Patent Publication Number: US-2023150726-A1

Title: Food storage container

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/281,039 filed Nov. 18, 2021, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention generally relates to containers and methods of using the same, and more specifically relates to modular containers for use in storing and transporting items such as food and drinks, including containers having modular rigid and/or flexible dividers therein. 
     BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE 
     Multipurpose containers and coverings are used for packing, storing, and transporting food, beverages, and other items that need to kept separate from other items. Existing containers do not provide meaningful versatility and can generally be used only in a few configurations. Existing containers that have multiple compartments are generally incapable of being adjusted, forcing users to employ nonoptimal arrangements that may not suit the items the user wishes to transport. For example, existing containers generally contain one or more pre-defined compartments; users are unable to adjust the configuration of compartments based on the specific item(s) to be transported or stored therein. Alternatively, users may be forced to place different types of items in separate packaging (such as separate plastic bags) in order to keep the items separated within a container. The use of separate packaging is wasteful (as where the packaging is single-use or disposable) and does not adequately retain items within a desired portion of the container. 
     There exists an unmet need in the art for an improved container and method of use which permits the transport of multiple items in separate compartments within a container where the compartments are sealed off from each other to prevent the co-mingling of items during transport. 
     SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is further described in the detailed description of the disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Described herein are systems comprising containers that have an interior surface configured to secure a rigid or flexible divider in a variety of configurations so as to allow for a reconfigurable interior of the container along with corresponding dividers configured for use therewith. The dividers may include a resilient material which, when compressed against the interior of the container and the lid, provides for an airtight seal between compartments. In embodiments, the resilient material is in the form of a separate strip or gasket that surrounds at least a portion of a divider. In other embodiments, the resilient material is formed on or connected to at least a portion of the divider. In embodiments, the dividers themselves are made from a deformable resilient material. 
     In embodiments, dividers also comprise an integrated material (such as a gel) that can be heated or cooled in order to maintain a desired temperature within the container. 
     In embodiments of the containers described herein provide a configurable container and lid that has an interior surface configured to secure one or more rigid or flexible dividers and to allow for the dividers to establish a plurality of substantially sealed compartments within the container. 
     In embodiments, a container system is provided that comprises a container comprising: a base wall; a peripheral wall extending from the base wall to form a cavity, the peripheral wall comprising a top edge opposite the base wall; and a pair of ridges separated by a groove, the pair of ridges and the groove extending across the base wall and at least a lower portion of the peripheral wall proximate the base wall; and a divider comprising an edge, the edge sized so as to form a seal between multiple compartments. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosure, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, exemplary constructions of embodiments of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure and the disclosures herein are not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of a first embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  3    is a front view of a first embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  4    is a top view of a first embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  5    is a bottom view of a first embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a food storage container with a divider applied within the cavity of the container. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a food storage container with a lid secured to the top of the food storage container. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of a second embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  10    is a front view of a second embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  11    is a top view of a second embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  12    is a bottom view of a second embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a food storage container with a divider applied within the cavity of the container. 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a food storage container with a lid secured to the top of the food storage container. 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  16    is a side view of a third embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  17    is a front view of a third embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  18    is a top view of a third embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  19    is a bottom view of a third embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  20    is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a food storage container with a divider applied within the cavity of the container. 
         FIG.  21    is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a food storage container with a lid secured to the top of the food storage container. 
         FIG.  22    is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  23    is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  24    is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  25    is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  26    is a bottom view of a fourth embodiment of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  27    is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a food storage container with divider(s) applied within the cavity of the container. 
         FIG.  28    is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a food storage container with a lid secured to the top of the food storage container. 
         FIG.  29    is a perspective view of a divider for use with a food storage container. 
         FIG.  30    is a side view of the divider depicted in  FIG.  29   . 
         FIG.  31    is a front view of the divider depicted in  FIG.  29   . 
         FIG.  32    is a bottom view of the divider depicted in  FIG.  29     
         FIG.  33    is a second perspective view of the bottom of the divider depicted in  FIG.  29   . 
         FIG.  34    is a perspective view of a lid for use with a food storage container. 
