Patent Publication Number: US-7222778-B2

Title: Multifunctional device for supporting a container lid

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/463,545 filed Apr. 17, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to packaging and, more specifically, to a multifunctional device for supporting a lid portion of a semi-rigid container to protect the contents within the container. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Various types of containers are well known in the packaging art for holding an item. In general, the size, shape and material of the container are dependent on the item to be contained within the container. The container may also include other specifications, such as that the container protects the integrity of the item contained therein. For example, the lid portion of the container does not touch a food item contained therein. 
   A frequently used shape for a container is a box shape. Likewise, a frequently utilized material for a box is cardboard. Various factors influence the cost of the container, including the amount of the material used in the container. The rigidity of the cardboard box is dependent on the density of the cardboard material, and the more dense the material, the higher the cost. If the container is meant to be disposable, such as with a food container, there may be a tradeoff between container cost and functionality. For example, with a container used to hold a food product, such as a pizza, the material cost of the pizza box is balanced by the need that the pizza box lid avoid contact with the pizza contained therein. 
   Various support devices are known in the art for supporting the lid of a pizza container. One example of such a support device is a support having three legs supporting a generally planar top portion. While this device works well in supporting the lid, it has no other use. Another example of a support device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,609. This patent discloses a combination lid support and food server for serving the contents contained within the box. This device provides for lid support, and another use as a pizza server. Another example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,889, which is a detachable spacer attached to the lid of the container. This device only provides for support of the lid. Still another device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,119. This device is a golf tee for holding the lid of a pizza box. The golf tee is attached to the lid of the box and is detachable for later use as a golf tee. While these devices work, they are generally disposable or have an extremely limited secondary use. 
   Thus, there is a need in the art for a low cost lid support device for a container made of cardboard material having multiple purposes, including a first use as a lid support and an unrelated secondary useful purpose. 
   BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, the present invention is a multipurpose device for supporting the lid of a container in order to protect an item stored within the container. The device includes a generally planar upper member. The device also includes a leg member detachably connected to the upper member by a connecting means and projecting from a surface of the upper member. The device has a first use as a lid support and the leg member is detachable from the upper member for a second use that is different from the first use. 
   One advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional support device for a container is provided that is low cost to produce. Another advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional support device is provided with a detachable leg member, so that either one of the separated leg member or upper member have a useful secondary purpose. Still another advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional support device is provided that is not attached to the container. Yet still another advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional support device is provided having a visible indicia, such as letters, or numbers, or objects, a logo, or the like. A further advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional support device is provided having an upper member with a circular shape, and a leg member shaped like a golf tee, so that the leg member detaches from the support member for a second use as a golf tee, and the upper member may have a second use as a golf marker, respectively. Still a further advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional support device is provided having a support member with a U-shape, and a leg member shaped like a hockey stick, so that the leg member detaches from the support member for secondary use as a hockey stick and net, respectfully. Yet still a further advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional support device is provided having a support member for holding a food item, and a detachable leg member, so that the leg member detaches from the support member for secondary use of the support member as a container. An additional advantage of the present invention is that a multifunctional support device is provided having first use as a lid support for a pizza box and a second unrelated use such as a miniature game, or souvenir or jewelry item or the like. 
   Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood after reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a multifunctional device for supporting the lid of a container, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is an elevational side view of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 1 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is an elevational top view of the upper member for the support device of  FIG. 2 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a multifunctional device for supporting the lid of a container, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is an elevational side view of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 4 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is an elevational top view of the upper member for the support device of  FIG. 4 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a multifunctional device for supporting the lid of a container, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is an elevational side view of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 7 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is another elevational side view of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 7 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a multifunctional device for supporting the lid of a container, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is an elevational top view of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 10 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  is an elevational side view of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 10 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is another elevational side view of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 10 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a multifunctional device for supporting the lid of a container, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  is an elevational top view of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 14 , according to the present invention. 
       FIGS. 16–18  are elevational side views of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 14 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 19  is an elevational side view of another embodiment of a multifunctional device for supporting the lid of a container, according to the present invention. 
       FIGS. 20–21  are elevational side views of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 19 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 22  is an elevational top view of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 19 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 19 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 19 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a multifunctional device for supporting the lid of a container, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 26  is an elevational top view of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 25 , according to the present invention. 
       FIGS. 27–28  are elevational side views of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 25 , according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a multifunctional device for supporting the lid of a container, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 30  is an elevational top view of the upper member for the support device of  FIG. 29 , according to the present invention. 
