Patent Publication Number: US-9409675-B2

Title: Food and condiment container

Description:
The present invention relates to disposable food and condiment containers; more specifically, the present invention relates to disposable containers having a first storage space for a food item and a second storage space for a condiment. 
     So called “fast food” establishments typically serve prepared food in disposable packaging of one form or another. Such packaging can include sandwich wrappers, paperboard “side-item” containers, and plastic envelopes containing a condiment. Each style of packaging is tailored to enhance the portability of the corresponding food item, while also insulating the corresponding food item from contaminants and limiting the undesired transfer of heat through the selected packaging. 
     While widely accepted, existing paperboard containers for side-items such as french-fries, hash browns, onion rings or chicken strips have significant drawbacks, particularly for persons who frequently find themselves eating such food items in a vehicle. For example, a drive through customer will typically receive these food items in a disposable container formed of a single sheet of paperboard. In addition, the drive through customer will typically receive one or more condiment packets for use with the purchased food item. Condiment use is difficult at beset. The customer will typically resort to one of three unsatisfactory approaches, each limited by its inherent drawbacks. First, the customer might apply the condiment to the exposed area of food. However, in the case of ketchup and French fries or onion rings, it is typically difficult to pick up a fry or onion ring without grabbing a ketchup covered portion. Also, ketchup can cause the French fries or onion rings to become soggy when applied for more than a few seconds. Second, the customer might apply the ketchup to an available hand napkin, which in turn can be placed on an automobile dashboard or oversized arm rest. However, napkins are at least partially absorbent and will often allow ketchup to leak through to the underlying surface. In addition, the napkin, if not weighted down, can slide or overturn onto a finished surface of the automobile passenger compartment. Third, the customer can attempt to remove only the corner of each condiment packet and insert individual food items into the packet to apply ketchup thereto. However, this approach requires two hands, additional concentration over other methods, and additional time. In addition, this method is not a realistic solution for larger items such as onion rings and chicken strips. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The aforementioned problems are overcome by the present invention, which is directed to an improved container having a first storage space for a food item and a second storage space for a condiment. According to one embodiment, the container includes a paperboard carton and an appliqué fold-out pocket affixed thereto and moveable between open and closed positions for receiving a condiment. The appliqué pocket includes a front panel, a back panel, and first and second side panels extending therebetween. The back panel is joined to the paperboard carton, and the front panel is joined to the back panel along a portion thereof to hinge forward from the back panel to the open position. The side panels are connected between the front and back panels and are collapsible along a crease extending the vertical length of the side panels. Prior to use, the appliqué remains flush with the paperboard carton and is readily opened along a perforated separation line to form a pocket for receipt of a condiment. 
     In another embodiment, the container includes a base, an upwardly extending sidewall connectable to the base, and a pull-out panel integrally formed with the sidewall, the pull-out panel being moveable from a closed position flush with the sidewall to an open position for receiving a condiment. The pull-out panel is defined by a separation line in the sidewall and a hinge, the hinge being curved to stabilize the pull-out tab in the open position. The pull-out panel can be formed in an upper portion of the sidewall distal from the base, and can include a pull tab to facilitate detachment of the pull-out panel inward or outward from the sidewall along the separation line. When opened inwardly from the sidewall, the pull-out panel forms a channel defined by vertically opposed portions of the sidewall, with a first portion having a convex inner surface and the second portion having a corresponding concave inner surface for retaining a condiment therebetween. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the container includes a base, an upwardly extending sidewall connectable to the base, and first and second weakened fold-lines extending laterally across the width of the sidewall and generally parallel to the base. The first, or lower, fold-line substantially coincides with the upper edge of adjacent sidewalls, and the second, or upper, fold-line is spaced apart from the first fold-line. The first fold-line is creased or stamped to bend inwardly, and the second fold-line is creased or stamped to bend outwardly. The upper portion of the sidewall is substantially “S” shaped when bent to an acute angle about the first and second fold-lines. As a result, the side panel defines a lateral, elongate condiment channel having first and second side panels diverging upwardly from the upper fold-line and approximately above the primary opening in the food container. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a condiment container includes a condiment reservoir and an attachment arm or clip for attaching the condiment reservoir to a food container sidewall. The condiment reservoir includes a base and an upward extending sidewall that together define a storage space for a condiment. The attachment arm includes an outwardly extending portion and a downwardly extending portion. The downwardly extending portion extends approximately parallel to the condiment reservoir sidewall and is spaced apart from the condiment reservoir sidewall for receiving a food container sidewall therebetween. The downwardly extending portion includes a curved surface to generally conform to the corresponding food container sidewall, and is generally coextensive with the food container sidewall along its width. The downward extending portion terminates in a terminal edge and extends the vertical height of the condiment reservoir sidewall. The condiment container can include a detachable lid over the condiment container opening, the lid being adhesively secured to the condiment container and including a peel-away tab for easy removal. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides improved food and condiment containers each having enhanced versatility over conventional paperboard cartons while facilitating the single-handed application of a condiment to a food item. The food and condiment containers of present invention can be manufactured with little or no added expense over existing paperboard cartons, in many instances with the addition of one or more perforation lines or fold-lines, to provides a low-cost, dual-purpose containers for prepared finger foods and condiments. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the current embodiments and the accompanying drawings and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a food and condiment container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a partially open food and condiment container of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of a completely open food and condiment container of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a food and condiment container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a side view of an alternative food and condiment container according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a food and condiment container according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 3A  illustrating a pull-out panel for receiving a condiment. 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 3A  illustrating a condiment on the pull-out panel. 
