Abstract:
The present invention relates, generally, to food containers used in storing and displaying heated foods, as well as in serving foods from these containers. The food container of the present invention is an improvement over the conventional prepared food containers in that it features, among other things, an improved handle, where the heat from the container is not fully felt by the person holding the container, while still providing an advanced sealing mechanism to prevent the escape of the contents of the container.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is filed on the same date as a design application, where the design application is an ornamental design of one potential embodiment of the present invention. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE OR COMPUTER PROGRAM ON COMPACT DISC 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates, generally, to food containers used in storing and displaying heated foods, as well as in serving foods from these containers. Such containers may be used, for example, by a retailer to sell pre-prepared food items, such as roasted chickens, and may additionally be re-used by the consumer subsequent to the original sale. The food container of the present invention is an improvement over the conventional prepared food containers in that it features, among other things, an improved handle, where the heat from the container is not fully felt by the person holding the container, while still providing an advanced sealing mechanism to prevent the escape of the contents of the container. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Food containers similar to, though distinguishable from, the present invention are often used in scenarios where a retailer will prepare and sell a food item that is ready to eat. 
         [0006]    A problem recognized with respect to conventional food containers arises when the food is prepared and people subsequently purchase food contained in the containers. Oftentimes the containers may become warm, as a result of the temperature of the prepared food contained therein. This warmth may be of such a degree so as to cause at least some discomfort to a person who picks up, holds, moves or otherwise comes into contact with that container. 
         [0007]    Another problem recognized with respect to conventional food containers relates to the awkward shapes of and imbalanced food loads within food containers, in addition to the aforementioned warmth-related discomfort. 
         [0008]    Yet another problem recognized with respect to conventional food containers relates to the desire by the manufacturers of such containers to be able to create each piece, those being the base and the lid, in a single plane cut, while still maintaining certain beneficial features. It is desirable for the manufacturer of a food container, including those of the present invention, to be able to separate the formed lid or base from the sheet of raw material from which the lid or base has been pressed in a single two-dimensional cut, thereby reducing costs, such as the costs of creating more expensive manufacturing equipment. Thus such a single plane cut is a desirable feature. 
         [0009]    The aforementioned problems, as well as others recognizable to those of ordinary skill in the art, are addressed by the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention is a food container comprising a base and a lid. The lid comprises an upper lid surface, a lid sidewall and a lid lip. The base comprises a lower base surface, a base sidewall and a base lip. The lid lip and the base lip both comprise an interlocking arrangement such that the lid may be secured to the base, and in being so secured provides an inner seal and an outer seal. The inner seal is created upon a lid inner seal surface coming into contact with a base inner seal surface. The outer seal is created upon a lid outer seal surface coming into contact with a base outer seal surface. The lid inner seal surface and lid outer seal surface are joined by a lid lip transition surface. The base inner seal surface and the base outer seal surface are joined by a base lip transition surface. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the termination of the material that comprises the lid is in substantially the same plane, defining the edge of the lid. In one embodiment of the present invention, the termination of the material that comprises the base is in substantially the same plane, defining the edge of the base. 
         [0012]    The lid lip and the base lip each further comprise at least one handle region, and preferably comprise two handle regions, the handle regions being located on substantially opposite ends of the container where two are present. The lid lip transition surface, in each of the handle regions on the lid lip, comprises at least one lid surface area reduction notch. The base lip transition surface, in each of the handle regions on the base lip, comprises at least one base surface area reduction notch. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the base further comprises at least one base de-nesting notch. In one embodiment of the present invention, the lid further comprises at least one lid de-nesting notch. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the upper lid surface further comprises at least one vent. In an embodiment of the present invention, the lower base surface comprises at least one vent-complimentary notch. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower base surface further comprises a raised food-resting surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper lid surface further comprises a raised base-engaging surface. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower base surface further comprises at least one fluid separation notch. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the lid lip further comprises at least one lid-opening tab. In one embodiment of the present invention, the base further comprises at least one base opening tab. 
