Patent Publication Number: US-7900793-B2

Title: Multi-piece compartmented container with venting

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a multi-piece compartmented container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-piece compartmented container to be typically used with food products having different venting needs. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The use of inexpensive polymeric, paper or metal packaging containers has become popular, especially for preparing, serving and storing various food products. Polymeric, paper and metal containers generally have been used for preparing, serving and storing the food product(s) disposed therein. In some applications, a plurality of food products is desirably prepared, served and/or stored in one container. It is desirable to keep the different food products separated from each other. One method of keeping the different foods separated from each other is by use of multiple compartments. It is desirable to have compartments that have different venting accommodations. It is also desirable to minimize the footprint of the package, while maximizing the overall capacity and compartment size. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment, a compartmentalized container includes a base, an insert and a lid. The base includes a bottom and a sidewall. The sidewall encompasses and extends generally upwardly from the bottom. The insert is coupled with the base. The coupled insert and base form a venting area. The lid is coupled with at least one of the insert and the base. The lid forms at least one vent that is in communication with the venting area formed with the insert and the base. 
     According to another embodiment, a compartmentalized container includes a base, an insert and a lid. The base includes a bottom, a sidewall and a divider. The sidewall encompasses and extends generally upwardly from the bottom. The divider splits the bottom of the base into at least a first base section and a second base section. The divider includes a top surface. The insert is coupled with the base. The assembled insert and base form a venting area. The insert rests on at least a portion of the top surface of the divider. The lid is coupled with at least one of the insert and the base. The lid forms at least one vent that is in communication with the venting area formed with the insert and the base. 
     According to one method, a compartmentalized container is formed by providing a base including a bottom and a sidewall. The sidewall encompasses and extends generally upwardly from the bottom. The insert is coupled with the base. The assembled insert and base form a venting area. The lid is interlocked with at least one of the insert and the base to form the compartmentalized container. The lid forms at least one vent that is in communication with the venting area formed between the insert and the base. 
     According to another method, a compartmentalized container is formed by providing a base including a bottom, a sidewall and a divider. The sidewall encompasses and extends generally upwardly from the bottom. The divider splits the bottom of the base into at least a first base section and a second base section. The divider includes a top surface. An insert is coupled with the base. The assembled insert and base form a venting area. The insert rests on at least a portion of the top surface of the divider. The lid is interlocked with at least one of the insert and the base so as to form the compartmentalized container. The lid forms at least one vent that is in communication with the venting area formed between the insert and the base. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of a base according to one embodiment to be used in forming a compartmentalized container. 
         FIG. 1   b  is a top view of the base of  FIG. 1   a.    
         FIG. 1   c  is a bottom view of the base of  FIG. 1   a.    
         FIG. 2   a  is a perspective view of an insert according to one embodiment to be used in forming a compartmentalized container. 
         FIG. 2   b  is a top view of the insert of  FIG. 2   a.    
         FIG. 2   c  is a side view of the insert of  FIG. 2   a.    
         FIG. 3   a  is a top view of the base of  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b  and the insert of  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c  in an assembled position. 
         FIG. 3   b  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along line  3   b - 3   b  of  FIG. 3   a.    
         FIG. 4   a  is a top view of a lid according to one embodiment to be used in forming a compartmentalized container. 
         FIG. 4   b  is a side view of the lid of  FIG. 4   a.    
         FIG. 5   a  is an exploded view of the base of  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c , the insert of  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c  and the lid of  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b.    
         FIG. 5   b  is a perspective view of the base of  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c , the insert of  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c  and the lid of  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b  in an assembled position. 
         FIG. 5   c  is a side view of the base of  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c , the insert of  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c  and the lid of  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b  in an assembled position. 
         FIG. 6   a  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along line  6   a - 6   a  of  FIG. 5   c.    
         FIG. 6   b  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along line  6   b - 6   b  of  FIG. 5   c.    
         FIG. 7   a  is a side view of the insert of  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c  and the lid of  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b  in an assembled position. 
         FIG. 7   b  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken generally along line  7   b - 7   b  of  FIG. 7   a.    
