertible bowl  110  and an exterior surface of the body of the convertible bowl  110 . The bowl bottom portion  116  defines a support surface when the convertible bowl assembly  100  is in a transport configuration. During transport, the bowl bottom portion  116  rests upon a support surface  199 . 
     A cover attachment interface  120  is formed about the upper opening rim  114  for receiving the bowl cover  140  as best shown in the cross sectioned illustrations of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The cover attachment interface  120  can be formed in any configuration, wherein the exemplary shape is an inverted “U”. It is understood that the cover attachment interface  120  can be formed in the shape of a bead, an “L”, and the like. The exemplary cover attachment interface  120  is shaped external to the bowl content receiving section  118 , as the preferred configuration is easily fabricated using a vacuum forming process. 
     The bowl cover  140  comprises a cover section  142  extending across an interior defined by a rim attachment feature  150  as best shown in the cross sectioned illustrations of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . It is preferred that the cover section  142  extends upward forming a concave interior space. A cover upper surface  143  can be integrated into the shape of an upper portion of the curved cover section  142 . The cover upper surface  143  defines a planar upper support surface for supporting objects stacked upon the bowl cover  140 . The rim attachment feature  150  is shaped to include a rim receiving interface  152 . The rim receiving interface  152  is sized and shaped to engage with the cover attachment interface  120 . The bowl cover  140  is preferably fabricated using a vacuum forming process and designed to be slightly flexible, enabling releasable engagement between the cover attachment interface  120  and the rim receiving interface  152 . A removal assisting lip  154  can extend outward from a lower edge of the rim receiving interface  152  to aid the user in removing the bowl cover  140  from the convertible bowl  110 . The removal assisting lip  154  can be provided as a short tab extending from a portion of the peripheral edge of the rim receiving interface  152  or be contiguous about the entire peripheral edge of the rim receiving interface  152 . 
     In use, the convertible bowl  110  is configured with the conversion section  132  extending outward placing the convertible bowl  110  into a portable configuration. The portable configuration orients the upper opening rim  114  horizontally, enabling placement of items onto a top surface of the convertible bowl assembly  100  in a substantially vertical orientation during transport from the restaurant to the dining location. The convertible bowl  110  is converted into a serving container by depressing the conversion section  132  inward towards the bowl content receiving section  118 . The concave shaped shell sidewall  112  deforms along the conversion demarcation  130  forming a serving support surface. When served, the conversion demarcation  130  is placed upon the support surface  199 . The serving support surface defined by the conversion demarcation  130  supports the convertible bowl  110 , placing the upper opening rim  114  at an angle from horizontal. The convertible bowl  110  is rotationally oriented placing the lowest portion of upper opening rim  114  closest to the user. The conversion section  132  may include pleats or other features to aid in collapsing the projected section of the bowl when undergoing the conversion process. 
     A condiment container assembly  160  can be included with the convertible bowl assembly  100  for storage and delivery of condiments or other additives for application upon or mixing with the stored consumable. The condiment container assembly  160  comprises a condiment container  162  and a condiment container cover  169 . The condiment container  162  defines a condiment container contents receptacle  168  for receiving and storing contents therein. The condiment container cover  169  attaches to an upper edge of the condiment container  162  to seal a volume or quantity of the condiments within the condiment container contents receptacle  168 . The condiment container  162  and condiment container cover  169  can be provided in any compatible shape. 
     A condiment container receptacle  148  can optionally be integrated into the upper surface of the bowl cover  140  for receiving and retaining the condiment container assembly  160 . In the exemplary embodiment, the cover upper surface  143  further comprises a recessed cover section  144 . The recessed cover section  144  is provided to accommodate a portion of the condiment container assembly  160  extending above the surface of the recessed cover section  144 . The condiment container receptacle  148  extends downward from the recessed cover section  144 . Both, the condiment container receptacle  148  and a sidewall of the condiment container  162  are preferably shaped as an inverted frustum to optimize fabrication as well as fit therebetween. 
     The condiment container assembly  160  can be retained within the condiment container receptacle  148  by including a retention interface therebetween. In the exemplary embodiment, a condiment container retention feature  166  can be integrated into the condiment container  162  and a container retention mating feature  146  can be integrated into the condiment container receptacle  148 . The container retention mating feature  146  can be a ring, a boss, a series of bosses, and the like projecting towards a center of the condiment container receptacle  148 . The condiment container retention feature  166  can be a recession formed about a circumference of the condiment container  162 . When the condiment container assembly  160  is inserted into the condiment container receptacle  148 , the container retention mating feature  146  engages with the condiment container retention feature  166  to retain the condiment container assembly  160  within the condiment container receptacle  148 . 