         FIG. 3D  is a perspective view of an alternative food and condiment container according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a rear perspective view of a food and condiment container according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a rear perspective view of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 4A  illustrating a fold-in panel for receiving a condiment. 
         FIG. 4C  is a front perspective view of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 4A  illustrating a condiment on the fold-in panel. 
         FIG. 4D  is a side view of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 4A  illustrating a condiment on the fold-in panel. 
         FIG. 4E  is a rear view of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a food and condiment container according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 5A  illustrating a fold-in panel for receiving a condiment. 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 5A  illustrating a condiment on the fold-in panel. 
         FIG. 5D  is a perspective view of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 5A  illustrating a condiment on the fold-in panel. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a food and condiment container according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of a food and condiment container according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8A  is a front perspective view of a food and condiment container according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8B  is a front perspective view of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 8A  illustrating a pull-out pocket for receiving a condiment. 
         FIG. 9A  is partially exploded view of a food and condiment container according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9B  is a front perspective view of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9C  is a side view of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9D  is a rear perspective view of the back wall and the fold-out panel of the food and condiment container of  FIG. 9A . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS 
     I. First Embodiment 
     A food and condiment container in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C  and generally designated  100 . According to the present embodiment, an appliqué fold-out pocket (hereinafter appliqué)  102  is affixed to a sidewall of a paperboard carton  104  and moveable between open and closed positions for receiving a condiment. 
     More specifically, the food and condiment container  100  of the present embodiment includes a carton  104  having a front wall  106 , a back wall  108 , first and second sidewalls  110 ,  112 , and a bottom wall  114 . The front wall  106  and the back wall  108  are substantially vertically opposed to one another, and diverge slightly outwardly away from one another as they extend upwardly away from the bottom wall  114 . In use, the front, back, side and bottom walls define a primary pocket for holding food items, the pocket being generally larger at the top portion than at the bottom portion thereof. In addition, the front wall  106  includes a concave upper edge  116 , while the back wall  108  includes a corresponding convex upper edge  118  to facilitate the positioning of food items in the carton  104 . 
     As also shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C , the appliqué  102  includes a front panel  120 , a back panel  122 , and first and second side panels  124 ,  126 . The back panel  122  is shown as being joined to the carton back wall  108 , however the appliqué  102  and carton  104  can be joined, directly or indirectly, along any respective surfaces and in any suitable orientation. The side panels  124 ,  126  are connected between the front and back panels  120 ,  122 , and are collapsible along a crease  128  extending the vertical length of the side panels. In the open position as shown in  FIG. 1C , the side panels  124 ,  126  are generally V-shaped. A lateral, optionally curved bend-line  130  in the appliqué extends between the side panels  124 ,  126  to form a hinged connection between the front and back panels  120 ,  122 , the crease  130  being optionally formed via a stamping process or other suitable method. In addition, the appliqué  102  can include one or more perforation lines  132  along the lateral and upper portions of the front panel  120 . Prior to use, the appliqué  102  remains intact along the perforation line  132  and is easily opened along the perforation line  132  to facilitate movement of the appliqué  102  between the closed position ( FIG. 1A ) and the open position ( FIG. 1C ). 
