Abstract:
A covered food container or serving platter incorporates a cover stand as part of the structure of the container. The cover may be temporarily stored on the stand while the user obtains access to the container. In one embodiment a portion of the cover is received within a suitably configured retention area formed within the container. Another covered serving container utilizes a central support extending from the platter and a corresponding support that extends from the cover, with an interlocking possible at the maximum extension of each support, thus separating the cover from the platter. A further embodiment utilizes a pair of covers, one receivable upon another to enable a nesting storage with access available to the exposed container storage area. A surface rib and groove formed in corresponding surfaces of the two covers provides stability when in the nested configuration.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 60/235,482, filed Sep. 26, 2000. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to food containers and, more particularly, to such containers having a removable cover. More specifically, the present invention relates to covered food containers wherein a structural feature of the container receives a matching structural component of the cover to provide a temporary resting location for the cover when access to the interior of the container is required. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     The ideal of a “family dinner” where all members of a family gather at a certain time to enjoy conversation during a relaxed meal continues on the endangered list. Existing more in memory than in fact, dinnertime in most families will extend over an ill-defined period of time, with members eating as the opportunity arises. Covered dishware enables cooked food to be enjoyed at a later time, without worry of exposure to airborne germs or of the food drying out. 
     Covers for dishware also provide these same services for group gatherings, whether at holidays or at potluck events. In both instances, the food is prepared at an earlier time, and is then stored and later re-heated at the time it is served (or re-served). At those events where seconds (or even thirds!) are the norm, covers are essential towards maintaining the food in an appetizing and safe condition. 
     In most instances, covers are not directly connected to the dishware or other container with which they are used. As a result, covers can be misplaced when in storage. Covers also present a problem at the time of food service. For self-service events, it becomes awkward to raise and hold the cover, hold the serving utensil, and hold the plate upon which the food is received. Consequently, it is the custom to remove all of the covers just prior to food service, and then replace them after all parties have passed through the food line. 
     Finding space for all of these covers can be difficult, and typically they are removed from the area and all piled together. This makes their replacement more difficult, and thus less likely to occur, to the detriment of food quality. A need exists for dishware having a symbiotic relationship with its respective cover. To the extent that a cover for a particular piece of dishware could remain engaged with that dishware at all times during food service, considerable savings in space and efficiency could be obtained. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a covered food container or serving platter that incorporates a cover stand as part of the structure of the container. A user is thereby able to temporarily store the cover upon the stand while accessing the contents of the container. The presently preferred embodiments enable such temporary storage utilizing a variety of different structures. 
     A STAND-A-COVER™ brand pan utilizes a retaining slot formed at each end of the pan to receive the extended portion of the cover that, when in a covering position, overlies the end handles of the container. Thus, when access to the interior of the container is desired, the cover is removed, rotated to a vertical position, and then inserted into either of the retaining slots where it remains, standing on end, until removed to once again cover the container. 
     The HALF-COVERED™ brand server utilizes the cover itself as a support. Two half-covers cooperate in an overlapping manner to cover a serving platter. To seal their interface, a projecting rib on one is received by a corresponding groove formed in the surface of the other. When access to the platter is required, one of the half-covers is removed, and is then placed on top of the other half-cover. The covers are so positioned that the projecting rib and receiving groove cooperate to again form a stable, nested relationship. When access to the serving platter is no longer required, the upper half-cover is lifted and rotated to a position that once again covers the previously exposed platter. 
     In yet a further embodiment, a TWIST-A-COVER™ brand covered dish includes a central support that extends up from the dish and a centrally located support shaft that extends down from the cover. When the cover is resting upon the dish, the shaft is fully received within the central support. As the cover is raised, the support shaft follows, and is gradually withdrawn from the central support. Projecting cam lobes are formed in a longitudinal manner on the surface of the support shaft, and support shaft stops project inwardly from the outer walls of the central support near the upper opening thereof. 
     The cam lobes cooperate with the shaft stops to either permit the withdrawal of the support shaft from the central support or, if the cover is twisted to a different radial positioning of the cam lobes, the support shaft stops will permit the support shaft to rest upon them, thus supporting the cover in an up-raised position with respect to the dish. When it is again desired to lower the cover, the cover is twisted to permit the cam lobes to pass between the support shaft stops as the cover is lowered. 