         FIG. 8  is a stacked view of two identical compartmentalized containers. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a top view of a lid with perforated areas adapted to form vents according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of a base, an insert and the lid of  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b  according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of a base, an insert and a lid having a generally rectangular configuration according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a base, an insert and a lid according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the assembled container of  FIG. 12  taken generally across the area where the venting occurs. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of a base, an insert and a lid-according to a further embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the assembled container of  FIG. 14  taken generally across the area where the venting occurs. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5   a - 5   c , a compartmentalized container  10  including a base  12 , insert  14  and a lid  16  is shown. The compartmentalized container  10  is shown as being generally circular or oval in nature. The height and shape of the compartmentalized container may vary from that shown without departing from the scope of the invention. It is contemplated that the compartmentalized container may be other shapes such as rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal or other polygonal and non-polygonal shapes. 
     The compartmentalized containers are typically used with food items. Such food containers may be used for serving, storing, preparing and/or re-heating the food. It is contemplated that the compartmentalized containers may be used in applications other than with food. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c , the base  12  includes a continuous body portion  20  and a continuous rim  22  encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion  20 . The body portion  20  includes a bottom  24  and a continuous sidewall  26  encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom  24 . It is contemplated that the sidewall may project only upwardly from the bottom or even project upwardly and inwardly from the bottom. It is also contemplated that the rim may not be continuous, although it is desirably continuous. 
     The body portion  20  further includes a divider  30  that splits the bottom  24  of the base  12  into a first base section  24   a  and a second base section  24   b . The divider  30  as shown in  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b  extends generally upwardly from the bottom  24  of the base  12 . The divider  30  includes two side walls  30   a ,  30   b  and a generally rounded top surface  30   c . The side walls  30   a ,  30   b  and the generally rounded top surface  30   c  assist in provided strength to the compartmentalized container. To assist in providing additional structural strength, the divider  30  may be of a general “S” configuration as best depicted in  FIG. 1   b . More specifically, the general “S” configuration of the divider  30  assists in providing flexural strength that assists in minimizing the twisting or bending of the compartmentalized container. It is contemplated that the divider may be of other configurations such as a zig-zag, straight, arched or a generally curvilinear shape. It is also contemplated that the divider may split the bottom of the base into more than two sections. 
     The divider  30  may be formed by having the bottom  24  thermoformed upwardly such that a gap is formed (see gap  32  of  FIG. 1   a ). It is contemplated that the divider may be formed of additional material such that bottom remains generally flat and the divider extends generally across and from the bottom of the base. 
     The first base section  24   a  and the second base section  24   b  are shown as being generally equal in area in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c . It is contemplated that the divider may be located in such a manner that the first and second base sections are not equal in size. 
     By having separate compartments, items (e.g., food items) may be placed in different compartments to prevent or inhibit commingling of items. For example, undesirable mixing of food items can corrupt the flavor and the consistency of the food items. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c , the first base section  24   a  and the second base section  24   b  may have surfaces configured to hold or contain, for example, certain food items. For example, the first base section  24   a  has a generally smooth surface, while the second base section  24   b  has a patterned surface to assist in trapping liquids therein. 
     One non-limiting example of a patterned surface is a “waffle” pattern that is depicted in conjunction with the second base section  24   b  in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c . The waffle pattern  36  includes a plurality of wells  40  that are formed in a grid configuration. It is contemplated that the plurality of wells may be formed in other shapes and sizes. The wells  40  assist in trapping or containing liquids (e.g., juices or grease) that have run off of the food product. More specifically, the liquids will desirably drain into and be contained within the wells in such a manner that food product will have minimized or no contact with the liquids. It is contemplated that other patterns or non-patterns may be formed in the base section to accomplish the same function of trapping or containing liquids. 
