Patent Publication Number: US-11655097-B1

Title: Configurable pastry container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/939,526 filed on Nov. 22, 2019 and entitled “Configurable Pastry Container,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to containers, and more specifically, to a configurable pastry container. 
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     With the advent of online shopping, consumers are receiving an increasing number of package deliveries at their homes and offices. In particular, an increasing number of food items are being ordered for delivery. For example, pastries such as muffins and cupcakes are routinely packaged for delivery. Generally, pastries are loosely placed inside a cardboard container for storage or delivery. This method is used since the pastries may have different sizes such that it is easier to loosely place them in a generic container. 
     SUMMARY 
     In various embodiments, a configurable pastry container is provided that accepts and secures pastries for delivery. In one embodiment, the container includes a rack with configurable openings that are used to secure the pastries. For example, the rack may have twelve openings to secure a dozen muffins. The openings are configurable to various sizes so that different sized muffins can be secured within the openings. The openings include one or more tabs that are foldable or removable so that a diameter of each opening is configurable. In one example, the tab is single round, donut-shaped material that is punched out and removed. In another example, the tab is a plurality of opening tabs (or sections) that can be folded or removed to configure the size of the opening. Thus, one adjustable container can be configured to secure pastries of different sizes. 
     In one embodiment, a configurable container is provided that includes a container bottom and a configurable rack that is placed within the container bottom. The configurable rack comprises one or more configurable openings that are configured to secure pastries having a plurality of sizes. The container also includes a container top that covers the container bottom to form an enclosed container that secures the pastries. 
     In another embodiment, a method is provided for forming a configurable container. The method includes forming a container bottom, forming a configurable rack having configurable openings that are sized to secure a plurality of pastries, forming a container top, placing the configurable rack within the container bottom, and placing the container top over the container bottom. 
     In accordance with at least one novel aspect, the configurable pastry container is designed to provide quick and efficient assembly. A pastry provider is able to employ lower cost staff to prepare and assemble the novel configurable pastry container more quickly than conventional pastry containers. A package of novel configurable pastry containers is provided to a pastry provider in an unassembled fashion. Each of the configurable pastry containers has a container bottom, a configurable rack, and a container top that are provided in a flattened, unassembled state. In this way, the package of configurable pastry containers consumes minimal volume and is easy to store. Once the pastry provider desires use of the configurable pastry containers, they remove and assemble each component in a quick and convenient fashion. 
     The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail; consequently it is appreciated that the summary is illustrative only. Still other methods, and structures and details are set forth in the detailed description below. This summary does not purport to define the invention. The invention is defined by the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, where like numerals indicate like components, illustrate embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a configurable pastry container. 
         FIG.  2    shows an exploded view of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    shows a top view of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    shows a bottom view of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    shows a side view of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    shows an end view of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  7 A-B  shows perspective views of a bottom portion of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8    shows an exemplary unfolded form of the bottom portion shown in  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    shows an exemplary unfolded form of the inside tray portion shown in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  10    shows an exemplary unfolded form of the adjustable rack shown in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  11    shows an exemplary perspective view of the adjustable rack shown in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  12    shows exemplary side and end edge views of the adjustable rack shown in  FIG.  10   . 
         FIG.  13    shows an exemplary embodiment of a configurable opening. 
         FIG.  14    shows an exemplary unfolded form of the top portion shown in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  15    shows an exemplary embodiment of a method for forming a configurable pastry container. 
         FIG.  16    shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a configurable pastry container that is configured to contain a half dozen pastries. 
         FIG.  17    shows an exploded view of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  18    shows a top view of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  19    shows a bottom view of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  20    shows a side view of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  21    shows an end view of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  22    shows a perspective view of a bottom of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  16    that is configured to hold six same-size pastries. 
         FIG.  23    shows a perspective view of a bottom of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  16    that is configured to hold six pastries having different sizes. 
         FIG.  24    shows an exemplary unfolded form of the top portion shown in  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  25    shows an exemplary unfolded form of the bottom portion shown in  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  26    shows a perspective view of an adjustable rack shown in  FIG.  16    that is configured to secure a half dozen pastries. 