     Some further objects and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent from the ensuing description and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with portions in phantom, showing a type of covered dishware in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view, with portions in phantom, showing a manner in which a cover engages with the dishware of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2B is a partial, enlarged perspective view, with portions in phantom, showing the drainage path of condensate water from a cover into the dishware of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line  3 — 3  in FIG. 1, showing a cover-receiving slot formed in the dishware of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view, with portions shown in phantom, showing an alternate type of covered dishware in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 5A is a partial exploded cross-sectional view, showing a manner of interaction between the cover and the dishware of FIG. 4 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a manner of engagement between the dishware of FIG. 4 and a cover therefor, in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 5B, showing a manner of disengagement between the dishware of FIG. 4 and a cover therefor, in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view, with portions in phantom, showing a further alternate type of covered dishware in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view, with portions in phantom, showing a manner of engagement between the cover and the dishware of FIG. 6 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view, with portions in phantom, showing a manner of engagement between the cover and the dishware of FIG. 6 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 8A is a partial exploded perspective view showing an alternative manner of engagement between the cover and the dishware of FIG. 6 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view, with portions in phantom, showing a still further alternate type of covered dishware in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view, taken along line  10 — 10  of FIG. 9, showing the manner in which the cover is received by the dishware of FIG. 9 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 10B is an exploded cross-sectional view, taken along line  10 — 10  of FIG. 9, showing the cover separated from the dishware of FIG. 9 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view, taken along line  10 — 10  of FIG. 9, showing a manner of engagement between the cover and the dishware of FIG. 9 in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 11A is a plan view, with portions in phantom, showing a central support column of the dishware of FIG. 9 as positioned to permit the separation of the cover from the dishware in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 11B is a plan view, similar to FIG. 11A, showing a central support column of the dishware of FIG. 9 as positioned to prevent the disengagement of the cover from the dishware in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view, similar to FIG. 2A, showing an alternative embodiment of a covered container and a manner in which a cover engages with the container in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. In FIG. 1 a STAND-A-COVER™ covered pan  10  is shown, with a lower pan  14  receiving a cover  16  in a conventional manner. The edges along three of the four sides of the cover  16  are substantially aligned with the upper edges of three corresponding sides of the lower pan  14 . A cover extension  18  is formed on a remaining side of the cover  16 , with a portion of the cover extension  18  extending beyond an upper edge of the corresponding side of the lower pan  14 . A handle  23  is provided the cover  16 , and a pair of handles  22  (only one shown in FIG. 1) are preferably provided the lower pan  14 . 
     In FIG. 2A the cover  16  has been removed from the lower pan  14  and is shown appropriately positioned to be received by the lower pan  14  for temporary storage. As so positioned, a lower surface of the cover  16  is revealed, showing a seating ridge  26  formed in and projecting from said inner surface of the cover  16  along a substantial portion of three of the sides thereof. The seating ridge  26  is recessed from the adjacent edges of the cover  16  by an amount that is roughly equivalent to the thickness of the sidewalls of the lower pan  14 . As so positioned, the seating ridge  26  encourages the proper positioning of the cover  16  on of the lower pan  14  (see FIG.  1 ). 
     As is also depicted in FIG. 2A, the seating ridge  26  diverges from the adjacent edge of the cover  16  as it extends towards the cover extension  18 , forming a pair of channel guides  27   a ,  27   b . The ends of each channel guides  27   a ,  27   b  are spaced from one another forming a cover channel opening  28 . Referring momentarily to FIG. 2B, the purpose for the channel guides  27   a ,  27   b  becomes readily apparent. When warm foods (not shown in the Figures) are kept within the covered pan  10  for an extended period, condensate can form on the inner surface of the cover  16 . 
     Upon positioning the cover  16  for its temporary storage within the lower pan  14 , there is a tendency for such condensate to begin flowing down the inner surface of the cover  16 . The channel guides  27   a ,  27   b  are provided to guide a stream of condensate  34  towards the cover channel opening  28 . In FIG. 2B, a plurality of condensate drops  36  are shown flowing from the cover channel opening  28  towards the cover extension  18 . 