         FIG.  35    is a side view of the lid depicted in  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  36    is a second side view of the lid depicted in  FIG.  34     
         FIG.  37    is a top view of the lid depicted in  FIG.  34     
         FIG.  38    is a perspective view of the lid depicted in  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  39    is a perspective view of the lid depicted in  FIG.  34    with a latching mechanism to secure the lid to the top of a food storage container. 
         FIG.  40    is an exploded view of a food storage container, divider, and lid. 
         FIG.  41    is a perspective view of three separate embodiments of food storage containers stacked together for storage. 
         FIG.  42    is a partially transparent perspective view of the food storage container shown in  FIG.  22   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following disclosure as a whole may be best understood by reference to the provided detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, drawing description, abstract, background, field of the disclosure, and associated headings. Identical reference numerals when found on different figures identify the same elements or a functionally equivalent element. The elements listed in the abstract are not referenced but nevertheless refer by association to the elements of the detailed description and associated disclosure. 
     For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principles disclosed herein, reference is now made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language is used to describe the same. It is nevertheless understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is hereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and such further applications of the principles disclosed and illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one of skill in the art to which this disclosure relates. 
     The present disclosure relates to, in one or more embodiments, containers, dividers, and systems comprising a container and one or more dividers configured to interact together to create removable seals, thereby separating the container into two or more distinct compartments. Such compartments can be used, by way of non-limiting example, to store and transport various food items without such items mixing or coming into contact. 
     In embodiments, dividers incorporate material having thermal inertia (such as gel packs) that enable a divider to maintain a desired temperature for a period of time, thereby keeping items stored in an adjacent compartment within a desired temperature range. In an embodiment, at least one side of a divider comprises material that has been cooled and keeps adjacent items cool. In an embodiment, at least one side of a divider comprises a material that has been heated and keeps adjacent items warm. In an embodiment, dividers comprising hot and cold material are used to keep items in one compartment cool while items in another compartment are kept warm. 
     Except as otherwise used herein, for the purposes of this disclosure, the term “gasket” refers a length of resilient and/or deformable material which may be used to form a seal when compressed against another material. Embodiments of a gasket include a shaped piece or ring of rubber or other deformable or resilient material. Further embodiments include a deformable or resilient portion of material. 
     Examples of food strange containers include the embodiments described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,319,135 (the “&#39;135 patent”), the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated by reference herein. Many of the embodiments disclosed in the &#39;135 patent incorporate ridges separated by grooves. In contrast, embodiments of the instant disclosure are directed towards containers without ridges or groves on the interior surface of the container. Other differences will also be apparent to one of skill in the art in view of the instant disclosure. 
       FIGS.  1  through  40    depict embodiments of containers  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  for storing and transporting items, such as food and beverages. As contemplated herein, in various embodiments, the containers  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  may be made of a material that is transparent or translucent (such that items within the container are visible without opening the container), opaque (such that items within the container are obscured without opening the container), or any combination or variation thereof. 
     While multiple embodiments are disclosed herein, it will be understood by one of skill in the art that specific features or benefits that are discussed herein in the context of a single embodiment (e.g., container  100 ), such discussion is in generally equally applicable to other embodiments (e.g., containers  200 ,  300 ,  400 ) unless otherwise noted herein or understood from the instant disclosure. Further, while the embodiments of containers described herein may be referred to as “food storage containers” or “beverage storage containers,” it is to be understood that such containers are contemplated as holding any item or items sized to be placed therein and that food and beverage are merely two contemplated uses for such containers. 
     First Embodiment of the Food Storage Container 
     As shown in  FIGS.  15  through  21   , a first embodiment of a container  300  comprises a base  302  and a lid  330 . In a preferred embodiment, the container  300  is comprised of a co-polyester resin. In alternative embodiments, the container  300  is comprised of other suitable materials which may provide sufficient support for the container  300 . Such examples include but are not limited to epoxy, thermosetting polymers, synthetic resin, and polyethylene terephthalate. 
     The base  302  is comprised of a length, a width, and a height. In the embodiment of  FIGS.  15  through  21   , the base  302  has a length greater than its width to form a rectangular shape. The corners of the base  302  proximate the floor may be rounded or form a point. 