         FIG.  27    shows a top view of the adjustable rack shown in  FIG.  26   . 
         FIG.  28    shows exemplary side and end edge views of the adjustable rack shown in  FIG.  27   . 
         FIG.  29    shows a perspective view of a bottom of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  16    that is configured to hold six same-size pastries. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In various embodiments, a configurable pastry container is provided that can be configured to accept and secure different sized food items or pastries for storage and/or transportation. 
       FIG.  1    shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a configurable pastry container  100 . The container  100  and its components are formed from at least one of paper, cardboard, plastic, and/or other suitable material. As described in more detail below, the container  100  can be configured to secure food items, such as pastries, having different sizes. For example, in one configuration, the container  100  can be configured to secure a dozen muffins. A more detailed description of the configurable pastry container  100  is provided below. 
       FIG.  2    shows an exploded view of the configurable pastry container  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the configurable pastry container  100  comprises a top cover  202 , pastry rack  204 , internal tray  206 , and bottom portion  208 . In an embodiment, the top cover  202  comprises a transparent window  212  that provides a view of the pastries secured within the container  100 . In an embodiment, the window  212  is made of clear plastic, film, or other suitable material. 
     The pastry rack  204  comprises one or more configurable openings  210  that can be configured to have different sizes to accommodate pastries of different sizes. 
       FIG.  3    shows a top view of the configurable pastry container  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . The top view illustrated in  FIG.  3    shows the top cover  202  and transparent window  212 . The pastry rack  204  is viewable visible through the transparent window  212 . 
       FIG.  4    shows a bottom view of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  1   . As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the bottom view shows the bottom surface of the bottom portion  208 . 
       FIG.  5    shows a side view of the configurable pastry container  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the side view shows the top cover  202 , which overlaps and partially covers the bottom portion  208 . 
       FIG.  6    shows an end view of the configurable pastry container  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the end view shows the top cover  202 , which overlaps and partially covers the bottom portion  208 . 
       FIG.  7 A  shows a perspective view of the bottom portion  208  of the configurable pastry container  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . The rack  204  is placed within the bottom portion  208  after being configured to retain different sized pastries. In this embodiment, six of the tabs of the rack  204  are removed to accommodate and secure larger sized pastries. It is appreciated that different combinations of opening sizes of the rack  204  are user configurable depending on the number and type of pastries. In one example, all the tabs of the rack  204  are removed to secure a dozen large pastries. In another example, no tabs of the rack  204  are removed to secure a dozen smaller pastries. In another example, the openings of the rack  204  are selectively configured to alternate between small openings and large openings thereby providing a visual appealing effect of alternating sized pastries. 
       FIG.  7 B  shows a perspective view of the bottom portion  208  of the configurable pastry container  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . In this embodiment, the rack  204  is placed within the bottom portion  208  and is configured to secure a plurality of same-sized pastries as shown. 
       FIG.  8    shows an exemplary unfolded form of the bottom portion  208  of the configurable pastry container shown in  FIG.  2   . The unfolded form includes bottom section  802 , side section  804 , end section  806 , end section  808 , and side section  810 . The various sections fold up and bend according to the illustrated fold lines (dotted) to form the bottom portion  208 . In an embodiment, the tabs  812  and  814  are secured to the folded end sections  806 ,  808  to hold the folded sections of the bottom portion  208  together as a complete unit. 
       FIG.  9    shows an exemplary unfolded form of the tray portion  206  shown in  FIG.  2   . In an embodiment, the unfolded tray portion  206  comprises a bottom tray section  902  and tray tabs  904 ,  906 ,  908 , and  910 . The tray tabs  904 ,  906 ,  908 , and  910  are folded along the dotted lines to form the tray portion  206 . In an embodiment, the tray portion  206  fits into and rests onto the bottom portion  208 . 