         [0018]    Further embodiments and features can be seen and will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art as they are more fully described hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1 : General view of an embodiment of an assembled container of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2 : Side view of two stacked embodiments of containers of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3 : Side view of an embodiment of a base of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4 : Top view of an embodiment of a base of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5 : Side view of an embodiment of a lid of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6 : Top view of an embodiment of a lid of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7A : Cross section view of an embodiment of a base lip of the present invention, in a handle region, indicated by line  7 A in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 7B : Cross section view of an embodiment of a base lip of the present invention, in a non-handle region, indicated by line  7 B in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 7C : Cross section view of an embodiment of a base lip of the present invention, through a base de-nesting notch, indicated by line  7 C in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 8A : Cross section view of an embodiment of a lid lip of the present invention, in a handle region, indicated by line  8 A in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 8B : Cross section view of an embodiment of a lid lip of the present invention, in a non-handle region, indicated by line  8 B in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 9 : Cross section view of an embodiment of the base of the present invention, along line  9 - 9 , as indicated in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 10A : Cross section view of an embodiment of two bases of the present invention, in a handle region, showing the de-nesting notches of the bases. 
           [0032]      FIG. 10B : Cross section view of an embodiment of two bases of the present invention, in a non-handle region, showing the de-nesting notches of the bases. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    The present invention is a food container  10  comprising a base  12  and a lid  14 . 
         [0034]    The lid  14  comprises an upper lid surface  16 , a lid sidewall  18  and a lid lip  20 . The upper lid surface  16  is a substantially planar surface defined by the top of the lid sidewall  18 . The lid lip  20  extends upwardly and outwardly from the bottom region of the lid sidewall  22 . The lid sidewall  18  extends outwardly and downwardly from the upper lid surface  16 , such that as the distance from the upper lid surface increases, the lid sidewall transitions from a substantially outward extension to a substantially downward extension. 
         [0035]    The base  12  comprises a lower base surface  24 , a base sidewall  26  and a base lip  28 . The lower base surface  24  is a substantially planar surface defined by the bottom of the base sidewall  26 . The base lip  28  extends outwardly from the top of the base sidewall  26 . The base sidewall  26  comprises a series of base sidewall ridges  30 , the base sidewall ridges being parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the lower base surface  24 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the base sidewall ridges  30  provide structural support for the lid associated with the base, and potentially an additional container  10  stacked on top of the container  10 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the base sidewall ridges  30  are of substantially uniform width and depth throughout the base  12 . 
         [0036]    The lid lip  20  and the base lip  28  both comprise an interlocking arrangement  32  such that the lid  14  may be secured to the base  12 , and in being so secured provides an inner seal  34  and an outer seal  36 . The inner seal  34  is defined by a base inner seal surface on the base lip  38  coming into contact with a complimentary lid inner seal surface on the lid lip  40 . The outer seal  36  is defined by an base outer seal surface on the base lip  42  coming into contact with a lid outer seal surface on the lid lip  44 . 
         [0037]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the inner seal  34  serves as a barrier to prevent any of the contents of the container from escaping the container  10 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the outer seal  36  serves as a barrier to prevent any of the contents of the container that might have passed through the inner seal  34  from escaping the container  10 . 
         [0038]    The aforementioned lid inner seal surface  40  and lid outer seal surface  44  are in substantially perpendicular arrangements relative to the upper lid surface  16 , and are joined by a lid lip transition surface  46  that is in a substantially parallel arrangement relative to the upper lid surface  16  and located between the lid inner seal surface  40  and the lid outer seal surface  44 . 
         [0039]    The aforementioned base inner seal surface  38  and base outer seal surface  42  are in substantially perpendicular arrangements relative to the lower base surface  24 , and are joined by a base lip transition surface  48  that is in a substantially parallel arrangement relative to the lower base surface  24  and located between the base inner seal surface  38  and base outer seal surface  42 . 
         [0040]    The lid lip  20  and the base lip  28  further comprise at least one handle region. Preferably, the lid lip  20  and the base lip  28  further comprise two handle regions  54 , the handle regions being located on substantially opposite ends of the container. The lid lip transition surface  46 , in each of the handle regions  54  on the lid lip  20 , comprises at least one lid surface area reduction notch  56 . The base lip transition surface  48 , in each of the handle regions  54  on the base lip  28 , comprises at least one base surface area reduction notch  58 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the centers of the two handle regions  54  are located at or near the greatest radial distance from the center of the container. 