     Returning to FIG. 2A, a retaining slot  42  is formed in one end of the lower pan  14  and is configured to temporarily receive and retain the cover extension  18  of the cover  16 . An inner retaining wall  46  is located within the lower pan  14  and is spaced from an outer retaining wall  48 , which in turn forms one of the outer walls of the lower pan  14 . The inner retaining wall  46  is sufficiently spaced from the outer retaining wall  48  to receive the cover extension  18  of the cover  16  there between. 
     A pair of support shoulders  52  and a raised edge support  54  are provided within the retaining slot  42  and are dimensionally configured to inversely correspond to the configuration of the cover extension  18 , to better and more securely receive the cover  16 . The relative positioning of the cover  16  within the retaining slot  42  is also shown by reference to FIG.  3 . 
     Returning once again to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a drainage channel  56  is centrally formed within the inner retaining wall  46 , extending to a lower relative elevation with respect to the bottom of the lower pan  14  than does the raised edge support  54 . As so configured, the drainage channel  56  provides a path for the drainage of any condensate that may have accumulated on an inner surface of the cover  16  and drained onto the cover extension  18  through the cover channel opening  28 . The drainage channel  56  also prevents the accumulation of any condensate within the retaining slot  42 , which might otherwise provide a medium to encourage bacterial growth or increase the risk of cross-contamination. 
     In a presently preferred embodiment, the STAND-A-COVER™ covered pan  10  is fabricated out of plastic, generally of thickness {fraction (3/16)}″, although other materials such as metal, glass, and wood are also acceptable, as well as are countless others, without departing from the teachings of the present invention. 
     When fabricated in the shape of FIGS. 1-3, an appropriate set of dimensions would be as follows: the lower pan  14  measuring 12″ by 9″, by 4¾″ in height, with the corresponding cover  16  measuring 12″ by 9″, and having the cover extension  18  projecting 1¾″ beyond the length that would otherwise be required of a conventional rectangular pan. The seating ridge  26  projects from the inner surface of the cover  16  approximately {fraction (5/16)}″, and is parallel to the outer edge of the cover  16 , spaced an approximate distance of ¼″ therefrom. The cover channel opening  28  can vary a great deal in dimension, with 1¾″ presently considered suitable. 
     Within the lower pan  14 , the inner retaining wall  46  is set ¼″ from the outer retaining wall  48 . The support shoulders  52  dimensionally correspond to the requirements of the cover extension  18 , which it supports when the cover  16  is up-ended and placed within the retaining slot  42 . Presently, the dimensions of the support shoulders  52  provide a sloping surface of 4¾″ in height at the sidewall of the lower pan  14 , sloping towards a minimum height of 2½″ at a location 1½″ inward of that sidewall. As so dimensioned, the height of the inner retaining wall  46  is 4⅛″, with the u-shaped drainage channel  56  plunging 2⅛″ from the top height of the inner retaining wall  46 . 
     An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4, where an ALWAYS COVERED™ brand covered platter  71  is provided, having a platter  73  and a platter cover  75 . The platter  73  is appropriately sized to receive the platter cover  75 , which includes a plurality of cover sides  77  and a cover lid  79 . 
     A plurality of support columns  81  are attached to and distributed about the platter  73  in a substantially uniform manner to form a support array for the platter cover  75 . Each of the support columns  81  defines a substantially hollow interior, appropriately dimensioned to slidably receive a support extension  83 . Attached to the cover lid  79 , each of the support extensions  83  linearly extend from the cover lid  79  in a manner substantially parallel to the cover sides  77 . The support extensions  83  are received by and interact with the support columns  81  to create an elevated support shelf from which to suspend the platter cover  75  over the platter  73 . 
     The manner in which this may selectively occur is best illustrated by reference to FIG.  5 A. An extension stop  87  is formed in an upper terminus of each of the support columns  81 . The extension stop  87  forms a surface that is substantially parallel to that of the platter  73 , and thus substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the support column  81  extends. A support foot  91  is formed at a lower terminus of the support extension  83 , and extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to that of the extension stop  87 . 
     A support aperture  93  is formed in an interior surface  95  of the support column  81  at a location that is substantially adjacent that of the extension stop  87 . The support aperture  93  is sized to permit the slidable insertion and removal of the support foot  91 , as is indicated by a two-headed arrow A in FIG. 5A. A cover notch  97  is formed in a pair of the support columns  81  to permit an adjacent portion of the cover side  71  to traverse an upper portion of the support column  81  as the support foot  91  is inserted and removed from the support aperture  93 . 