       FIG.  10    shows an exemplary unfolded form of the configurable rack  204  shown in  FIG.  2   . In an embodiment, the rack  204  comprises a bottom rack section  1014  and rack tabs  1002 ,  1004 ,  1006 ,  1008 ,  1010 , and  1012 . The rack tabs  1002 ,  1004 ,  1006 ,  1008 ,  1010 , and  1012  are folded along the dotted lines to form the rack  204 . The rack  204  also includes configurable openings, such as opening  210 . A more detailed description of the configurable openings is provided below. In an embodiment, the rack portion  204  fits into and rests onto the tray portion  206 . 
       FIG.  11    shows an exemplary perspective view of the unfolded form of the configurable rack  204  shown in  FIG.  10   . 
       FIG.  12    shows an exemplary side  1200  and end  1202  edge views of the unfolded form of the configurable rack  204  shown in  FIG.  10   . 
       FIG.  13    shows an exemplary embodiment of a configurable opening  1300 . For example, the opening  1300  is suitable for use as any of the openings in the configurable rack  204 , such as the opening  210 . A plurality of opening tabs, such as tab  1306 , form the size of the opening  1300 . The opening  1300  can be configured to have a minimum sized opening having a diameter  1302  by leaving the opening tabs (e.g.,  1306 ) unfolded. The opening  1300  can also be configured to have a maximum sized opening having a diameter  1304  by folding or removing the opening tabs (e.g.,  1306 ). The opening tabs are removable or foldable so that the diameter of the opening is configurable by the user. Each of the opening tabs can be independently folded or removed to create up to the maximum opening having a diameter  1304 . By adjusting or removing the tabs, the opening  1300  can be configured to secure pastries of different sizes. In one example, the tab is a single round, donut-shaped material that is punched out and removed. In another example, the tab is a plurality of sections that are folded or removed to obtain the desired opening diameter. 
       FIG.  14    shows an exemplary unfolded form of the top portion  202  shown in  FIG.  2   . The unfolded form includes top section  1402 , top side sections  1404  and  1406 , top end sections  1408 ,  1410 ,  1412 , and  1414 . The various side and end sections fold and bend according to the illustrated fold lines (dotted lines) to form the top portion  202 . Also shown in  FIG.  14    is the transparent window  212 . In an embodiment, the tabs  1416  and  1418  are used to secure the folded sections to hold the top portion  202  together as a complete unit. 
       FIG.  15    shows an exemplary embodiment of a method  1500  for forming a configurable pastry container. For example, the method  1500  is suitable to form the configurable pastry container and its components shown in  FIGS.  1 - 14   . 
     At block  1502 , a container bottom is formed. For example, the container bottom  208  is formed by folding and securing the container bottom form shown in  FIG.  8   . 
     At block  1504 , a container tray is formed and placed within the container bottom. For example, the container tray  206  is formed by folding tabs  904 ,  906 ,  908 , and  910  along the fold lines as illustrated in  FIG.  9   . 
     At block  1506 , a configurable pastry rack is formed. For example, the rack  204  is formed by folding tabs  1002 ,  1004 ,  1006 ,  1008 ,  1010 , and  1012  along the fold lines as illustrated in  FIG.  10   . 
     At block  1508 , the openings of the pastry rack are adjusted for the size of the pastry to be secured. For example, the tabs (e.g.,  1306 ) of the opening  1300  are folded to configure the opening to have the desired opening diameter  1302 . 
     At block  1510 , the configured pastry rack is placed on the container tray. For example, the configured rack  204  is placed on the tray  206  and inserted into the bottom  208 . 
     At block  1512 , a container top is formed. For example, the top  202  is formed by folding tabs  1404 ,  1406 ,  1408 ,  1410 ,  1412 , and  1414  along the fold lines and securing the tabs  1416  and  1418  as illustrated in  FIG.  14   . 
     At block  1514 , the container top is placed over the container bottom to complete the formation of the configurable pastry container. For example, the top  202  is placed over the bottom  208  as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . 