     The base  302  comprises a floor  304  and a perimeter wall  306  which extends upward from the floor  304  to define a cavity. Items to be stored or transported may be placed within the cavity in the base  302 . A plurality of spaced-apart indentations  314  extend along the interior surface  308  of the peripheral wall  306 . In an embodiment, a ridge  310  extends along the inner surface  308  of the perimeter wall  306 . In this embodiment, the plurality of spaced-apart indentations  314  extend along the ridge  310 . An upper ridge  320  is located along the top of the perimeter wall  306 . A gasket  322  may be placed along the upper ridge  320  so as to form an airtight seal when the upper ridge  320  interacts with the lid  330 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  15  through  21   , the interior surface  308  of the floor  304  is smooth and contains no indentations or ridges. In an alternative embodiment, the interior surface of the floor  304  includes ridges, grooves, or the like. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  15  through  21   , the plurality of spaced-apart indentations  314  extend along the ridge  310  in pairs. The spaced-apart indentations  314  correspond to a divider  332  and are configured to receive a pair of tabs extending from both sides of the divider  332  to detachably secure the divider  332  in place. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of spaced-apart indentations  314  are not in pairs. In the alternative embodiment, the divider  332  includes a single tab on each side to lock the divider  332  in place. The divider  332  is further described in a separate section below. 
     Other means for securing a divider  332  known in the prior art are considered for alternative embodiments. 
     The exterior surface  316  of the base  302  may be generally smooth. Alternatively, the exterior surface  316  may mirror the structure of the interior surface  308 , for example by including protrusions corresponding to the plurality of indentations  314  and the ridge  310 . As shown, a plurality of feet  318  may extend away from the exterior of the surface  316  of the floor  304  of the base  302  so as to support the base  302  above a surface. 
     Second Embodiment of the Food Storage Container 
       FIGS.  1  through  7    depict a second embodiment of container  100  that is generally similar to the first embodiment described above except as otherwise noted. 
     The base  102  is comprised of a length, a width, and a height. In the embodiment of  FIGS.  1  through  7   , the base  102  has a length greater than its width to form a rectangular shape. The corners of the base  102  proximate the floor may be rounded or form a point. 
     As depicted in  FIGS.  1  through  7   , the height of the container  100  is greater than the width of the floor  104  of the container  100 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, a first set of three pairs of spaced-apart indentions  114  extend along a first side of the interior surface  108  of the peripheral wall  106 . A second set of three pairs of spaced-apart indentations  114  extend along a second, opposite side of the interior surface  108  of the peripheral wall  106 . The first and second sets of pairs of indentations  114  are aligned to be directly across from each other and provide a means for the insertion of a divider  132  in three locations. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the spaced apart indentations  114  are not in pairs and are comprised of a first and second set of three spaced-apart indentations  114 . Other means for securing a divider  132  which are known in the prior art are considered as alternative embodiments. 
     Third Embodiment of the Food Storage Container 
       FIGS.  8  through  14    depict a food storage container  200  that is generally similar to the first and second embodiments described above except as otherwise noted. 
     The base  202  is comprised of a length, a width, and a height. In the embodiment of  FIGS.  8  through  14   , the base  202  has a length approximately the same side as its width to form a square shape. The corners of the base  202  proximate the floor may be rounded or form a point. 
     In the preferred embodiment, a first set of three pairs of spaced-apart indentions  214  extend along a first side of the interior surface  208  of the peripheral wall  206 . A second set of three pairs of spaced-apart indentations  214  extend along a second, opposite side of the interior surface  208  of the peripheral wall  206 . The first and second sets of pairs of indentations  214  are aligned to be directly across from each other and provide a means for the insertion of a divider  232  in three locations. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the spaced apart indentations  214  are not in pairs and are comprised of a first and second set of three spaced-apart indentations  214 . Other means for securing a divider  232  which are known in the prior art are considered as alternative embodiments. 
