Patent Publication Number: US-9834336-B1

Title: Decorative divider for pan

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present invention claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/231,747, filed Jul. 16, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Pans come in many different shapes and are used for many different purposes including use during cooking of food as well as being used to hold food that has been cooked. For example, one type of pan is a serving tray or pan that is intended to hold food that is being served. Serving pans are often used to serve many people at an event, such as a holiday party, birthday party, wedding, etc. In order to hold heat or cold within the pan and/or protect the food, the pan is typically covered. Many times, serving pans are too big for serving a single food and therefore, when the food is placed in the serving pan, there is an excessive amount of empty space and the food can look underwhelming due to the size of the pan. It would therefore be desirable to be able to divide the pan so that more than one food can be placed in the pan in a separated manner. 
     SUMMARY 
     A divider for dividing a hollow interior of a pan into first and second sections includes a main body that has a bottom face, first and second end faces and a top face. The main body is configured to stand upright in the hollow interior of the pan with the bottom face for seating against a floor of the pan and first and second end faces for sealing against opposing side walls of the pan. The divider includes first and second foldable covers for covering the first and second sections. The first cover is coupled to the top face along an inner edge thereof and the second cover is coupled to the top face along an inner edge thereof. The first and second covers can be sheets of metal foil. First and second coupling tabs protrude outwardly from the main body and are configured to engage top edges of the opposing side walls of the pan. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a decorative divider inserted within a pan with a pair of covers shown in a crimped position completely covering the pan; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view showing the decorative divider prior to insertion within the pan; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the decorative divider inserted in the pan with the pair of covers disposed over the pan but not yet crimped; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the decorative divider inserted in the pan with the pair of covers and center tabs being crimped to hold and maintain the divider in an upright position; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the decorative divider inserted in the pan with a pair of covers of an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a base portion of a decorative divider according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a decorative divider seated against an integral crimp formed along a side wall of the pan; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a base portion of a decorative divider according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a base portion of a decorative divider according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of the decorative divider inserted in the pan with an adhesive on the underside of the coupling tabs; 
         FIG. 10B  is perspective view of the underside of one coupling tab showing the adhesive; and 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view showing the decorative divider prior to insertion within the pan showing at least one magnet as part of the divider. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1-4  illustrate a decorative divider  100  according to one embodiment for use with a pan  10  of a complementary size and shape. Pan  10  is typically a metal pan that has a floor  11  and a plurality of side walls  20  with an open top. A top edge  22  of each side wall  20  traditionally has a bent rim, lip, or the like. The decorative divider  100  is particularly intended for use with pan  10  that have a rectangular shape or a square shape. 
     The decorative divider  100  is configured to be received and maintained in an upright position within the hollow interior of the pan  10  so as to divide the hollow interior of the pan  10  into a first section and an adjacent second section. Each of the first and second sections is intended to hold food and thus, two different types of food can be conveniently and effectively separated from one another within the pan. Separation of food prevents unwanted mixing of food and makes it easier for a person to take desired food from one of the compartments without commingling concerns and also makes it easier for refilling of the food. It will also be appreciated that two or more dividers  100  can be used in the pan  10  to separate the interior thereof into more than two compartments. 
       FIG. 2  best shows the construction of the decorative divider  100 . The decorative divider  100  is formed of a base  110  that is intended to be inserted into and seat against the floor and side walls of the pan  10  and preferably, seals against the pan  10 . The decorative divider  100  also includes a first cover  120  for covering the partitioned first section of the pan  10  and a second cover  130  for covering the partitioned second section of pan  10 . The decorative divider  100  also preferably includes center tabs  200 ,  210  that act to releasably couple the decorative divider  100  to the pan  10  to allow the divider  100  to remain upright. 
     The base  110  of the decorative divider  100  is thus configured to seat against and preferably seal against the floor and side walls of the pan  10 . The base  110  is formed of a body  112  that has a first face  111  and an opposing second face  113  and a bottom edge  114  and a pair of opposing end walls  116 ,  118 . The base  110  also as a top face/surface  119  which lies between the first and second faces  111 ,  113 . The top face  119  is preferably a planar surface as described below. 