     As noted above, the appliqué  102  and the carton  104  are formed of paperboard, but can alternatively be formed of any suitable material. The interior surfaces of the appliqué pocket can include an acetate membrane or a laminate coating to limit the transfer of grease or moisture therethrough. An additional layer  134  can be disposed between the front panel  120  and the back wall  108 , the layer  134  also including an acetate membrane or laminate coating to prevent the transfer of grease or moisture therethrough. In addition, an adherent (not shown) can be utilized to retain the appliqué  102  to the carton  104  in any desired orientation. 
     In use, the appliqué  102  can be placed in the open position by first separating the front panel  120  from the back panel  122  along a separation line  132 , optionally by use of a pull tab  136  extending upwardly from the front panel  120 . As the user pulls on the front panel  120  away from the back panel  122 , the side panels  124 ,  126  extend forward as shown in  FIG. 1B , optionally flexing laterally outward to prevent the retraction of the front panel  120  toward the back panel  122 . When the food and condiment container  100  is oriented vertically on a flat surface as shown in  FIG. 1C , the food carton  104  pocket is positioned to receive the desired food item and the appliqué  102  is positioned to receive the desired condiment. 
     II. Second Embodiment 
     A food and condiment container in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C  and generally designated  200 . According to the present embodiment, a food and condiment container includes a base, first and second upwardly extending sidewalls connectable to the base, and a third sidewall connectable to the base and including weakened bend-lines generally parallel to and distal from the base. 
     More specifically, the food and condiment container  200  of the present embodiment includes a carton  202  having a front wall  204 , a back wall  206 , first and second sidewalls  208 ,  210 , and a base  212 . The front wall  204  and the back wall  206  are vertically opposed to one another substantially as described above in connection with the first embodiment, and diverge slightly outwardly away from one another as they extend upwardly away from the base  212 . In use, the front, back, side and bottom walls define a primary pocket for holding food items, the pocket being generally larger at the top portion than at the bottom portion thereof. In addition, the front wall  204  includes a concave upper edge, while the back wall  206  includes a corresponding convex upper edge  216  to facilitate the positioning of food items in the food and condiment container  200 . 
     As also shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the back wall  206  includes first and second weakened, optionally perforated, bend-lines  218 ,  220  extending laterally across its width and generally parallel to the base  212 . The back wall  206  also includes an upper portion  222  extending upwardly beyond the adjacent side walls  208 ,  210 . As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the first, or lower, bend-line  218  substantially coincides with the upper edge  224  of the first and second sidewalls  208 ,  210 . As alternatively shown in  FIG. 2C , however, the first, or lower, bend-line  218  can be spaced apart from the upper edge  224  of the first and second sidewalls  208 ,  210 . In the above configurations, the first weakened bend-line  218  is creased or stamped to bend inwardly, or in a first direction, while the second weakened bend-line  220  is creased or stamped to bend outwardly, or in a second direction different from the first direction. Viewed from the side as shown in  FIGS. 2B-2C , the back wall  206  is substantially “S” shaped when bent to an acute angle about the first and second bend-lines  218 ,  220 . According to the present invention, the consumer typically receives the carton  202  with the back wall  206  in the fully extended upright position. When it is desirable to form a pocket or channel for a condiment, the user can bend the back wall  206  about the pre-weakened bend-lines  218 ,  220  to form a lateral, elongate channel having sidewalls  226 ,  228  diverging upwardly from the upper bend-line  220 . In this position as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , a lateral pocket or channel is formed in the carton back wall to receive the desired condiment. It should also be noted that the carton  202  can instead be pre-assembled as shown in  FIGS. 2B-2C  with the lateral pocket or channel in the back wall  206  or other surface, requiring no further manipulation by a user. 
     III. Third Embodiment 
     A food and condiment container in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3D  and generally designated  300 . According to the present embodiment, a food and condiment container includes a base, an upwardly extending sidewall connectable to the base, and a pull-out panel integrally formed with the sidewall and moveable from a closed position to an open position for receiving a condiment. 
     More specifically, the food and condiment container  300  of the present embodiment includes a carton  302  having a front wall  304 , a back wall  306 , first and second sidewalls  308 ,  310 , and a base  312 . The front wall  304  and the back wall  306  are substantially vertically opposed to one another, and diverge slightly outwardly away from one another as they extend upwardly away from the base  312 . In use, the front, back, side and bottom walls define a primary pocket  314  for holding food items, the pocket  314  being generally larger at the top portion than at the bottom portion thereof. In addition, the front wall  304  includes a concave upper edge  316 , while the back wall  306  includes a corresponding convex upper edge  317  to facilitate the positioning of food items in the primary pocket  314 . 