     A bottom recession  117  can be included within the bowl bottom portion  116 , wherein the bottom recession  117  provides sufficient space for the portion of the condiment container assembly  160  extending above the surface of the recessed cover section  144 , when a first convertible bowl  110  is placed upon a second convertible bowl assembly  100 . 
     An enhanced embodiment of the convertible bowl assembly  100  is presented as a convertible bowl assembly  200  and illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Like features of the convertible bowl assembly  200  and convertible bowl assembly  100  are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘2’. The convertible bowl assembly  200  includes an interface for aiding and retaining two or more convertible bowl assemblies  200  in a stacked configuration. The exemplary stacking interface includes a stacking base interface  215  shaped in a bowl bottom portion  216  of a convertible bowl  210  and a stacking cover interface  245  shaped into a cover upper surface  243  of a bowl cover  240 . The stacking base interface  215  and stacking cover interface  245  can be of any reasonable shape, size, and location to releasably mate together as desired. The stacking base interface  215  and stacking cover interface  245  can be provided in a recessed cylindrical shape and a mating bossed cylindrical shape respectively. The stacking base interface  215  and stacking cover interface  245  can alternately be provided in a recessed vertically oriented tubular shape and a mating bossed vertically oriented tubular shape respectively. In yet another option, the stacking base interface  215  and stacking cover interface  245  can be provided in a recessed ring and a mating bossed ring respectively. 
     In use, the serving party places edible contents into a bowl content receiving section  218  of the convertible bowl  210 . A bowl cover  240  is removably attached to the convertible bowl  210  by engaging a rim receiving interface  252  of the bowl cover  240  with a cover attachment interface  220  of the convertible bowl  210 , sealing the contents within the interior volume. Condiments or other additives are placed within an interior of a condiment container  262 . The contents are sealed therein by attaching a condiment container cover  269  to an upper edge of the condiment container  262 . A condiment container retention feature  266  is formed about a circumference of the condiment container  262 . The condiment container retention feature  266  engages with a container retention mating feature  246  formed within a condiment container receptacle  248  of the bowl cover  240 . The serving party inserts the condiment container assembly  260  into the condiment container retention feature  266  until the container retention mating feature  246  engages with the condiment container receptacle  248 . The engagement between the condiment container retention feature  266  and the condiment container receptacle  248  retains the condiment container assembly  260  within the condiment container receptacle  248 . This retains the condiment with the associated edible contents within the respective convertible bowl  210 . The process is repeated with a second convertible bowl assembly  200 . The second convertible bowl assembly  200  is attached to a bowl cover  240  of a first convertible bowl assembly  200  by engaging the stacking base interface  215  of the second convertible bowl  210  with the stacking cover interface  245  of the first bowl cover  240 . 
     The convertible bowl assembly  100 ,  200  provides several advantages over the current art. The conversion demarcation  130 ,  230  enables the user to depress the conversion section  132 ,  232  to create an angled support surface, wherein the angled support surface tilts the upper opening rim  114 ,  214 . The tilted upper opening rim  114 ,  214  improves the process of consuming the contents of the convertible bowl  110 ,  210 . Currently condiment containers are placed within a carry out bag without any association with any of the convertible bowls  110 ,  210 . The inclusion of the condiment container receptacle  148 ,  248  provides an interface for associating the respective condiment container assembly  160 ,  260  with the contents of the convertible bowl  110 ,  210 . Stacking of a plurality of convertible bowl assemblies  100  can cause undesirable shifting of the convertible bowl assemblies  100  during transport. The convertible bowl assembly  200  provides an additional advantage where a bowl bottom portion  216  of a first convertible bowl assembly  200  is attached to a cover upper surface  243  of a second convertible bowl assembly  200 . This eliminates any undesirable shifting during transport. 