     To assist in stacking a plurality of compartmentalized containers, at least one of the first base section and the second base section may have a recessed surface. For example, referring to  FIG. 1   c , the first base section  24   a  and the second base section  24   b  form respective recessed surfaces  42   a ,  42   b . The recessed surfaces  42   a ,  42   b  corresponds with a stacking projection  74   a  of the lid  16  (see  FIGS. 4   b ,  8 ) to assist in stacking a plurality of compartmentalized containers. The plurality of containers is shown stacked in  FIG. 8  with compartmentalized containers  10   a ,  10   b . The compartmentalized containers  10   a ,  10   b  are identical to the compartmentalized containers  10  described herein. By having a stacking projection and a corresponding recessed portion, multiple compartmentalized containers may be stacked securely with each other. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , the continuous sidewall  26  before transiting to the continuous rim  22  forms a ledge or step  46  at a top edge thereof. The ledge  46 , which will be discussed in more detail below, includes a generally flat top surface and assists in receiving and coupling with the insert  14 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c , views of an insert (the insert  14 ) according to one embodiment to be used in forming a compartmentalized container (compartmentalized container  10 ) are shown. The insert  14  includes a continuous body portion  50  and a continuous rim  52  encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion  50 . The body portion  50  includes a bottom  54  and a continuous sidewall  56  encompassing and projecting upwardly and outwardly from the bottom  54 . 
     The insert  14  is adapted to be assembled into or onto the base  12 . Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b , the continuous rim  52  is adapted to abut or rest on the ledge  46  of the base  12 . When the continuous rim  52  of the insert  14  abuts on the ledge  46 , a venting area  60  is formed between the insert  14  and the base  12 . The venting area  60  is formed when a portion  52   a  of the continuous rim  52  is cut back slightly. The portion  52   a  of the continuous rim  52  does not abut or rest on the ledge  46 . As shown in  FIG. 3   a , the venting area  60  is of a general shape of a finger. It is contemplated that the venting area may be of different sizes and shapes to achieve proper venting of the products to be placed in the container. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 2   a - 2   c , the insert  14  also includes a protrusion  62  extending upwardly therefrom. As will be discussed in more detail below in conjunction with  FIGS. 5   b ,  6   b , the protrusion  62  assists in preventing or inhibiting the vented air flow from the area between the base  12  and the insert  14  from mixing with the area between the insert  14  and the lid  16 . 
     To assist in further separating or defining the compartments formed by the first base section  24   a  and the second base section  24   b , the insert  14  (and more specifically the bottom  54 ) also rests on the top surface  30   c  of the divider  30  in one embodiment. To assist in forming an improved seal therebetween, the top surface  30   c  of the divider  30  and a portion of the bottom surface  54   a  of the insert  14  have a similar contour to assist in forming a seal therebetween. A sufficient seal desirably assists the formed compartments in maintaining separate temperature and humidity conditions over a period of time typically used to store food therein. To assist in properly placing the insert  14  ( FIG. 2   c ) with respect to the base  12 , the bottom surface  54   a  of the insert  14  forms two slightly recessed portions (one of the recessed portions  54   b  is shown in  FIG. 2   c ) that correspond with the top surface  30   c  of the divider  30 . A top view of the recessed portions is shown in  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b.    
     By forming a seal between the top surface  30   c  of the divider  30  and the bottom surface  54   a  of the insert  14 , the first and second base sections  24   a ,  24   b  form generally sealed compartments that assist in inhibiting or preventing air/moisture from moving between the compartments. By having separately sealed compartments, the ability to assist in maintaining different temperatures of food products and humidity levels contained therein is improved. The assembled base  12  and the insert  14  result in a sealed lower compartment with no venting and a vented lower compartment (compartment partially defined by the protrusion  62  and portion  52   a  of the rim  50 ) are formed. The vented lower compartment vents through the venting area  60 . Each of the compartments is designed to have the potential of having different foods at potentially different temperatures stored in a different moisture-content environment. By maintaining food products under different conditions (e.g., temperature and humidity levels), the food products may be optimally stored to obtain freshness. For example, if a product is desired to be hot (e.g., eggs and meat), it may be located in the sealed lower compartment and if a product is desired to be warm and crispy (e.g., hash browns), it may be located in the vented lower compartment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b , views of a lid (the lid  16 ) according to one embodiment to be used in forming a compartmentalized container (compartmentalized container  10 ) are shown. The lid  16  includes a continuous body portion  70  and a continuous rim  72  encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion  70 . The body portion  70  includes a top  74  and a continuous sidewall  76  encompassing and projecting downwardly and outwardly from the top  74 . The top  74  includes the stacking projection  74   a  that assists in stacking with the recessed portions  42   a ,  42   b  ( FIG. 1   c ) of another compartmentalized container. To provide additional strength to the lid  16 , the body portion  70  forms a plurality of spaced ribs  78  therein and the rim  72  also forms a plurality of spaced ribs  80  therein. The plurality of ribs, if used, may be of different shapes and sizes than that depicted in  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b.    