     The center tabs  200 ,  210  are disposed along the respective opposing end walls  116 ,  118 . The center tabs  200 ,  210  are constructed, at least in one embodiment, such that each of the tabs  200 ,  210  extends beyond one of the opposing end walls  116 ,  118  to allow the tab  200 ,  210  to engage and be coupled to the upper edge  22  of the opposing side walls  20 . For example, the tab  200 ,  210  is formed of a material, such as a metal, that can be crimped so as to releasably attach the divider  100  to the pan  10 . As shown in the figures, the tabs  200 ,  210  can be part formed as part of a decorative ribbon  215  that extends across the top face  119 . The decorative ribbon can be formed in a color that is different than the surrounding parts of the divider  100 . The ribbon  215  can thus be part of the decorative appearance of the divider  100 . The ribbon can also contain indicia, such as text and/or graphics or images. 
     The decorative ribbon  215 , including the tabs  200 ,  210  located at the free ends thereof, can be formed of a metal foil or thin metal plate that is capable of being crimped by hand at least at the tabs  200 ,  210 . The user can simply fold down the tabs  200 ,  210  and then bend the tabs  200 ,  210  inward around the top edge  22  (which can be in rim or lip form), thereby securely attaching the divider  100  to the pan  10  so that the divider  100  assumes and maintains an upright position. 
     The tabs  200 ,  210  can also be in the form of plastic clips that can engage and lock with the rim (upper edge  22 ) of the side wall  20 . The plastic clips can have a U-shaped structure that has an opening into which the rim of the side wall  20  is inserted. A friction fit can be formed between the clip and the rim/lip. 
     The bottom edge  114  seats against the floor or the pan, while the end walls  116 ,  118  seat against the side walls of the pan  10 . Since most pans  10  have inwardly tapered side walls (i.e., the side walls taper at least slightly inward toward the floor), the end walls  116 ,  118  have complementary tapered constructions to allow the divider  100  to fit the pan  10 . It will be appreciated that other means can be used to secure the divider to the rim. For example, the decorative ribbon can be formed of a paper product, such as cardboard, and the tabs  200 ,  210  can include adhesive  250  (e.g., double sided adhesive pads)( FIGS. 10A and 10B ) that permits the tabs  200 ,  210  to be secured to the side walls  20 . When double sided adhesive pads  250  are used, protective covers (release layers) are initially provided over the pads. When the divider  100  is ready for use, the user removes the release layers from the adhesive pads and then folds over the tabs  200 ,  210  with the adhesive pads facing the pan. The user then presses the adhesive pads against the pan to secure the tabs  200 ,  210  to the pan  10 . It will be appreciated that the adhesive selected is of a type that allows the tabs  200 ,  210  to be removed after use without marring the pan  10 . It will be understood that the adhesive is of a type that does not mar the pan and the tab containing the adhesive can be released from the pan. Also, the adhesive pad can be formed on a thin metal foil to allow both crimping and adhesive bonding to secure the tab to the pan&#39;s edge. 
     The height of the divider  100  is selected so that when the divider  100  is fully inserted into the pan  10 , the top surface  119  and center tabs  200 ,  210  to be preferably at or above the height of the top edges  22  of the side walls  20 . However, the top surface  119  and the center tabs  200 ,  210  can be located slightly below the top edges  22  of the side walls  20 . 
     The width of the top face  119  is selected so as to allow an inner edge of the first cover  120  to seat and be coupled thereto; an inner edge of the second cover  130  to seat and be coupled thereto; and the center tabs  200 ,  210  to seat and be coupled thereto. The inner edges of the first and second covers  120 ,  130  can be secured to the top face  119  or the ribbon attached therealong using conventional techniques, including the use of mechanical fasteners or adhesive (glue). For example, the inner edge of the first and second covers  120 ,  130  can contain adhesive that secured the first and second covers  120 ,  130  to the top face  119  adjacent the ribbon. The ribbon can be secured also to the top face  119  using conventional techniques, such as mechanical fasteners or adhesive (glue). 