     As also shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , the front wall  304  includes a pull-out panel  320  defined by a separation line  322  and a bend-line  324 . The bend-line  324  is generally “U” shaped and extends laterally across a substantial portion of the width of the front wall  304  to stabilize the pull-out panel  318  in the open position as shown in  FIGS. 3B-3D . The pull-out panel  320  includes a pull tab  326  to facilitate detachment of the pull-out panel  320  from the front wall  304  along the separation line  322 . In addition, the separation line  322  can be perforated or weakened according to any suitable method to define lateral edge portions and a top or bottom edge portion of the pull-out panel  320 . Though shown as forming an integral part of the front wall  304  in  FIGS. 3A-3C , the pull-out panel  320  can also or alternatively form an integral part of the back wall  306  as shown in  FIG. 3D . In addition, the front wall  304  or back wall  306  can include a paperboard backing  328  behind the pull-out panel  320 , such that the paperboard backing  328  (optionally including a logo or other visual indicia) is viewable to a user when the pull-out panel  320  is in the open position as shown in  FIGS. 3B-3D . As illustrated, the paperboard backing  328  forms a semi-rigid barrier to prevent the loss of food items from the primary pocket  314  through what would otherwise be an opening in the front wall  304  ( FIGS. 3A-3C ) or back wall  306  ( FIG. 3D ). 
     In use, the pull-out panel  320  is placed in the open position by first separating the pull-out panel  320  from the corresponding front wall  304 , back wall  306 , or sidewall  308 ,  310  along the weakened or perforated separation line  320 , optionally by use of a pull tab  326 . As the user lifts the pull-out panel  320  past horizontal, the upwardly curved bend-line  324  stabilizes the pull-out panel  320  in the open position and promotes a concave, semi-rigid bowl-like upper surface  330 . When the food and condiment container  100  is oriented vertically on a flat surface as shown in  FIGS. 3C-3D , the primary pocket  314  can receive the desired food item, while the pull-out panel  320  can receive the desired condiment  332  on its upper surface  330 . 
     IV. Fourth Embodiment 
     A food and condiment container in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4E  and generally designated  400 . The fourth embodiment is structurally and functionally similar to the third embodiment described above, with the further modification that the bend-line  424  is downwardly curved (i.e., an inverted “U” shaped), and the pull-out panel folds inwardly over the primary pocket. The remaining elements of the food and condiment container  400  are identified by the same designating numerals as the corresponding element in the third embodiment, with the exception that the numerals begin with a  4 . 
     More specifically, the pull-out panel  420  is formed in an upper portion  422  of the back wall  406  distal from the base  412  to prevent the escape of food through the opening  445  in the back wall  406 , and to provide an elongated channel  444  for a condiment near the opening in the primary pocket  414 . The convex curvature of the back wall outer surface  406  and the inverted “U” shaped bend-line  424  cooperate to keep the pull-out tab  420  from bending out of the open configuration shown in  FIGS. 4C-4E . As also shown in  FIGS. 4C-4E , the channel  444  is defined by vertically opposed portions of the back wall  406 , with a first portion having a convex inner surface  446  and the second portion having a corresponding concave inner surface  448  for retaining a condiment  432  therebetween. The present embodiment therefore has the added advantage of being formed from a unitary piece of stock paperboard (e.g., not requiring a paperboard backing in the aperture formed by the pull-out panel  420 ), while at the same time lessening the risk that a condiment  432  or other substance will escape the container  400  in response to a failure in the pull-out panel  420 . 
     V. Fifth Embodiment 
     A food and condiment container in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5D  and generally designated  500 . The fifth embodiment is structurally and functionally similar to the third embodiment described above, with the further modification that the pull-out panel opens inwardly from a sidewall of the carton  502  to form a pocket for receiving a condiment  532 . The remaining elements of the food and condiment container  500  are identified by the same designating numerals as the corresponding element in the third embodiment, with the exception that the numerals begin with a  5 . 