     A bowl cover  340  integrates a condiment container  370  therein, as illustrated in FIG.  10 . The bowl cover  340  is similar to the bowl cover  240 , with the introduction of the condiment container  370 . Like features of the bowl cover  340  and bowl cover  240  are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘3’. The condiment container  370  is formed within the upper cover section  344  of the bowl cover  340 . The condiment container  370  includes a condiment sidewall  372  extending downward from a peripheral edge of the condiment container  370  formed within the upper cover section  344 , and terminating at a condiment container base  374 . Condiments, such as salad dressing, ketchup, mustard, tarter sauce, and the like, are dispensed into the condiment container  370 . A condiment container cover  369  is secured to the lid coupling rim  378 , retaining the condiment within the condiment container  370  until use. A plurality of dispensing grooves  376  is formed in the condiment container base  374 . The dispensing grooves  376  enables the user to fracture the condiment container base  374  by applying a compression force onto the condiment container base  374 , causing the dispensing grooves  376  to separate. In one method, the user can apply a force using a knife or other kitchen utensil. The fractured dispensing grooves  376  enable the dressing to pass through the condiment container base  374  onto the contents of the bowl. The user can then re-secure the condiment container cover  369  to the lid coupling rim  378  and shake the contents within the bowl to mix the dressing therewith. 
     A convertible container assembly  400  is an enhanced version of the convertible bowl or container assembly  100  and/or convertible bowl or container assembly  200 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 11 through 18 . The convertible container assembly  400  is similar to the convertible bowl or container assembly  100  and/or the convertible bowl or container assembly  200 , with the introduction of an accordion styled conversion section. Like features of the convertible container assembly  400  and convertible bowl or container assembly  100 ,  200  are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘4’. A conversion section  432  is formed within a convertible container  410  of the convertible container assembly  400 . The conversion section  432  enables conversion of the convertible container  410  from a carry out configuration, where the conversion section  432  is extended outward and a serving configuration (as best shown in  FIG. 14 ), where the conversion section  432  is collapsed inward forming an accordion shape (as best shown in  FIGS. 15 through 18 ). 
     The conversion section  432  includes a series of segments enabling the section to collapse in an accordion fashion. In the exemplary embodiment, the conversion section  432  is bound by or defined externally by a primary conversion demarcation  430 . A portion of the primary conversion demarcation  430  extends across a portion of a concave shaped container shell sidewall  412  of the convertible container  410  and a second portion of the primary conversion demarcation  430  extends across a portion of a container bottom portion  416  of the convertible container  410 . The primary conversion demarcation  430  preferably defines an outer resting area for the convertible container  410  when the conversion section  432  is collapsed into the serving configuration. The conversion section  432  would be shaped to offset the center of gravity of the convertible container  410  to stably maintain the convertible container  410  in a desired serving position (as shown in  FIG. 18 ) during use. 
     The conversion section  432  includes a series of offset semi-circular segments, more specifically, a outer conversion segment  431  extending as an annular shaped segment between a primary conversion demarcation  430  and a first intermediary demarcation  436 , a series of intermediary conversion segments  437  extending between adjacent intermediary demarcations  436  (with an interior intermediary conversion segment  437  extending between one intermediary conversion segment  437  and an adjacent inner conversion demarcation  434 , and a inner conversion segment  435  defined within an interior of the inner conversion demarcation  434 . 
     In use, the convertible container  410  would initially be configured having the conversion section  432  extended outward, placing the convertible container  410  into a carry out configuration. Contents, such as a serving of food, leftovers, and the like, would be placed into the convertible container  410 . A bowl cover  440  would be secured to the convertible container  410  engaging a rim attachment feature  450  of the bowl cover  440  with a cover attachment interface  420  of the convertible container  410 . The bowl cover  440  can include a condiment container receptacle  448  or any other suitable condiment storage feature. It is understood that any of the above described condiment storage and/or serving features can be incorporated into the bowl cover  440 . 
     If desired, the user can transfer a condiment, such as a salad dressing, into the container content receiving section  418 . The user would reseal any opening and shake the container to mix the condiment with the other contents residing within the container content receiving section  418 . 