       FIGS. 31–32  are elevational side views of the multifunctional support device of  FIG. 29 , according to the present invention. 
       FIGS. 33–34  are perspective views of a further embodiment of a multifunctional device for supporting the lid of a container, according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a container with a multifunctional support device according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1–35 , a multifunctional support device  10  for supporting a lid portion  54  of a container  50  is illustrated. The multifunctional support device  10  has a first use as a support for the lid  54  of a container  50  and a second, non-support related use. One example of a second use is a miniature game, such as hockey, soccer, baseball, football, basketball or the like. Another example of a second use is a toy such as a flying disk, spinning top, or miniature furniture. Still another example of a second use is a souvenir item. The souvenir item may be worn as a piece of jewelry. A further example of a second use is a container. The support device can also have a second use as a promotional product and include a predetermined indicia, such as letters, or numbers, or objects, or the like. The second uses suggested herein are merely a few examples of second uses and other second uses are contemplated. 
   Preferably, the container  50  is utilized to contain a food product  52 , as shown in  FIG. 35 . It should be appreciated that in this example, the food product  52  is a pizza and the container  50  is a box, such as a box typically utilized in transporting a pizza. Other types of containers and contents are foreseeable for use with the multifunctional support device, to be described. The container generally includes a lid portion  54 , an opposed bottom portion  56 , and a side portion  58  extending therebetween the lid portion  54  and the bottom portion  56 . In one example, the lid portion  54 , bottom portion  56  and side portions  58  are integrally formed from one piece of material. In another example, the lid portion  54  and bottom portion  56  are each separable. Preferably, the container  50  is formed from a material that is rigid enough to protect the contents of the container, such as cardboard, and still be cost-effective. Advantageously, the lid portion  54  may include a portion containing an indicia  55  to facilitate the use of the support device  10 . For example, the indicia  55  may represent a game playing surface, such as an ice rink or a football field or the like. 
   The support device  10  is advantageously placed in the container  50  so as to support the lid portion  54  of the container  50 . At the same time, the support device preserves the integrity of the contained food product  52  by ensuring that the lid  54  of the container  50  does not come into contact with the item contained therein. 
   The multifunctional support device  10  includes a generally planar upper member  12 . In this example shown in  FIGS. 1–3 , the upper member  12  has a circular shape, although other shapes are contemplated. For example, the upper member may take the form of a replica of an item, or a logo. The upper member may include an indicia  14 , such as a logo, or letters, or numbers, or objects, or the like, positioned on an upper surface  16 . The indicia  14  may be molded or embossed onto the upper surface  16  of the upper member. Alternatively, the indicia  14  is otherwise affixed or applied to the upper surface of the upper member using an adhesive or the like, such as with a label or sticker. The upper member advantageously supports the container lid  54  so that the lid  54  does not contact the contents within the container. It should be appreciated that if the indicia  14  is raised as shown in  FIG. 2 , it also functions to support the container lid  54 . 
   The multifunctional support device  10  also includes at least one leg member  18  projecting from the upper member  12 . In this example, there are three leg members positioned at an outer edge of the upper member  12  and projecting radially. The leg member has an elongated shape, and a free end may form a point. The leg member  18  may also include indicia  14 , such as a logo or the like. The leg member  18  is detachably connected to the upper member as shown at  20  by a connecting member. Preferably, the connecting member  20  is a thinned-out section of material. It should be appreciated that the connecting member  20  may also form a living hinge, as is known in the art to achieve the second use of the leg member  18 . 
   The multifunctional support device  10  is preferably formed from a lightweight, moldable material. One example of such a material is plastic. Anther example of a material is an edible material or a biodegradable material. It is contemplated that the support device  10  is molded in one piece. Further, it is contemplated that the support device can be molded in multiple colors. 
   In this example, the leg member  18  is shaped like a golf tee, having a head portion  22  and a tapered shaft portion  24  that extends from the head portion  22  and forms a point at an end opposite the head portion  22 . Also, in this example, the upper member is circular like a golf ball marker. The upper member may have a stabilizing member (not shown) extending radially from a lower surface of the upper member, to assist in positioning the ball marker on a golf course green. In this example, the head portion  22  of the leg member  18  and the upper member indicia are on the same geometric plane, to provide a support for the container lid  54 . 
   The support device  10  may include other components to achieve the second use. It is also contemplated that the detached upper member  12  and leg member  18  may be reassembled using known connecting means  20  to achieve the second use. In addition another item may also be used with the reassembled support device to achieve the second use. For example, the inclusion of a balloon to have a second use as an air-powered vehicle. 