     When in use, the platter cover  75  is lifted from its position of rest upon the platter  73  (not shown in FIG. 5A or  5 B), with the support foot  91  sliding along an interior surface of the support column  81  until it reaches the support aperture  93 . The extension stop  87  helps locate the support aperture  93  by preventing the inadvertent separation of the support extension  83  and the support column  81 . Upon the abutment of the support foot  91  and the extension stop  87 , the user may elect to either slide the support foot  91  into the support aperture  93 , permitting the platter cover  75  to rest upon the support column  81  (see FIG. 5B) or to back the support foot  91  away from the support aperture  93  and the extension stop  87 , allowing the platter cover  75  to be lifted and removed from the platter  73  (see FIG.  5 C). 
     As was the case with the STAND-A-COVER™ device, the ALWAYS COVERED™ platter is preferably fabricated out of plastic of thickness ¼″, although other materials such as wood, glass, and metal also are considered to be appropriate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the covered platter  71  measures 16½″ by 12½″, and 8⅝″ in height. Four support columns  81  are provided, and attached to the platter  73  at locations spaced approximately ¾″ from the adjacent edges. The support columns  81  extend 8″ from the surface of the platter  73 , and measure 2½″ by 1½″ in cross-section. 
     The support extensions  83  are attached to the platter cover  75  at locations corresponding to the support columns  81  when the platter cover  75  is positioned to be received by the platter  73 . The support extensions  83  are 7⅞″ in length, and have a T-shaped cross-section of dimensions 1″ by 1⅛″. 
     To obtain an efficient interaction between the support columns  81  and the support extensions  83 , the extension stop  87  projects from the adjacent interior surface  95  a distance of ¼″, and the support aperture  93  is positioned immediately below the extension stop  87  and measures 1″ by ¼″. The support foot  91  is located a distance of 7⅜″ from the platter cover  75  and extends a distance of ⅞″ from the “T” portion of the support extension  83 . There is a gap between the support foot  91  and the support web portion of the support extension  83  measuring 1″. To permit the cover sides  77  to laterally move over a portion of the top of two of the support columns  81  when the support feet  91  are being inserted into the support aperture  93 , a notch is formed in one side of the support column  81  by the removal of a portion measuring 1¼″ by 1¼″ from the top of the support column  81 . 
     A further alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6, with a HALF-COVERED™ brand covered server  102  shown, having a server  104  with a pair of handles  106 . A two-piece stackable cover  108 A,  108 B is received by the server  104 , and although two are shown, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates multiple covers. In FIG. 7, the stackable covers  108 A,  108 B are shown in their “stacked” configuration, with a portion of the server  104  fully exposed for ready access to whatever items have been placed thereon (none shown in the Figures). 
     The manner in which the pair of stackable covers  108 A,  108 B are placed in the “stacked” configuration is best described with reference to FIG.  8 . The first stackable cover  108 A consists of a top cover  112  and a side wall  114  that is attached about a substantial portion of the periphery of the top cover  112 , thereby defining a partial enclosure having an open end  116  and an interior surface  118 . A rib  122  is formed in the interior surface  118 , and is spaced from and runs parallel to the open end  116  of the first stackable cover  108 A. 
     The second stackable cover  108 B is likewise provided with a top cover  126  and a plurality of sidewalls  128  that also define an open end  132 . An interlocking groove  134  is formed in an exterior surface of the top cover  126  adjacent the open end  132 . As is depicted in FIG. 8, the interlocking groove  134  is positioned to receive the rib  122  when the first stackable cover  108 A is placed on top of the second stackable cover  108 B. The releasable inter-engagement of the rib  122  and the interlocking groove  134  (best shown in FIG. 7) provides stability to the stacked arrangement of the first and second stackable covers  108 A,  108 B. FIG. 8A depicts an alternative location of the rib and groove, where an interlocking groove  134   a  is formed adjacent an open end  116   a  of the stackable cover  108 , and a rib  122   a  is formed adjacent an open end  132   a  of the server  104 . Further stability is provided in a presently preferred arrangement whereby the second stackable cover  108 B is physically attached to the server  104 . 