         [0041]    In another embodiment of the present invention, there are more than two handle regions. 
         [0042]    In another embodiment of the present invention, there is one continuous handle region that extends substantially around the base and the lid. 
         [0043]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are a series of lid surface area reduction notches  56  on each handle region  54  of the lid  14 . Where a series of lid surface area reduction notches  56  are so present, it is preferable that on each handle they are substantially parallel to one another and are evenly spaced from one another. Where a series of lid surface area reduction notches  56  are so present, it is preferable that the notches be of uniform length and width. Where a series of lid surface area reduction notches  56  are so present, it is preferable that the notches continue in series from one side of the handle region  54  of the lid  14  to the other side of that same handle region. 
         [0044]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is one base surface area reduction notch  58  on each handle region  54  of the base  12 . Where one base surface area reduction notch  58  is so present, it is preferable that it be of fairly uniform width throughout. Where one base surface area reduction notch  58  is so present, it is preferable that it be of a length less than that of the handle region  54  in which it resides. Where one base surface area reduction notch  58  is so present, it is preferable that the distance between the base inner seal surface  38  and the nearest edge thereto of the base surface area reduction notch  58  is substantially the same as the distance between the base outer seal surface  42  and the nearest edge thereto of the base surface area reduction notch  58 . 
         [0045]    In another embodiment of the present invention, where there is one continuous handle region that extends substantially around the base and the lid, there is one continuous base surface area reduction notch present thereon that continues substantially around the base handle region. 
         [0046]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the termination of the material that comprises the lid  50  is in substantially one plane, defining the edge of the lid. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the termination of the material that comprises the base  52  is in substantially one plane, defining the edge of the base. 
         [0047]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the base  12  further comprises at least one base de-nesting notch  60 , located near the top of the base sidewall  26 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base  12  further comprises four base de-nesting notches  60 , the base de-nesting notches being located near the top of the base sidewall  26 , with one base de-nesting notch being located in each end of each handle region  54  on the container. A base de-nesting notch, of which a non-limiting example may be seen in the drawings, prevents the interlocking of bases  12  when two or more bases are stacked together. Other base de-nesting notches that may serve a similar purpose, including those known by those of ordinary skill in the art, and are suitable for use in the present invention are properly, equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalents of the invention disclosed and described herein. 
         [0048]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the lid  14  further comprises at least one lid-de-nesting notch  62 , located substantially near the base of the lid sidewall  18 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lid  14  further comprises six lid de-nesting notches  62 , the lid de-nesting notches being located substantially near the base of the lid sidewall  18 , and the lid de-nesting notches being substantially equidistant from the two most adjacent lid de-nesting notches along the bottom region of the lid sidewall. A lid de-nesting notch, of which a non-limiting example may be seen in the drawings, prevents the interlocking of lids  14  when two or more lids are stacked together. Other lid de-nesting notches that may serve a similar purpose and are suitable for use in the present invention are properly, equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalents of the invention disclosed and described herein. 
         [0049]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the upper lid surface  16  further comprises at least one vent  64 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper lid surface  16  further comprises two vents  64 , the vents being opposed to one another on the ends of the upper lid surface, generally in alignment with the handle regions  54  of the container. 
         [0050]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the lower base surface  24  further comprises at least one vent-complimentary notch  66 . A vent-complimentary notch  66  is a notch on the lower base surface  24  that, when one container is stacked on another, creates a passageway for the venting of the contents of the bottom of the two containers through the vent  64  of that bottom container. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lower base surface  24  further comprises two vent-complimentary notches  66 , the vent-complimentary notches being opposed to one another on the ends of the lower base surface, generally in alignment with the handle regions  54  of the container. 
         [0051]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, where two vents  64  and the two vent-complimentary notches  66  are present, when one container is stacked on another such that a container base  12  is on top of a container lid  14 , each vent on the bottom of the two containers and corresponding vent-complimentary notch on the top of the two containers in concert permit the venting of the bottom of the two containers. 