     The body portion  70  of the lid  16  also includes multiple areas where venting occurs. Specifically, the top  74  includes a plurality of vents  82  (e.g., vents  82   a ,  82   b ). The plurality of vents  82  is spaced in different locations therearound to assist in venting of food products placed on the insert  14 . The vents  82  are generally circular shaped in  FIG. 4   a , but it is contemplated that other numbers, shapes and sizes may be used including polygonal and non-polygonal shapes. The lid  16  also forms a plurality of vents  84  (e.g., vents  84   a ,  84   b ) therein to assist in venting of the food products from the vented lower compartment and through the vented area  60 . The vents  84  are generally circular shaped in  FIG. 4   a , but it is contemplated that other numbers, shapes and sizes may be used including polygonal and non-polygonal shapes. For example, the lid may form exactly one vent to assist in venting of the food products from the vented lower compartment. 
     In addition to the venting shown in, for example,  FIGS. 4   a ,  5   b , the venting may be accomplished by other methods. Referring to  FIG. 9 , a lid  116  includes a continuous body portion  170  and a continuous rim  172  encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion  170 . The body portion  170  includes a top  174  and a continuous sidewall  176  encompassing and projecting downwardly and outwardly from the top  174 . The top  174  includes a stacking projection  174   a  that assists in stacking with the recessed portions  42   a ,  42   b  ( FIG. 1   c ) of another compartmentalized container. To provide additional strength to the lid  116 , the body portion  170  forms a plurality of spaced ribs  178  therein and the rim  172  also forms a plurality of spaced ribs  180  therein. 
     The lid  116  of  FIG. 9  further includes a plurality of vents  182   a - d  and  184   a - e  that may be formed by perforating or otherwise creating an area of weakness therein. In such an embodiment, a user may “punch out” or otherwise remove the material in the lid  116  to form the vents  182   a - d  and/or  184   a - e . This may be especially desirable for vents  182   a - d  in which the user may not desire to vent selected items (e.g., food items) in the upper compartment, while desiring venting on other items. 
     The lid  16  or the lid  116  may be adapted to be assembled with at least one of the insert  14  and the base  12 . Referring to  FIGS. 5   b ,  5   c , the lid  16  is assembled with the insert  14  and the base  12 . An exploded view of the base  12 , insert  14  and the lid  16  is shown in  FIG. 5   a . In this embodiment, as shown best in  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b , the continuous rim  72  of the lid  16  is adapted to mate with the continuous rim  22  of the base  12 . The continuous rim  72  of the lid  16  is mated or interlocked with the continuous rim  22  of the base  12  using a snap fit. The continuous rim  72  may include at least one undercut  72   a  to assist in interlocking the lid and the base. It is contemplated that many other attachment methods may be used such as a rib and groove configuration, a matching dovetail closure system, matching internal undercut closure configuration, a slot- and tab-closure system or a folding snap over closure system. The interlocking features are typically formed only on the rims of the containers, but the interlocking features may extend into or through other portions of the containers. For example, the lid and the base may be hingedly connected. 
     In this embodiment, the continuous rim  72  of the lid  16  is not mated or interlocked with the continuous rim  52  of the insert  14  as shown in  FIGS. 6   a ,  6   b . The continuous rim  52  of the insert  14  abuts the ledge  46  of the base  12  and remains in place due to the interference between the protrusion  62  of the insert  14  and the lid  16 . 