     At such time as it is desired by a user to fully cover the server  104 , the first stackable cover  108 A is lifted from on top of the second stackable cover  108 B, is rotated 180 degrees, and is then lowered onto the server  104 . The rib  122  is once again received within the interlocking groove  134 , which inter-engagement provides both structural stability and an air seal between the otherwise unconnected pair of stackable covers  108 A,  108 B. 
     In a presently preferred embodiment, the HALF-COVERED™ covered server  102  is fabricated out of plastic of thickness ¼″, with such materials as metal, glass, and wood also appropriate. As fabricated in the form depicted in FIGS. 6-8, the covered server  102  may be dimensioned (for purposes of illustration) along the following lines. 
     The server  104  measures 18½″ by 18½″, with the handles  106  attached to the server  104  having dimensions 2½″ by 14½″. The first stackable cover  108 A is 16⅝″ in length, 10½″ in width, and 8½″ in height, with interior dimensions of 16⅜″ in length and 10¼″ in width. The rib  122  projects {fraction (3/16)}″ from the interior surface, and is ¾″ wide along the top cover  112  and tapers to ⅜″ at the base of the sidewalls  114 . The rib  112  is spaced a distance ½″ from the open end  116  along the top cover  112 , which increases to ⅝″ at the base of the sidewalls  114 . 
     The second stackable cover  108 B measures 16″ by 8¼″ and is 8¼″ in height. The interlocking groove  134  is ¼″ in depth, at a position on the top cover  126  that is 1 inch from the open end, increasing to 1{fraction (3/16)}″ at the bottom of the side walls  128 . The width of the interlocking groove  134  is 1{fraction (3/16)}″ along the top cover  126 , tapering to {fraction (7/16)}″ at the base of the side walls  128 . 
     A still further alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9, with a TWIST-A-COVER™ brand covered dish  152  that includes a dish  154  with a pair of dish handles  156  and a cover  158 . A cover handle  162  is attached to a central portion of the cover  158  with a center support  164  extending from a central location in the dish  154  up to the cover  158 . 
     The manner in which the center support  164  provides a platform to support the cover  158  is further illustrated in FIG.  10 A. The center support  164  concentrically receives a support shaft  168  that extends downwardly from the inner surface of the cover  158  adjacent to the cover handle  162 . The support shaft  168  terminates in a plurality of separate, laterally projecting support feet  172  (two are shown in FIG.  10 ). 
     A plurality of cam surfaces  174  extend from an inner wall of the center support  164 . As is best shown in FIG. 10B, the cam surfaces  174  terminate short of the cover  158 , forming a first locking passage  182  for the support feet  172 . The locking passage  182 , located adjacent the cover  158 , is further defined by a plurality of support shaft stops  184  that are attached to and project from an inner surface of the center support  164 . 
     In FIG. 11A the interrelationship of these various members is shown, with the support feet  172  shown in the locking passage  182  in a location that permits either insertion or removal of the support shaft  168  from the center support  164 . The support feet  172  have been rotated within the locking passage  182  to a position that is vertically above the cam surfaces  174  and vertically adjacent the support shaft stops  184 . As so positioned, the support shaft stops  184  do not prevent either the insertion or the removal of the support feet  172  from within the center support  164 . 
     In contrast, in FIG. 11B the position of the support feet  172  has been rotated within the locking passage  182  to a position vertically below the support shaft stops  184 . As so positioned, the support feet  172  are prevented from being removed from the center support  164 . In this position, however, the cam surfaces  174  permit the vertical movement of the support feet  172  within the center support  164 . It is in this position that the cover  158  can be raised and lowered with respect to the dish  154 . 
     Turning now to FIG. 10C, the cover  158  is shown as suspended above the dish  154 , with the support feet  172  having been rotated within the locking passage to overlie, and be supported by, the upper end of the cam surface lobes  174 . This rotated position of the support shaft  168  is equivalent to that shown in FIG.  11 A. From this position, if a further lifting force were to be applied to the cover handle  162 , the cover  158  would become separated from the center support  164  and the dish  154 . 