         [0052]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the lower base surface  24  further comprises a raised food-resting surface  68 . In an embodiment of the present invention the upper lid surface  16  further comprises a raised base-engaging surface  70 . A raised base-engaging surface  70  is a notch in the upper lid surface  16  that is complimentary in shape and size to the raised food-resting surface  68  of the lower base surface  24 , and in being so complimentary permits one container to be stacked on another and provides horizontal stability between the two containers, where horizontal stability is the substantial prevention of horizontal movement of one container relative to the other while stacked. 
         [0053]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the raised food-resting surface  68  and the raised base-engaging surface  70  are present, they are configured as to allow a container base  12  to be stacked on top of a container lid  14 . 
         [0054]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the lower base surface  24  further comprises at least one fluid separation notch  72 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lower base surface  24  further comprises eight fluid separation notches  72 , where two of the fluid separation notches are positioned on opposite sides of the lower base surface, the ends generally in the location of the vent-complimentary notches  66 , and where six of the fluid separation notches are positioned on the raised food-resting surface  68 . In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid separation notches  72  serve the purpose, among other things, of keeping foods that are in the container of the present invention at least partially separated from any fluids within the container, and thereby at least partially prevent undesirable levels of moisture from mingling with the food within the container. In this particular embodiment, fluids, such as condensation for example, may reside along the lower base surface  24  but below the upper portions of the fluid separation notches  72 , while the food within the container rests atop the fluid separation notches, and in so resting remains substantially separated from the fluids. 
         [0055]    As used herein, the term ‘fluids’ may refer to any moisture or liquid, including but not limited to water, oil, or mixtures thereof, including condensation, and any other term understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that describes fluids associated with food, particularly warm, cooked food. 
         [0056]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the lid lip  20  further comprises at least one lid-opening tab  74 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lid  20  lip further comprises two lid-opening tabs  74 , located on opposite ends of the lid, each offset from the handle regions  54 . In being located offset from the handle regions  54 , the lid-opening tabs  74  are located in the proximity of the handle regions, and may at least partially reside in the handle regions. 
         [0057]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the base lip  28  further comprises at least one base opening tab  76 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base lip  28  further comprises one base opening tab  76 , located in the vicinity of one handle region  54  and located such that, when the base  12  and the lid  14  are engaged, the base opening tab is offset from the closest lid-opening tab  74 . 
         [0058]    The container of the present invention may be made from materials known by those of ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited to polypropylene or polystyrene. In an embodiment of the present invention, the base and the lid are made of substantially similar materials. In an embodiment of the present invention, the lid is made of a substantially translucent polypropylene material, and the base is made of a substantially white polypropylene material. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container is microwavable. In a preferred embodiment, the material may be embossed with text, images, or both in various locations, including but not limited to the lower base surface  24 . 
         [0059]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lid inner seal surface and the base inner seal surface are of substantially complimentary geometric shapes. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lid outer seal surface and base outer seal surface are of substantially complimentary geometric shapes. It is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and it is intended herein, that the phrase “substantially complimentary geometrical shapes” indicates that two surfaces are so substantially identical that, when they meet, a seal is formed throughout the radii of the shape. 
         [0060]    Suitable geometric shapes for the lid inner seal surface, the base inner seal surface, the lid outer seal surface, and the base outer seal surface including, but not limited to cylinders or frusta of a square, rectangle, triangle, ellipse, circle, or any other suitable shape. It is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and it is intended herein, that such shapes may optionally have rounded corners, where such rounding may be of slight to severe degrees. It is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, and it is intended herein, that such shapes may optionally be slightly deformed or stretched, where such deformity or stretching may be slight to severe degrees. 
         [0061]    From the foregoing description, one of ordinary skill in the art can easily ascertain that the present invention provides a novel food container, which provides certain beneficial results that have been more fully enumerated herein and are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0062]    The present invention is an improvement over the state of the art, among other reasons, in that it provides a reduction of discomfort to a person who picks up, holds, moves or otherwise comes into contact with a container with warm contents. 
         [0063]    The figures included herewith are depictions of embodiments of the present invention, and are non-limiting examples of the present invention. Other shapes, proportions, configurations or deviations from the figures that are not explicitly depicted nonetheless are properly, equitable, and intended, to be within the scope of the claims of the present invention. 
         [0064]    Without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, one of ordinary skill in the art can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions, including those not specifically laid out herein. As such, those changes and modifications are properly, equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalents of the invention disclosed, described and claimed herein.