     The base  110  can be formed of a single material or can be formed of two or more materials. For example, the base  100  can be formed of a single solid material, such as metal or plastic or wood or other suitable material.  FIG. 2  shows another embodiment in which the base  110  is formed of two materials, namely, the base  110  includes a center portion  131  formed of one material and an outer (pan contacting) portion  133  formed of another material. The center portion  131  can be formed of the materials listed above and in one embodiment, the outer portion  133  is formed of an elastic, compressible material. The outer portion  133  is designed to seat against the pan and can compress as it is being inserted into the pan  10  to provide a secure fit. The outer portion  133  is thus formed on three sides namely, the bottom and two ends of the divider to seat against the floor and two sides of the pan  10 . 
     For example, as the divider  100  is inserted into the pan  10 , the ends of the outer portion  133  encounter the side walls  20  of the pan  10  and can compress. The outer portion  133  can be attached to the center portion  131  using conventional techniques, including overmolding or use of an adhesive. 
     In one embodiment, the outer portion  133  is formed of a suitable elastic material, such as silicone, or can be formed of a suitable foam material or sponge material (cellulose fibers). When the outer portion  133  is formed of a sponge material, it not only can seat against the pan but in the event that there is a small amount of liquid in the bottom of the pan, the sponge material can absorb it and prevent it from entering the other side.  FIG. 7  shows pan  10  according to one embodiment having a crimped section  21  formed along the side wall  20 . It will be appreciated that the opposing side walls  20  can each include a crimped section  21 . The crimped section  21  protrudes inwardly and therefore, when the divider  100  is inserted, the crimped section  21  compresses the elastic outer portion  133  of the divider  100  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The seating of the crimped section  21  within the elastic outer portion  133  serves as an additional means for securing the divider  100  in place within the hollow interior of the pan  10 . 
     In other embodiment, the outer portion  133  can be formed of a layer that includes super absorbent polymer (SAP) that as is known, will swell when exposed to a fluid. 
     In yet another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 11 , one or more magnets  300  can be used to couple the divider  100  to the pan  10 . For example, a magnet  300  can be provided along at least one of the bottom  114  and end walls  116 ,  118  of the divider  100 . The magnets  300  are preferably countersunk within the divider body  110  so as to not protrude from the outer surface of the divider. For example, when the outer portion of the body  110  comprises a sponge material, the sponge material can have local recessed areas in which the magnets are set and secured. The magnets can be secured to the sponge material using conventional techniques, such as an adhesive or the like. The magnets  300  provide a means for releasably attaching the divider  100  to the pan  10 . There can be one or more magnets along the bottom face of the divider  100  and also one or more magnets along each of the end walls. The magnets can come in any number of different shapes (e.g., disc shaped) and sizes. 
       FIG. 6  shows a divider  101  according to another embodiment. In this case, the divider  101  is weighted with a material  103  that disposed within the divider body  110 . For example, the divider body  110  can be hollow and a material that adds weight to the body  110  is disposed within the hollow body  110 . Any number of different safe materials can be used such as rice or sand. 
       FIGS. 8-9  show yet another embodiment of a divider  105 . The divider  105  is similar to the divider  100 ,  101 . The divider  105  is also a hollow body and is filled with water  107  to weight down the divider  105 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the divider body  105  includes an opening  109  that permits the water to be added into the divider body  105  and also permits the water to be drained from the hollow body. A plug  111  can be used to close off the opening  109 .  FIG. 8  shows a variety of different shaped plugs  111  that can be used. The water weights down the divider body to ensure that the divider  105  remains in place. 