     In a presently preferred embodiment, the TWIST-A-COVER™ covered dish  152  is fabricated out of plastic of thickness ⅛″ and {fraction (3/16)}″, or alternatively such materials as metal, glass or wood. For purposes of illustration, when fabricated in the form depicted in FIGS. 10A-C and  11 A and  11 B, an appropriate set of dimensions is discussed in the following. 
     The cover  158  is circular, with a diameter of 10″ and a height of 9¼″, and matches a dish having a diameter of 11¾″. The center support  164  extends upward from the dish  154  a distance of 9″, and is 2¾″ in diameter. The support shaft  168  extends downwardly from the cover a distance of 8{fraction (7/16)}″ with a diameter of 1½″. The cam surface lobes  174  project out from the inner surface of the center support  164  a maximum distance of ½″. The support feet  172  project from the outer surface of the support shaft  168  a distance of {fraction (7/16)}″, thus providing an interference fit when juxtaposed adjacent the cam surface lobes  174 . In a like manner, the support shaft stops  184  project a distance of ⅜″ from the inner surface of the center support  164 , and in a presently preferred embodiment, there are four equally-spaced cam surface lobes  174  and support shaft stops  184 , with the latter 45 degrees out of phase with the former. 
     The first locking passage  182  need only provide space within which the support feet  172  rotate about the support shaft  168 , and with the support feet  172  having a thickness of ¼″ and projecting from the support shaft  168  ⅜″ inches, a distance of ⅝″ for the first locking passage  182  is deemed to be adequate. 
     FIG. 12 depicts a design variation on the STAND-A-COVER™ brand covered pan with a cover  214  that has been removed from a lower pan  216  and is now positioned to be received by the lower pan  216  for temporary storage. To assist in carrying the covered pan, a handle extension  222  is formed at each end of the cover  214 , with a corresponding handle extension  223  formed at each end of the lower pan  216 . When the cover  214  lies on top of the lower pan  216  (not shown, but similar to FIG.  1 ), the cover handle extensions  222  overlie the lower pan handle extensions  223  to collectively form end handles for the covered pan. 
     The inside surface of the cover  214  is provided a seating ridge  226  that extends along each lateral side of the cover  214  a distance that substantially corresponds to the inside length of the lower pan  216 . A pair of channel guides  227  project inwardly from each of the seating ridges  226  at each end of the cover  214 . These features serve to direct the flow of any condensate that may form on the bottom surface of the cover  214  (formed by warm foods or the like) as the cover  214  is placed in near-vertical position just prior to its storage in the lower pan  216 . The inner surface of the cover  214  is also provided a central support rib  232  to provide additional structural rigidity to a handle for the cover  214  formed on the outer surface at that same central location (not shown in the Figures). 
     A retaining slot  242  is formed at each end of the lower pan  216 , and each are configured to temporarily receive and retain either of the cover handle extensions  222 . An inner retaining wall  246  is located at each end of the lower pan  216  and is spaced from an outer retaining wall  248 , which in turn forms each of the outer end walls of the lower pan  216 . The inner retaining walls  246  are sufficiently spaced from their corresponding, adjacent outer retaining walls  248  to receive either of the cover handle extensions  222 . 
     The slot formed between the inner retaining wall  246  and the outer retaining wall  248  does not extend the entire distance to the bottom of the lower pan  216 , instead a raised edge support surface  254  is formed at a depth sufficient to receive an outer edge of the cover handle extension  222  with the retaining slot  242  retaining the cover  214  in a secure manner. In addition, the height of the inner retaining wall  246  is not uniform, being higher adjacent the outer walls of the lower pan  216  and lower in the middle section, thereby forming a drainage channel  256 . This feature considerably simplifies cleaning and sanitation by preventing the accumulation of food in the bottom of the retaining slot  242 . 
     When fabricated in the shape of FIG. 12, appropriate dimensions for a pan measuring approximately 9 inches by 10 inches, and 3 inches in height (not including the cover handle—1 inch in height). The corresponding cover would have dimensions of 9 inches by 13 inches—each of the cover handle extensions projecting approximately 1 inch beyond the inner container to form the handle as well as the portion that extends into the slot for temporary storage. 
     My invention has been disclosed in terms of a preferred embodiment thereof, which provides improved covered dishware that are of great novelty and utility. Various changes, modifications and alterations in the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated by those skilled in the art without departing from the intended spirit and scope thereof. It is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and modifications.