     Fourth Embodiment of the Food Storage Container 
       FIGS.  22  through  28    depict a food storage container  400  that is generally similar to the first, second, and third embodiments described above except as otherwise noted. By way of example, the embodiment of  FIGS.  22  through  29    provides for a larger container  400  described in connection with  FIGS.  15  through  21   . 
     The base  402  is comprised of a length, a width, and a height. In the embodiment of  FIGS.  22  through  29   , the base  402  has a length greater than its width to form a rectangular shape. The corners of the base  402  proximate the floor may be rounded or form a point. 
     The enlarged container  400  provides for additional locations to insert a divider. In the preferred embodiment, a first set of seven pairs of spaced-apart indentions  414  extend along a first side of the interior surface  408  of the peripheral wall  406 . A second set of seven pairs of spaced-apart indentations  414  extend along a second, opposite side of the interior surface  408  of the peripheral wall  406 . The first and second sets of pairs of indentations  414  are aligned to be directly across from each other and provide a means for the insertion of a divider  432  in seven locations. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the spaced apart indentations  414  are not in pairs and are comprised of a first and second set of seven individual spaced-apart indentations  414 . Other means for securing a divider  432  which are known in the prior art are considered as alternative embodiments. 
     Alternative embodiments may comprise greater or less than seven pairs of (or individual) spaced-spaced apart indentations  414 . 
     Lid for the Food Storage Container 
     The lid  600  corresponds to the lids disclosed above and is sized so as to enclose the cavity formed by the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402 . As shown in  FIGS.  34  through  39   , the lid  600  comprises a top surface  602  opposite a bottom surface  604  as well as an exterior wall  606 . As shown, the exterior wall  606  may extend below the bottom surface  604  so as to form a peripheral edge  608  configured to engage with the perimeter wall  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  406  of the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  to form an airtight seal. Alternatively, the peripheral ridge  608  may be configured to engage with the upper ridge  120 ,  220 ,  320 ,  420  of the perimeter wall  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  406 . 
     In alternative embodiments, portions of the exterior wall  606  may extend above the top surface  602 . A gasket  626  may be placed along the peripheral edge  608  so as to form an airtight seal with the perimeter wall  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  406  or the upper ridge  120 ,  220 ,  320 ,  420 . Additionally, when the lid is placed on a surface (with the bottom surface  604  facing down), the gasket  626  makes contact with the surface. This allows for a user to place the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  of the container on the lid  600  (with the bottom surface  604  facing down) to provide a non-skid surface for the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  to rest. 
     In a second alternative embodiment, portions of a gasket may be placed on the top of the upper ridge  612  at each of the rounded corners, or alternatively, along the entirety of the upper ridge  612 . Therefore, when the lid is placed on a surface (with the bottom surface  604  facing up), the gasket makes contact with the surface. This allows for a user to place the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  of the container on the lid  600  (with the bottom surface  604  facing up) to provide a non-skid surface for the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . 
     In an embodiment, engagement mechanisms  610  are located on the exterior wall  606  of the lid  600  and are configured to interlock with corresponding receiving portions  124 ,  224 ,  324 ,  424  located on the exterior surface  116 ,  216 ,  316 ,  416  of the perimeter wall  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  406  of the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402 , thereby securing the lid  600  to the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  and sealing the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . 
     In the embodiment, shown in  FIGS.  34  through  39    the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  and lid  600  comprise four engagement mechanisms  610  and corresponding receiving portions  124 ,  224 ,  324 ,  424 . Alternatively, the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  may contain two engagement mechanisms  610  and corresponding receiving portions  124 ,  224 ,  324 ,  424  as shown in  FIGS.  1  through  7   . 
     In an embodiment, the engagement mechanisms  610  are rotably attached to the lid  600 , to lock the lid  600  to the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402 . Upon engagement of the engagement mechanisms  610 , the lid  600  is pressed firmly against the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402 , which causes the gasket(s)  626 ,  122 ,  222 ,  322 ,  422  to depress. The depressed gasket(s)  626 ,  122 ,  222 ,  322 ,  422  form an airtight seal for the cavity of the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . 