     When the base  12 , inert  14  and the lid  16  are assembled, the plurality of vents  84  is desirably aligned with the venting area  60 , which is formed between the assembled insert  14  and the base  12 . It is desirable for the plurality of vents  84  and the venting area  60  to be generally aligned with each other such that any venting from a vented lower compartment  94  is directly vented to the atmosphere when the lid is assembled with the base and the insert. This “chimney” vent allows for direct venting to the atmosphere of the vented lower compartment  94  without venting to an upper compartment  96  formed between the insert  14  and the lid  12 . As shown in  FIG. 6   b , the protrusion  62  of the insert  14  assists in directing the gases from the venting area  60  directly through the plurality of vents  84 . Thus, by having the protrusion  62 , the likelihood of the gases from the lower vented compartment entering the upper vented compartment formed between the insert  14  and the lid  16  is significantly reduced. The upper vented compartment may include food items different from or the same as the lower compartments. One example of a food item that may be included in the upper compartment would be pancakes or other side items. 
     Thus, the compartmentalized container of  FIGS. 5   b ,  5   c  provides a first lower compartment  92  to be sealed with no venting, the second lower compartment  94  with dedicated venting, and the upper vented compartment  96  with separate dedicated venting. As discussed above, the upper compartment may not be vented if, for example, the vents  182   a - d  of lid  116  of  FIG. 9  are not removed. Each of the compartments is designed to have different specific foods therein and also to assist in maintaining the freshness of each of the foods. In this embodiment, each of the compartments  92 ,  94 ,  96  is sealed from each of the other compartments. 
     The continuous rim  72  of the lid  16  has a two level-closure design that is adapted to be individually interlocked with the base  12  in one embodiment ( FIGS. 5   b ,  5   c ,  6   a ,  6   b ) or with the insert  14  in another embodiment ( FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b ). By having a two level-closure design, this allows flexibility in forming the compartmented container. For example, the lid, base and insert may be assembled to form a three-piece compartmented container. In another method, the lid and insert may be assembled to form a two-piece container  100 . This is shown in  FIGS. 7   a ,  7   b  with the lid  16  and the insert  14  being interlocked with each other. The lid  16  and the insert  14  are interlocked using a second undercut  72   b . The two-piece container may be used for packaging of other food products. Thus, by having a two level-closure system, this eliminates the need for another specialty package for use. 
     As discussed above in conjunction with  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b , it is contemplated that other closure designs may be used in which the lid may individually attach to both the insert and base. It is also contemplated that a system may be designed in which the lid is attached to the insert and base at the same time. 
     It is contemplated that other configurations of a compartmentalized container may be formed. For example, referring to  FIG. 10 , a compartmentalized container  200  includes the lid  16 , an insert  214  and a base  212 . The insert  214  includes a continuous rim  252  and a protrusion  262 . The protrusion  262  is used in a similar manner as described above with the protrusion  62 . The base  212  includes a continuous body portion  220  and a continuous rim  222 . The continuous body portion  220  includes a sidewall  226  and a bottom  224 . The continuous sidewall  226  before transiting to the continuous rim  222  forms a ledge or step  246 . The ledge  246  has an enlarged area  246   a  that assists the user in locating the insert  214  with the protrusion  262  in a desirable location. 
     As discussed above, the compartmentalized container may be other shapes such as rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal or other polygonal and non-polygonal shapes. A non-limiting example of a compartmentalized container is shown in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 11  is an exploded view of a compartmentalized container  310  that includes a base  312 , an insert  314  and a lid  316 . The base  312  includes a continuous body portion  320  and a continuous rim  322 . The continuous body portion  320  includes a sidewall  326  and a bottom  324 . The continuous sidewall  326  before transiting to the continuous rim  322  forms a ledge or step  346 . The insert  314  includes a continuous rim  352  and a protrusion  362 . The lid  316  includes a continuous rim  372 . The lid  316  forms a plurality of vents  382  and also forms a plurality of vents similar to vents  84   a, b  of  FIG. 4   a.    