     The demarcations  430 ,  434 ,  436  can be designed to direct the folding between conversion segments  431 ,  435 ,  437  in a desired direction such as to form the exemplary accordion shape best shown  FIG. 18 . The demarcations  430 ,  434 ,  436  can be of two alternating designs, as shown. The demarcations  430 ,  434 ,  436  can be formed as interior favored demarcation(s)  460  and exterior favored demarcation(s)  462 . Each interior favored demarcation  460  would favor a fold forming an acute angle on an interior of the convertible container  410 . Each exterior favored demarcation  462  would favor a fold forming an obtuse angle on the interior of the convertible container  410 . The interior favored demarcation  460  can be formed having material removed from an interior surface of the convertible container  410 . The exterior favored demarcation  462  can be formed having material removed from an exterior surface of the convertible container  410 . The exemplary demarcations can be formed using a thermal vacuum forming process. The depth of each demarcation can control a remaining thickness of the material of the convertible container  410  in each respective demarcation. The greater the depth, the thinner the remaining material. The changes in thickness can be one feature used to control the order of the folding of the conversion segments  431 ,  435 ,  437 . The thinner the demarcation, the quicker the demarcation reacts to the folding process. In one embodiment, the convertible container  410  can be designed to cause the inner conversion segment  435  to recess first, then each of the intermediary conversion segment  437 , and ending with the folding of the outer conversion segment  431 . In a second embodiment, the convertible container  410  can be designed to cause the outer conversion segment  431  to recess first, then each of the intermediary conversion segment  437 , and ending with the folding of the inner conversion segment  435 . The exemplary fold direction controlling demarcations  460 ,  462  are formed having a “U” or “V” cross sectional shape. It is understood that the fold direction controlling demarcations  460 ,  462  can be formed using a stamping process, a heat stamping process, included in a molding process or using any other suitable forming process. 
     Prior to serving, the user would apply a compression force to the conversion section  432  (preferably to the inner conversion segment  435 ), causing the conversion section  432  to collapse inward in accordance with the preformed demarcations  430 ,  434 ,  436 . The segments would transition from an extended configuration (as shown in  FIG. 14 ) into an accordion configuration (as shown in  FIGS. 15 through 18 ). The user would remove the bowl cover  440  from the convertible container  410  either prior to or preferably after reconfiguring the conversion section  432 . The user would place the collapsed section of the conversion section  432  of the convertible container  410  upon a support surface  499 , tiling the convertible container  410  as shown in  FIG. 18 , and begin consuming the contents therefrom. 
     The accordion formation at the base of the convertible container  410  can elevate food  490 , such as lettuce, above liquids  492 , such as salad dressing. 
     Although the exemplary embodiment is formed having a series of offset semi-circular demarcations  430 ,  434 ,  436 , it is understood that any suitable shape can be used to provide a collapsible section  432 . The conversion section  432  can comprise a series of generally linearly shaped segments, triangular shaped segments, trapezoidally shaped segments, arched segments, pentagonally shaped segments, hexagonally shaped segments, octagonally shaped segments, and the like. 
     It is understood that the same concept can be applied to home ware, wherein the convertible container base  510 , shown in  FIGS. 19 through 22 , can be configured in a storage configuration for storing contents and converted into a serving configuration for serving contents. The convertible container assembly  510  is similar to the convertible bowl or container assembly  410  and/or the convertible bowl or container assembly  210 , with the introduction of a depth conversion section  582 . Like features of the convertible container  510  and convertible bowl or container  410  are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘5’. 
     The convertible container  110 ,  210 ,  410   510 , can additionally include a second series of demarcations defining a depth conversion section  582 , wherein the depth conversion section  582  would be similar to the angular conversion series of convertible demarcations  432 , but oriented being parallel to at least one of the convertible container bottom surface  116 ,  216 ,  416 ,  516  or the upper opening rim  114 ,  214 ,  414 ,  514 . When compressed, the second series of convertible demarcations  582  are collapsed, the convertible container base  110 ,  210 ,  410  is collapsed into a storage or portable configuration having a reduced volume. When expanded, the second series of convertible demarcations  582  reformed returning the convertible container base  510  into a container configuration having a container content receiving section  518 . 
     In more detail, the second series of demarcations  582  are similar to the angular conversion section  532 , including a series of demarcations  580 ,  584 ,  586  and association adjacent conversion segments  581 ,  585 ,  587 . An upper depth conversion demarcation  580  is formed proximate the cover attachment interface  520  of the convertible container  510 . A lower depth conversion demarcation  584  is formed proximate the container bottom portion  516  of the convertible container  510 . A plurality of intermediary demarcations  586  are formed being spatially arranged between the upper depth conversion demarcation  580  and the lower depth conversion demarcation  584 . An upper depth conversion segment  581  is located between the upper depth conversion demarcation  580  and the adjacent intermediary demarcation  586 . An intermediary conversion segment  537  is located between pairs of adjacently located intermediary demarcations  586 . A lower depth conversion segment  585  is defined by the lower depth conversion demarcation  584 , wherein the lower depth conversion segment  585  includes the container bottom portion  516  of the convertible container  510 . The depth conversion section  582  converts the convertible container  510  from a contents containing configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 21  to a storage configuration, shown in  FIGS. 20 and 22  and back. The conversion from the contents containing configuration to the storage configuration is accomplished by compressing the upper opening rim  514  and the container bottom portion  516  towards one another, collapsing the depth conversion section  582 . The conversion from the storage configuration to the contents containing configuration to accomplished by pressing the container bottom portion  516  away from the upper opening rim  514 , expanding the depth conversion section  582 . The demarcations  580 ,  584 ,  586  can be formed in any suitable configuration. The demarcations  580 ,  584 ,  586  can be formed in at least one of extending inward from an exterior surface of the body of the convertible container body  510 , extending inward from an interior surface of the body of the convertible container body  510 , and as a necked down configuration formed within the sidewall of the convertible container body  510 . 