     In an embodiment, the receiving portions  124 ,  224 ,  324 ,  424  comprise indentations beneath teeth, a protrusion, or the like that hold the engagement mechanism  610  in place. The engagement mechanisms  610  are configured such that upon interlocking with the corresponding receiving portions  124 ,  224 ,  324 ,  424 , pressure is removed from the lid  600  and base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402 , allowing the gasket(s)  626 ,  122 ,  222 ,  322 ,  422  to expand and form an airtight seal. Removal of the lid  600  requires pressure to be applied to the lid, which allows the engagement mechanisms  610  to disengage from the corresponding receiving portions  124 ,  224 ,  324 ,  424 . Once the engagement mechanisms  610  are rotated away from the receiving portions  124 ,  224 ,  324 ,  424 , the lid  600  may be removed from the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402 . In an alternative embodiment, a gasket is not used, and the lid  600  itself is made from a resilient material capable of deforming to form an airtight seal with the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402 . 
     In an embodiment, the exterior wall  606  of the lid  600  also extends above the top surface  602  of the lid  600 , such that an upper ridge  612  also extends above the top surface  602  of the lid  600 . One or more tabs  622  may extend laterally away from the perimeter edge  608  of the exterior wall  606  of the lid  600  so as to permit the lid  600  to be easily removed from the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  by applying force to one of the tabs  622  once the engagement mechanisms  610  are disengaged. Tabs  622  may be located at each corner of the lid or on other portions of the lid  600 . 
     Divider for Use with the Food Storage Container 
     The divider  500  corresponds to the dividers disclosed above and is sized to fit within the cavity of the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  to form distinct compartments. As shown in  FIGS.  29  through  33   , each divider  500  includes a first face  508  and a second face  510  and a rim  502  there between sized to fit within the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  of the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . The divider  500  comprises tabs  504  which protrude from opposite sides of the rim  502  and are configured to engage with the plurality of indentations  114 ,  214 ,  314 ,  414  in the perimeter wall  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  406  so as to secure the divider  500  in place. The engagement of tabs  504  and indentations  114 ,  214 ,  314 ,  414  ensures that the divider  500  stays upright during transport of the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . The divider  500  is sized to securely fit within the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  and lid  600  of the container such that when the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  is sealed, the divider  500  forms an airtight seal between compartments of the container. 
     In an embodiment, a gasket  506  is placed along the entirety of the rim  502  such that the gasket  506  contacts the interior surface  108 ,  208 ,  308 ,  408  of the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  when the divider  500  is placed in the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402 . The gasket  506  is made of a resilient material which permits the divider  500  to form an airtight and watertight seal between compartments of the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . In particular, when the lid  600  is secured to the container, the lid  600  and base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  press against the gasket  506 , and the gasket  506 , being made of a resilient material, pushes back against the lid  600  and base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402 , forming an airtight seal between the compartments. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the rim  502  is comprised of a resilient and/or deformable material capable of forming a seal against the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  and lid  600  of the container system  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . In other embodiments of the divider  500  other sealing mechanisms can be used, including other deformable structures known in the prior art. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the rim  502  is variable in width. The rim  502  is thinner along the top of the divider  500 , which makes contact with the lid  600 , and has an increased thickness along the bottom of the divider  500 , which makes contact with the floor  104 ,  204 ,  304 ,  404 . Along the sides of the divider  500 , which contact the perimeter wall  106 ,  206 ,  306 ,  406 , the thickness of the rim  502  increases as it moves from the top edge to the bottom edge, forming a triangular profile. Similarly, the gasket  506  is sized and shaped to fit firmly within or surround the rim  502 . This triangular profile ensures the stability of the divider  500  and ensures a strong airtight seal is formed between compartments of the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . This embodiment eliminates the need for grooves on the floor  104 ,  204 ,  304 ,  404  of the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  and improves the sealing capability of the divider  500  by increasing the surface area which makes contact with the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402 . 
     In an embodiment, the bottom surface of the lid  600  comprises corresponding grooves and ridges so as to completely engage the divider  500  within the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . These grooves and ridges may be molded into the bottom surface  604  of the lid  600  so as to be integral parts of the lid  600 . Alternatively, the bottom surface of the lid  600  may comprise gasket(s) which form a seal with the divider(s)  500  when compressed. 