     More specifically, the food and condiment container  500  of the present embodiment includes a pocket  544  formed at an upper portion of a sidewall  508 , the pocket  544  being moveable between a closed position generally flush with the sidewall  508  and an open position spaced apart from the sidewall  508  to receive a condiment  532 . The pocket  544  includes a primary panel  520  defined by a fold-line  521  extending laterally along the width of the side wall  508  and a separation line  523  spaced apart from and below the fold-line  521 . The separation line  523  continues upwardly in the adjacent front and back walls  504 ,  506 , and the fold-line  521  continues laterally along a portion of the adjacent front and back walls  504 ,  506  until it joins the upwardly angled separation line  523 . The primary panel  520  is hinged to adjacent support panels  525 ,  527  along the lateral portions of the primary panel  520  (i.e., along first and second fold-lines  529 ,  531 ). The panel  520  opens inwardly as shown in  FIG. 5B  to provide a pocket for receiving a condiment  532 , and in this open position the primary panel upper edge  533  is spaced apart from the side wall  508 . 
     VI. Sixth Embodiment 
     A food and condiment container in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 6  and generally designated  600 . The sixth embodiment is structurally and functionally similar to the first embodiment described above, with the further modification that the fold-out pocket is coextensive with a substantial portion of the back wall. The remaining elements of the food and condiment container  600  are identified by the same designating numerals as the corresponding element in the first embodiment, with the exception that the numerals begin with a  6 . 
     More specifically, the food and condiment container  600  of the present embodiment includes a pocket  602  coextensive with an upper portion of the back wall  608 , the pocket  602  being moveable between a closed position generally flush with the back wall  608  and an open position spaced apart from the back wall  608 . A primary panel  620  is defined by a fold-line  630  extending laterally along the width of the back wall  608 . First and second side panels  624 ,  626  are connected between the back wall  608  and the primary panel  620 , and are collapsible in an accordion-like manner along a vertical crease  628  in each side panel. In the open position as shown in  FIG. 6 , the side panels  624 ,  626  are generally V-shaped. The lateral, optionally arcuate, fold-line  630  extends between the side panels  624 ,  626 , the fold-line  630  being optionally formed via a stamping process or other suitable method. 
     As noted above, the primary panel  620  can be coextensive with the back wall  608  in at least one dimension and can terminate at an upper edge  617  adjacent the upper arcuate edge  618  of the back wall  608 . In use, the pocket  602  can be placed in the open position by first separating the upper portion of the primary panel  620  from the back wall  608 . As the primary panel  620  retracts from the back wall  608  about the fold-line  630 , the side panels  624 ,  626  extend forward as shown in  FIG. 6 , optionally flexing or bowing laterally outward to prevent the retraction of the primary panel  620  toward the back wall  608 . When the food and condiment container  600  is oriented vertically on a flat surface and in the open configuration, the back wall  608  forms a barrier between food and condiment. The available condiment pocket volume can be increased or decreased by lowering or raising the fold-line  630 , respectively. 
     VII. Seventh Embodiment 
     A condiment container in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 7  and generally designated  700 . According to the present embodiment, the condiment container includes a reservoir  702  for storing a condiment and an attachment arm or “clip”  704  for attaching the condiment reservoir  702  to a sidewall of a food container (not shown). 
     More specifically, the condiment reservoir  702  includes a base  706 , first and second sidewalls  708 ,  710 , a front wall  712 , and a back wall  714  that together define a storage space for a condiment. The front wall  712  and the back wall  714  are substantially vertically opposed to one another. In like manner, the sidewalls  708 ,  710  are substantially vertically opposed to one another. The back wall outer surface is concave to conform to a corresponding food container surface, and is generally coextensive with the food container surface along its width. The front wall outer surface is generally convex, and the front, back and sidewalls terminate in a periphery or lip  716  defining an opening for access to the storage space. The reservoir  702  optionally includes a detachable lid  718  over the condiment reservoir opening, the lid  718  being adhesively secured to the condiment reservoir lip  716  and including a peel-away tab  720  for easy removal of the lid  716 . 
     The attachment arm  704  is joined to the condiment reservoir back wall  714  or perimeter lip  716  and includes an outwardly extending portion  722  and a downwardly extending portion  724 . The downwardly extending portion  724  extends approximately parallel to the condiment reservoir back wall  714 , and is spaced apart from the condiment reservoir back wall  714  for receiving a food container sidewall therebetween. The downwardly extending portion  724  can include a curved surface to generally conform to the corresponding food reservoir sidewall, and is generally coextensive with the food reservoir sidewall along its width. The downward extending portion  724  terminates in a terminal edge and extends the vertical height of the condiment reservoir back wall  714 . 