     Thus, the method  1500  performs operations to form a configurable pastry container. It should be noted that the method  1500  is exemplary and that the operations can be changed, modified, added to, deleted, or otherwise rearranged within the scope of the embodiments. 
       FIG.  16    shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a configurable pastry container  1600  that is configured to contain a half dozen pastries. In an embodiment, the container  1600  is configured to hold the same or different sized pastries. 
       FIG.  17    shows an exploded view of the configurable pastry container  1600  shown in  FIG.  16   . The pastries container  1600  comprises a bottom  1602 , an adjustable rack  1604 , and a top  1606 . For example, the adjustable rack  1604  includes six configurable openings, such as opening  1608 . 
       FIG.  18    shows a top view of the configurable pastry  1600  container shown in  FIG.  16   . The rack  1604  is visible through a clear window of the top portion  1606 . 
       FIG.  19    shows a bottom view of the configurable pastry container  1600  shown in  FIG.  16   . 
       FIG.  20    shows a side view of the configurable pastry container  1600  shown in  FIG.  16   . 
       FIG.  21    shows an end view of the configurable pastry container  1600  shown in  FIG.  16   . 
       FIG.  22    shows a perspective view of the bottom  1602  of the configurable pastry container  1600  shown in  FIG.  16   . As illustrated in  FIG.  22   , the configurable openings of the rack  1604  are configured to hold six same-size pastries. 
       FIG.  23    shows a perspective view of the bottom  1602  of the configurable pastry container  1600  shown in  FIG.  16   . As illustrated in  FIG.  23   , the configurable openings of the rack  1604  are configured to hold six pastries having different sizes. 
       FIG.  24    shows an exemplary unfolded form of the top  1606  of the configurable pastry container  1600  shown in  FIG.  16   . The top  1606  comprises a transparent window  2402 , foldable tabs, such as tab  2404 , and locking tabs, such as tab  2406 . 
       FIG.  25    shows an exemplary unfolded form of the bottom  1602  of the configurable pastry container  1600  shown in  FIG.  16   . In an embodiment, the bottom  1602  is formed by folding along the dotted lines shown in  FIG.  25   . 
       FIG.  26    shows a perspective view of the adjustable rack  1604  shown in  FIG.  16    that is configurable to secure a half dozen pastries. For example, the rack  1604  includes configurable openings (e.g.,  1608 ) that can be configured as described with reference to  FIG.  13    to secure different sized pastries. 
       FIG.  27    shows a top view of the adjustable rack  1604  shown in  FIG.  26   . 
       FIG.  28    shows exemplary side and end edge views of the adjustable rack shown in  FIG.  27   . 
       FIG.  29    shows a perspective view of the bottom  1602  of the configurable pastry container  1600  shown in  FIG.  16   . As illustrated in  FIG.  29   , the configurable rack  1604  is configured to hold six same-size pastries. 
     Although certain specific embodiments are described above in order to illustrate the invention, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments. The configurable rack is formed to form any desired number of pastries. In various embodiments, the configurable rack is formed to secure a selectable number of pastries selected from the group consisting of: one pastry, two pastries, three pastries, four pastries, five pastries, six pastries, seven pastries, eight pastries, nine pastries, ten pastries, eleven pastries, twelve pastries, thirteen pastries, fourteen pastries, fifteen pastries, sixteen pastries, seventeen pastries, eighteen pastries, nineteen pastries, twenty pastries, twenty-one pastries, twenty-two pastries, twenty-three pastries, twenty-four pastries, twenty-five pastries, twenty-six pastries, twenty-seven pastries, twenty-eight pastries, twenty-nine pastries, thirty pastries, thirty-one pastries, thirty-two pastries, thirty-three pastries, thirty-four pastries, thirty-five pastries, thirty-six pastries, thirty-seven pastries, thirty-eight pastries, thirty-nine pastries, forty pastries, forty-one pastries, forty-two pastries, forty-three pastries, forty-four pastries, forty-five pastries, forty-six pastries, forty-seven pastries, and forty-eight pastries. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and combinations of various features of the described embodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.