     It is contemplated that other locations for the venting of a lower compartment may be used. For example, the venting may occur through the sidewall of the base, in which the venting would typically be located at or near the continuous rim. A non-limiting example of such venting container is shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 .  FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a compartmentalized container  410  that includes a base  412 , an insert  414  and a lid  416 . The base  412  includes a continuous body portion  420  and a continuous rim  422 . The continuous body portion  420  includes a sidewall  426  and a bottom  424 . The continuous sidewall  426  before transiting to the continuous rim  422  forms a ledge or step  446 . The ledge  446  forms a plurality of vents  448   a - d . The insert  414  includes a continuous rim  452 . The lid  416  includes a continuous rim  472  and forms a plurality of vents  482 . As best shown in  FIG. 13 , venting from the contents of the base  412  travels along a path of arrow D into a space beneath a bottom surface  452   a  of the continuous rim  452  and through the plurality of vents  448  of which vents  448   a ,  448   b  are depicted in  FIG. 13 . The continuous rim  452  is designed to provide adequate space for the venting to escape through the plurality of vents  448 . 
     It is also contemplated that the venting may also occur over the edge of the insert. In such an embodiment, the base and the lid would not be typically interlocked at such a location so as to provide an area for the moisture to escape the sealed lower vented compartment. More specifically, the moisture escapes over the continuous rim of the base and along a lower side of the insert. A non-limiting example of such venting is shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . 
       FIG. 14  is an exploded view of a compartmentalized container  510  that includes a base  512 , an insert  514  and a lid  516 . The base  512  includes a continuous body portion  520  and a continuous rim  522 . The continuous body portion  520  includes a sidewall  526  and a bottom  524 . The continuous sidewall  526  before transiting to the continuous rim  522  forms a ledge or step  546 . The insert  514  includes a continuous rim  552  and a protrusion  562 . The continuous rim  552  rests or abuts on the ledge  546 . The lid  516  includes a continuous rim  572  and forms a plurality of vents  582 . The continuous rim  572  forms an overhanging area  572   a  that assists in venting from the base by forming a venting space. As shown best in  FIG. 15 , venting from the contents of the base  512  travels along a path of arrow E into a space formed between the continuous rim  522  and the overhanging area  572   a  of the continuous rim  572 . The continuous rim  552  of the insert  514  is cutaway at portion  552   a , which allows a space to be formed between portion  552   a  and the continuous rim  522 . 
     The compartmentalized containers are typically formed from polymeric materials, but may be formed from other materials such as paper or metal. The polymeric compartmentalized containers may be formed from polyolefins. The polymeric food containers are typically formed from polystyrene (e.g., orientated polystyrene (OPS)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (e.g., APET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, and combinations thereof. It is contemplated that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other polymers or combination of polymers may be used to form the containers. 
     The compartmentalized containers may be made from a mineral-filled polymeric material such as, for example, talc or calcium carbonate-filled polyolefin. One specific non-limiting example is a talc-filled polypropylene. 
     The compartmentalized containers may be formed from polymeric materials that are foamable. For example, the base and the insert may include a polystyrene foam, while the lid is formed from OPS. To assist the consumer in viewing the products (e.g., food products) within the container, the lid is typically formed from a material that is translucent or transparent. To assist in providing improved temperature retention, the base and/or insert may include an insulating material such as a foamable material (e.g., polystyrene foam). 
     An example of paper that may be used in forming the compartmentalized containers is paperboard or molded fiber. Paperboard and molded fiber typically have a sufficient coefficient of friction to maintain the compartmentalized container in a lockable position. 
     The compartmentalized containers of the present invention are typically disposable, but it is contemplated that they may be reused at a future time. 
     The containers may be formed using conventional thermoforming (e.g., by pressure, vacuum or the combination thereof), injection-molding processes, or rotational molding. According to one method of thermoforming, pellets of a polymeric resin and additives, if any, are added into an extruder. The pellets of the polymeric resin and additives, if any, are melted to form a blend. The blend is extruded through a die to form an extruded sheet. The extruded sheet is thermoformed to a desired shape of a container. 
     The thickness of the compartmentalized containers generally ranges from about 0.002 to about 0.15 inch, but is typically from about 0.005 to about 0.04 inch. The compartmentalized containers may be opaque or a variety of colors or color combinations. 
     While particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes, and variations may be apparent from the foregoing descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.