     The gasket  506  may be made out of an adherent material to assist the formation of an airtight seal between compartments in the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 . In one embodiment, the gasket  122 ,  222 ,  322 ,  422 ,  626 ,  506  is comprised of rubber. 
     The dividers  500  may also include an integrated material such as a gel that can be heated or cooled in order to maintain a desired temperature within the container. 
     Alternative Materials and Arrangements of the Food Storage Container 
     The base portion  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  may be made from a suitable material that is substantially rigid such as glass, plastic, or polycarbonate. The lid  600  may be made from a suitable material that is flexible or semirigid such as rubber, silicone, or the like. In embodiments, either the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  as a whole or at least the base portion  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  is made from microwave-safe materials. 
     As described above, the base  102 ,  202 ,  302 ,  402  may be generally rectangular in shape with rounded corners. Alternative shapes may also be used, such as squares, circles, or the like. An alternative embodiment may feature a substantially square horizontal cross section. 
     As described above, in an embodiment, the lid  600  comprises an engagement mechanism  610 . As shown in  FIGS.  34 ,  39 , and  40   , engagement mechanism  610  comprises a latch  650  or other fastening means. The latch  650  includes a lip to connect to a corresponding receiving portion  124 ,  224 ,  324 ,  424 . The latch  650  is connected to the lid  600  with a hinge pin  652  and socket  654 . A groove  656  is carved into the upper ridge  612  of the lid  600  at each location of the container which includes the engagement mechanism  610 . The groove  656  comprises two circular insets  658  to insert the hinge pin  652 . The groove  656  further comprises a cutout portion  660  through which extends a socket  654 . The ends of the hinge pin  652  are inserted into the insets  658  and run through the socket  654  to connect the latch  650  to the lid  600 . 
     In an embodiment, the lid  600  comprises a sub-lid  680  which corresponds to and forms a bottom portion of the lid  600 . The sub-lid comprises a top surface, opposite a bottom surface, as well as an exterior wall (the “top portions of the sub-lid”). When the lid  600  and sub-lid  680  are assembled, the top portions of the sub-lid are proximate or flush with the underside of the lid  600 , and the sub-lid  680  forms the lower half of the lid  600 . The sub-lid  680  includes the socket  654  which is used to attach a latch  650  to the lid  600 . 
     Storage of Food Storage Containers 
     As depicted in  FIG.  41   , the food storage containers may be arranged for storage in a stacking arrangement. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  41   , two embodiments  100 ,  200  of the food storage container are stacked on top of a third, larger embodiment of the food storage container  300 . 
     Each container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  is sized and shaped so as to permit stacking of similar or differently sized container embodiments. The upper ridge of the lid is sized and shaped so as to form an edge to prevent containers from falling off the top of the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  beneath it. 
     In an embodiment, the feet  118 ,  218 ,  318 ,  418  located on the exterior surface of the floor  104 ,  204 ,  304 ,  404  of the container align with a rectangular indentation in the lid  600  of a second container. In this embodiment and in  FIG.  41   , alternative embodiments of the containers  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  described above are stacked and secured within the boundary of the upper ridge  612  of the lid  600 . 
     The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation, and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention disclosed herein. While the invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects. 
     Any other undisclosed or incidental details of the construction or composition of the various elements of the disclosed embodiment of the present invention are not believed to be critical to the achievement of the advantages of the present invention, so long as the elements possess the attributes needed for them to perform as disclosed. Certainly, one skilled in the field would be able to conceive of a wide variety of alternative configurations and successful combinations thereof. The selection of these and other details of construction are believed to be well within the ability of one of even rudimentary skills in this area, in view of the present disclosure. Illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in considerable detail for the purpose of disclosing a practical, operative structure whereby the invention may be practiced advantageously. The designs described herein are intended to be exemplary only. The novel characteristics of the invention may be incorporated in other structural forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention encompasses embodiments both comprising and consisting of the elements described with reference to the illustrative embodiments. All technical terms shall take on their customary meaning as established by the appropriate technical discipline utilized by those normally skilled in that particular area.