     In one embodiment, the first and second covers  120 ,  130  are formed of a crimpable material that allows the sealing of the covers  120 ,  130  to the pan  10  so as to cover and enclose the hollow interior of the pan  10 . For example, the first and second covers  120 ,  130  comprise a metal foil that can be easily folded and crimped. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the first and second covers  120 ,  130  can be formed of two different types of material. In particular, each of the first and second covers  120 ,  130  is defined by a core  140  and peripheral edging  150 . The core  140  is designed to sit against the top edge  22  of the side walls  20  but not be securely attached (coupled) thereto. The peripheral edging  150  is designed to be coupled to the top edge  22 . For example, the peripheral edging  150  can be in the form of a crimpable material, such as metal foil. In this embodiment, the covers  120 ,  130  seat on the upper edge of the side walls  20  of the pan  10  and then the foil which makes up the peripheral edging  150  is folded down and underneath the rim/lip (upper edge  22 ) of the side walls  20 . 
     The covers  120 ,  130  also can be formed to have different colors and also can include printed text and/or images. Any number of different printing and/or embossing techniques can be used to impart the text and/or images onto the outer surface of the covers  120 ,  130 . For a birthday, the text can be in the form of “Happy Birthday” and the images can be in the form of balloons, etc. 
       FIGS. 1-4  show how the decorative divider  100  is used with pan  10 . Prior to placing food in the pan  10 , the divider  100  is set and anchored to the pan  10  by inserting the divider  100  into the hollow interior of the pan  10 . Initially, the first and second covers  120 ,  130  can be folded upward to reveal the hollow interior of the pan  10  and permit the food to be added after the divider  100  is positioned and anchored in place. After inserting the divider  100 , the divider is positioned so that it assumes preferably a snug fit between the side walls  20  of the pan  10  and against a floor thereof. Then the center tabs  200 ,  210  are manipulated as by folded over to form a crimp type connection with the side walls  20  of the pan  10 . Crimping of the center tabs  200 ,  210  serve to secure the divider  100  to the pan  10 . 
     Once the divider  100  is secured to the pan  10 , the food can be placed into the two compartments that are defined in the pan  10 . After placement of the food, the first and second covers  120 ,  130  can then be lowered and then the covers  120 ,  130  can be secured themselves to the side walls and end walls of the pan  10  by folding over (crimping) the peripheral edges of the covers  120 ,  130  relative to the upper edges  22  (rim/lip) of the side walls and end wall. This crimping of the peripheral edges of the covers  120 ,  130  also provides additional attachment points between the divider  100  and the pan  10 . In other embodiment, the adhesive pad  250  is pressed onto the pan and/or magnets attach to the pan. 
     When the food is ready to be accessed, the user simply folds up one or more of the covers  120 ,  130  to reveal the food. 
     It will therefore be appreciated that the present invention is directed to a removable divider that is a kind of separator that acts as a barrier that keeps food(s) from entering another space or compartment that is divided by the divider. Preferably, any fluid or liquid from one separated side will not enter the other separated space. The present divider is not only a divider but also for displaying events and also acts as a decoration. The divider can be made of different materials, such as a thick metal foil, thick cardboard material and rigid plastics. The divider is an elongated product with slanted edges pointing in different direction to contour the shape of disposable foil pans shape. 
     A long strip of soft stretchable non-toxic sponge with suction ability lined from one end under the bottom to the other end. This is more ideal for food with little or a lot of liquids or fluids. As mentioned herein, a magnetic strip can be placed at least on the bottom face and optional along the ends of the divider. The magnetic strip can run on the bottom from one end to the other end. The first and second coupling tabs can be made of thicker foil material that stays folded till removed or unfolded. The divider can also be coated with a high heat plastic. As mentioned, the divider  100  is a decorated object used to display at events, such as, birthdays, weddings, barbeques, parties, get together, gatherings, etc. The displaying portion of the divider is on top that will display events or activity with glowing layered material designs and not limited to cartoon characters, super hero action hero, wrestling characters, racing cars, flowers, landscapes, sport themes, even themes, such as birthday themes and holiday themes, such as Christmas, Halloween, July 4 th , New Year&#39;s Eve, etc. The decorative indicia can be directly formed on the first and second covers or can be applied thereto as in the case of it being a thin plastic decorative film that is applied to the covers.