   In use, the device  10  is centrally located within the container  50 . For a large container  50 , more than one device  10  may be strategically placed in the container  50  to support the lid  54 . The device  10  is preferably freestanding, and not attached to the lid. Advantageously, the device  10  can be utilized for multiple purposes in addition to its first use as a support for a container lid. For example, the device  10  can be used for promotional purposes to advertise a service or product or the like, using the appropriate indicia  14  on the upper member. After the device  10  is used to support the lid  54 , the leg member  18  is detached from the upper member  12 . The separated leg member  18  and upper member  12  now have a secondary useful function. In this example, the upper member  12  in this example now has a useful function as a golf marker, and the leg member now has a useful function as a golf tee. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4–6 , another embodiment of a multifunctional support device  110  is illustrated. It should be appreciated that like parts have like numbers increased by  100 . In this example, the upper member  112  is generally circular, and includes an outer rim portion  112   a  and an inner circle portion  112   b,  with a plurality of spoke members  112   c  interconnecting the inner circle portion  112   b  with the outer rim portion  112   a.  It should be appreciated that in this example, the upper member is shaped like a children&#39;s toy, such as a flying disc. An indicia  114  such as a logo or the like is positioned on the upper member  112 . In this example, the indicia  114  is located on the upper surface  116  of the inner circle, in a manner as previously described. 
   The multifunctional support member  110  includes at least one detachable leg member  118  extending radially from a surface of the upper member  112 . In this example, the upper member  112  extends radially from an outer edge of the outer rim, as previously described, using a connecting member  120 , as previously described. It should be appreciated that when the leg members  118  are detached from the upper member  112 , the upper member  112  has a secondary use as a flying device. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7–9 , still another embodiment of a multifunctional support device  210  is illustrated. It should be appreciated that like parts as described with respect to  FIG. 1  have like reference numbers increased by  200 . In this example, the upper member  212  is generally circular and planar. It should be appreciated that in this example, the upper member  212  is shaped like a ball used for a sport, such as a football, or a soccer ball, or a baseball, or a tennis ball, or the like. An indicia  214  is positioned on the upper member  212 , which in this example is on the upper surface  216 . 
   The multifunctional support member  210  includes two detachable leg members  218 , both projecting from a surface of the upper member  212 . In this example, each leg member  218  extends radially from an outer edge of the upper member  212  and includes a vertically extending section  218   a  that is joined to a U-shaped section  218   b  at a lower end of the vertically extending section  218   a.  It should be appreciated that when each of the leg members  218  are detached from the upper member  212 , the upper member  212  has a secondary use as a ball, which in this example is a football, and the leg member  218  has a secondary use as a goalpost. Thus, the support member has a secondary use as a miniature ball game, such as a football game, or other such ball game. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 10–13 , yet still another embodiment of a multifunctional support member  310  is provided. It should be appreciated that like parts as described with respect to  FIG. 1  have like reference numbers increased by  300 . In this embodiment, the upper member  312  has a generally elongated rectangular shape with one end curved, so as to resemble a hockey stick. As is known in the art, a hockey stick has a straight, rectangular portion  312   a  and a curved lower portion  312   b.  The upper member  312  may include an indicia  314 , as previously described on an upper surface  316 . The detachable leg member  318  includes a horizontally oriented “T” shaped portion  318   a  and a vertically extending section  318   b  extending radially from an outer edge of each “T” portion. It should be appreciated that the leg member  318  forms the shape of a goal net. The support member  310  also includes a detachable third member  326 . In this example, the detachable third member is detachably connected to the upper member  312  using a connecting means  320 , and has a cylindrical shape, like a hockey puck. The third member may also have a circular shape. The upper member  312 , third member  326  and leg member  318  are each detachable to form a hockey stick, puck and a goal respectively for a secondary use as a miniature hockey game. 