     In use, the condiment container  700  can be placed over a sidewall of a corresponding food container. For example, the condiment container  700  can telescopically receive the upwardly extending front or back wall of a food carton, the front or back wall being disposed between the condiment container downward extending arm portion  724  and the condiment reservoir back wall  714 . The condiment container  700  is typically formed of a semi-rigid or rigid material, and can include paperboard or a molded polymeric material. The condiment container  700  can be pre-packaged with a condiment, or can be used in combination with condiment tear packages or pump actuated condiment dispensers known in the art. 
     Though described above as including an attachment arm or clip  704  for attaching the condiment reservoir  702  to a sidewall of a food container, the condiment container  700  can alternatively include an adherent to join the condiment reservoir  702  to a sidewall of a food container. For example, the condiment container  700  can include a peel-and-stick pressure sensitive adhesive affixed thereto. A user can simply remove a release liner from the pressure sensitive adhesive before bonding the condiment reservoir  702  to a surface of a corresponding food container. In substantially the same manner as described above, the condiment container  700  can be pre-packaged with a condiment, or can be used in combination with condiment tear packages or pump actuated condiment dispensers. 
     VIII. Eighth Embodiment 
     A food and condiment container in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8B  and generally designated  800 . The eighth embodiment is structurally and functionally similar to the fifth embodiment described above, with the further modification that the fold-out pocket includes a primary panel separate from the sidewall and opening outwardly therefrom. The remaining elements of the food and condiment container  800  are identified by the same designating numerals as the corresponding element in the fifth embodiment, with the exception that the numerals begin with a  8 . 
     More specifically, the food and condiment container  800  of the present embodiment includes a semi-rigid or rigid paperboard pocket  844  formed at an upper portion of a sidewall  810 , the pocket  844  being moveable between a closed position generally flush with the sidewall  810  and an open position spaced apart from the sidewall  810  to receive a condiment  832 . The pocket  844  includes a primary panel  822  separate from the sidewall  810  and generally coextensive therewith along its width. The primary panel  822  is supported by first and second side panels  825 ,  827  extending generally perpendicular to the primary panel  822  and through corresponding vertical slits  835 ,  837  in the food container sidewall  810 . The first and second side panels  825 ,  827  each include an upward extending tab  845 ,  847  to prevent over rotation of the primary panel  822  about its hinge  821 . In addition, the first and second side panels  825 ,  837  are generally flush with the front wall  804  and the back wall  806  of the food container, respectively. The primary panel  822  opens outwardly as shown in  FIG. 8B  to provide a pocket  844  for receiving a condiment  832 , and in this open position the primary panel upper edge  833  is spaced apart from the side wall  810 . 
     IX. Ninth Embodiment 
     A food and condiment container in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-9D  and generally designated  900 . The ninth embodiment is structurally and functionally similar to the third embodiment described above, with the further modification that the fold-out panel includes a removable center to form an opening for supportably receiving a standard half ounce condiment cup. The remaining elements of the food and condiment container  900  are identified by the same designating numerals as the corresponding element in the third embodiment, with the exception that the numerals begin with a  9 . 
     More specifically, the food and condiment container  900  of the present embodiment includes a fold-out paperboard panel  944  moveable between a closed position generally flush with the back wall  906  and an open position for receiving a condiment cup  945 . The fold-out panel  944  is defined by a curved bend-line  921  and a perforated or scored separation line  923 . The bend-line  921  extends laterally along a portion of the upper back wall  906 , and the separation line  923  begins at the left-most portion of the bend-line  921  and terminates at the right-most portion of the bend line  921 . The fold-out panel  944  further includes an internal separation line  955 , the internal separation line  955  defining a punch-through center tab  957  in the interior of the fold-out panel  944 . Once the punch-through center tab  957  is removed, the internal separation line  955  defines a circular opening dimensioned to supportably receive a conventional one-half ounce condiment cup  945 . An exaggerated upward “U” shaped curve in the fold-line  921  operates to resist the downward deflection of the panel  944  under the combined weight of the panel  944 , the condiment cup  945 , and any condiment  932 . In addition, the opening can include a diameter less than the corresponding diameter of the condiment cup lip to retain the condiment cup in the panel opening. Accordingly, when the food and condiment container  900  is oriented vertically on a flat surface as shown in  FIG. 9C , the primary pocket  914  can receive the desired food item, while the pull-out panel  944  can supportably receive the desired condiment cup. 
     The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Any reference to elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.