     Although the disclosed exemplary embodiments are provided in a form factor of a bowl, it is understood that the same concept can be applied to containers having other shapes, including square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, oblong, oval, and the like. 
     The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications or equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all the embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
     ELEMENT DESCRIPTION REFERENCES 
     
         
         Ref No. Description 
           100  convertible bowl assembly 
           110  convertible bowl 
           112  concave shaped shell sidewall 
           114  upper opening rim 
           116  bowl bottom portion 
           117  bottom recession 
           118  bowl content receiving section 
           120  cover attachment interface 
           130  conversion demarcation 
           132  conversion section 
           140  bowl cover 
           142  cover section 
           143  cover upper surface 
           144  recessed cover section 
           146  container retention mating feature 
           148  condiment container receptacle 
           150  rim attachment feature 
           152  rim receiving interface 
           154  removal assisting lip 
           160  condiment container assembly 
           162  condiment container 
           166  condiment container retention feature 
           168  condiment container contents receptacle 
           169  condiment container cover 
           199  support surface 
           200  convertible bowl assembly 
           210  convertible bowl 
           212  concave shaped shell sidewall 
           214  upper opening rim 
           215  stacking base interface 
           216  bowl bottom portion 
           217  bottom recession 
           218  bowl content receiving section 
           220  cover attachment interface 
           230  conversion demarcation 
           232  conversion section 
           240  bowl cover 
           242  cover section 
           243  cover upper surface 
           244  recessed cover section 
           245  stacking cover interface 
           246  container retention mating feature 
           248  condiment container receptacle 
           250  rim attachment feature 
           252  rim receiving interface 
           254  removal assisting lip 
           260  condiment container assembly 
           262  condiment container 
           266  condiment container retention feature 
           268  condiment container contents receptacle 
           269  condiment container cover 
           340  bowl cover 
           342  cover section 
           343  cover upper surface 
           344  recessed cover section 
           345  stacking cover interface 
           346  container retention mating feature 
           348  condiment container receptacle 
           350  rim attachment feature 
           352  rim receiving interface 
           354  removal assisting lip 
           360  condiment container assembly 
           362  condiment container 
           366  condiment container retention feature 
           368  condiment container contents receptacle 
           369  condiment container cover 
           370  condiment container 
           372  condiment sidewall 
           374  condiment container base 
           376  dispensing grooves 
           378  lid coupling rim 
           400  convertible container assembly 
           410  convertible container 
           412  concave shaped container shell sidewall 
           414  upper opening rim 
           416  container bottom portion 
           417  bottom recession 
           418  container content receiving section 
           420  cover attachment interface 
           430  primary conversion demarcation 
           431  outer conversion segment 
           432  conversion section 
           434  inner conversion demarcation 
           435  inner conversion segment 
           436  intermediary demarcation 
           437  intermediary conversion segment 
           440  bowl cover 
           442  cover section 
           444  recessed cover section 
           448  condiment container receptacle 
           450  rim attachment feature 
           460  interior favored demarcation 
           462  exterior favored demarcation 
           490  food 
           492  liquid 
           499  support surface 
           510  convertible container 
           512  concave shaped container shell sidewall 
           514  upper opening rim 
           516  container bottom portion 
           517  bottom recession 
           518  container content receiving section 
           520  cover attachment interface 
           530  primary angular conversion demarcation 
           531  outer angular conversion segment 
           532  angular conversion section 
           534  inner angular conversion demarcation 
           535  inner angular conversion segment 
           536  intermediary angular demarcation 
           537  intermediary angular conversion segment 
           580  upper depth conversion demarcation 
           581  upper depth conversion segment 
           582  depth conversion section 
           584  lower depth conversion demarcation 
           585  lower depth conversion segment 
           586  intermediary depth demarcation 
           587  intermediary depth conversion segment