   In a similar manner, the support device can have a secondary use as a miniature soccer game if the upper member is shaped like a soccer ball and the leg member has the previously described goal net shape. Likewise, the support member can have a secondary use as a lacrosse game, with the upper member shaped like a lacrosse stick, the third member as a ball and the leg member shaped like the previously described goal net. Other examples of ball games are similarly contemplated. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 14–18 , yet still another embodiment of a multifunctional support member  410  is provided. It should be appreciated that like parts as described with respect to  FIG. 1  have like reference numbers increased by  400 . In this embodiment, the upper member  412  has a generally planar pentagonal shape. The upper member  412  may include an indicia  414 , as previously described, and an upper surface  416 . The detachable leg member  418  has a tapered cylindrical shape. It should be appreciated that the leg member  418  forms a baseball tee. The support member  410  also includes a detachable third member  426 . In this example, the detachable third member  426  is detachably connected to the upper member  412  using a connecting member  420 , and has a round three-dimensional shape, like a ball. The support member  410  may also include a detachable fourth member  432  having an elongated cylindrical shape that is tapered, like a bat. The upper member  412 , third member  426 , fourth member  432 , and leg member  418  are each detachable to form a home plate, ball, bat and tee respectively for a secondary use as a miniature baseball game. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 19–24 , yet still another embodiment of a multifunctional support member  510  is provided. It should be appreciated that like parts as described with respect to  FIG. 1  have like reference numbers increased by 500. In this embodiment, the upper member  512  has a generally planar shape. In particular, the upper member  512  is shaped like a rectangle, and may have rounded corners. The upper member  512  may include an indicia  514 , as previously described. The upper member may also include at least one and preferably two elongated members  536  extending beyond the edge of the upper member  512  for a purpose to be described. The detachable leg member  518  has a tapered cylindrical shape. The connecting member  520  detachably connects the leg member  518  to the upper member  512 . It should be appreciated that the leg member  518  detaches and connects to the upper elongated member  536 , in order to support the upper member  512 . The support member  510  also includes a detachable third member  526 . In this example, the detachable third member is detachably connected to the upper member  512 , and has a round three-dimensional shape, like a ball. The support member may also include a fourth member  532  having a ring shape. The upper member  512 , third member  526 , and leg member  518  are each detachable to form a backboard and stand for use as a miniature basketball game. The support device  510  can be arranged as shown in  FIG. 23 , with the upper member  512  oriented vertically and the head portion  522  of the leg member  518  and an end of the extending member forming the support surface for the support device  510 . Alternatively, the support device  510  can be arranged as shown in  FIG. 24 , with the upper member  512  oriented horizontally and the head portion  522  of the leg member  518  and the upper member upper surface  516  forming the support surface for the support device  510 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 25–28 , still another embodiment of the present invention is provided. It should be appreciated that like parts as described with respect to  FIG. 1  have like reference numbers increased by 600. In this example, the support device  600  has a secondary use as a picture frame. The upper member  612  has a predetermined shape, such as round, for receiving an indicia  614 , such as a picture. It should be appreciated that the outer edges of the upper member  612  may be raised to decoratively form a frame portion  612   a  around outer edge of the upper member  612 . A picture may be secured to the upper member  612  within the frame portion. The backside of the upper member  612  may include a securing means (not shown), such as a magnet or a hook or adhesive or the like, for securing the picture frame to another metal object after detaching the legs  618 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 29–32 , still another embodiment of the present invention is provided. It should be appreciated that like parts as described with respect to  FIG. 1  have like reference numbers increased by 700. In this embodiment, the support device  710  includes an upper member  712  having a conical shape, like a top. It should be appreciated that an upper end of the upper member may include an axially extending holding portion  732 , and a lower end of the upper member may form an axially extending spinning portion as shown at  738 . After the leg members  718  are detached by the connecting means  720 , the upper member  712  has a second use as a top or such spinner type toy. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 33 and 34 , a further embodiment of the present invention is provided. It should be appreciated that like parts as described with respect to  FIG. 1  have like reference numbers increased by 800. In this example, the support device  810  includes an upper member  812  that provides a container, and is supported by detachable legs  818 . As shown in  FIGS. 33 and 34 , the upper member  812  includes both a cup portion and a lid portion  828  for holding a separate item. The cup portion and lid portion may be separable or connected using a living hinge. In the example of a pizza food item, the container may hold a related food item, such as a sauce, or extra cheese or a spice. Alternatively, the lid  812   a  portion of the upper member  812  may include a plurality of apertures  830 , so as to shake out the contents of the container, like a spice shaker. 
   It should be appreciated that many other secondary uses for the support device are contemplated in addition to the uses described herein. The upper member can also be configured as a collectable item, or a souvenir, or the like. For example, the detached upper member can be worn on a chain as part of a necklace. Alternatively, the upper surface of the upper member may include an emblem having collectable value. In another example, the secondary use of the support device may be as a support for an item such as a compact disc or digital video disc, or card or the like. 
   The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. 
   Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.