Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to containers for storing and shipping food and, more particularly, pertains to nesting containers and container assemblies. According to one embodiment, a container assembly includes an outer container and an inner container. The outer container includes an outer container wall extending upwardly from an outer container base. The outer container wall transitions into a ledge extending outwardly from the outer container wall. The inner container includes an inner container wall extending from an inner container base and transitioning into a support flange. When the container assembly is assembled, the support flange of the inner container rests upon the ledge of the outer container such that the inner container is removably nested within the outer container.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/063,891, filed on Feb. 7, 2008, for Nested Bowls. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to containers for storing and shipping food and, more particularly, pertains to nesting containers and container assemblies for maintaining separation of two or more products, such as dry food components and wet food components, during packaging, storage and shipment. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Food products are often packaged in packaging to be shipped and stored on a shelf or at a retailer. The food may be purchased by a consumer who unwraps or opens the package to consume and enjoy the food. Food items having a relatively high moisture content, such as chili or salsa, for example, may be provided within a container. Similarly, dry food items, such as crackers or chips, for example, may also be provided within a separate container. Providing food products, such as the chips and the salsa, in separate, individual packages requires more shelf space and packaging. Further, selling individually packaged food items may lead to a consumer buying one of the food items from a competitor, thus resulting in lost sales. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, a need exists for alternative container assemblies for the storage of both wet and dry food items within a compact package. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    According to one embodiment, a container assembly includes an outer container and an inner container. The outer container includes an outer container wall extending upwardly from an outer container base. The outer container wall transitions into a ledge extending outwardly from the outer container wall. The inner container includes an inner container wall extending upwardly from an inner container base and transitioning into a support flange. When the container assembly is assembled, the support flange of the inner container rests upon the ledge of the outer container such that the inner container is removably nested within the outer container. 
         [0006]    According to another embodiment, a container assembly includes an outer container and an inner container. The outer container includes an outer container wall extending upwardly from an outer container base. The outer container wall transitions into a ledge extending outwardly from the outer container wall. The inner container includes an inner container wall extending upwardly from an inner container base and a circumferentially extending inner container neck extending upwardly from the inner container wall and terminating at a support flange. When the container assembly is assembled, the support flange of the inner container rests upon the ledge of the outer container such that the inner container is removably nested within the outer container. 
         [0007]    According to another embodiment, a container assembly includes an outer container and an inner container. The outer container includes an outer container wall extending upwardly from an outer container base and transitioning into an outwardly extending ledge. The ledge transitions into a circumferentially extending outer container neck. The inner container includes an inner container wall extending from an inner container base and transitioning into a shoulder, a circumferentially extending inner container neck extending inwardly from the shoulder and transitioning into a support flange, and a seal coupled to the support flange. When the container assembly is assembled, the support flange rests upon the ledge of the outer container such that the inner container is removably nested within the neck of the outer container in an inverted position with respect to the outer container. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0008]    The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the inventions defined by the claims. Moreover, the individual features of the drawings will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description. The following detailed description of specific embodiments can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary container assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0010]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an exemplary outer container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 1C  is a top view of an exemplary outer container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 1D  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary outer container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 1E  is a perspective view of an exemplary inner container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1F  is a top view of an exemplary inner container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1G . is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary inner container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an exemplary container assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary container assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2C  is a side view of an exemplary outer container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 2D  is a side view of an exemplary inner container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0020]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1A , embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to containers and container assemblies and, more particularly, containers and assemblies to keep food components or products contained within separate during packaging, shipment and storage. Particular embodiments of the container assembly may generally comprise a plurality of containers. According to some embodiments, container assemblies may comprise a first container containing a first food component and a second container containing a second food component. The separated food components may be mixed together prior to consumption, if desired. 
         [0021]    As will be discussed herein, the second container (i.e., the inner container) may be nested within the first container (i.e., the outer container). The first container may comprise a retaining surface or ledge that is configured to support a corresponding retaining surface or support flange located on the second container such that the second container is retained or nested within the first container. Although exemplary embodiments described herein may comprise two containers, it is contemplated that embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise more than two containers. 
         [0022]    As used herein, food components may comprise wet and/or dry food items. Exemplary food component products may include, but are not limited to, chips with sauces, meat dips with chips, oatmeal with fruit toppings, potatoes with flavorings, yogurts with toppings, noodles with toppings, and meats with vegetables or other side dishes. Embodiments of the present disclosure may hold or contain any combination of food component products in which separate storage and/or packaging is desirable to enhance or maximize flavor, freshness or other qualities, and which then may be combined for consumption. Although embodiments may hold or contain food component products that are combined for consumption, it is contemplated that containers described herein may also hold food component products that need not necessarily be combined for consumption, or products that are not intended for consumption. 
         [0023]    Referring now to the exemplary container assembly illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1G , a first or outer container  20 , which is illustrated as an exemplary cup or bowl, may have a generally frustum configuration with a generally flat circular shaped outer container base  24 . An outer container wall  32  may extend upwardly from the perimeter of the base  24  of the outer container  20 . As illustrated, the outer container wall  32  may taper inwardly from an upper portion of the outer container  20  to the base  24 . According to some embodiments, the outer container  20  may further have a slightly concave center section  28  within the base  24  as viewed from the bottom. It is noted that the outer container  20  of some embodiments may not comprise a concave center section  28 . It is also contemplated that the outer container  20  of some embodiments may not be of a generally frustum configuration and/or have a base  24  that is not circular (e.g., rectangular, elliptical). Generally, the outer container  20  may have a retaining structure or ledge  100  configured to retain an inner container  60  within the outer container  20  (described herein below). 
         [0024]    More specifically, referring to the particular embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1B-1D , the outer container wall  32  may transition into a circumferential ledge  100 . A circumferentially extending outer container neck  104  may extend from the ledge  100  and transition into an outer rim  112  that extends outwardly from the ledge  100 . According to some embodiments, the outer container wall  32  may comprises a perimeter shelf  48 . A portion  40  of the outer container wall may extend upwardly from the perimeter shelf  48  and transition into the ledge  100 . According to other embodiments, the outer container wall  32  may not include a perimeter shelf  48 . 
         [0025]    A second or inner container  60 , illustrated in FIGS.  1 A and  1 E- 1 G, may also have a generally frustum configuration corresponding with the configuration of the outer container  20 . The inner container  60  may have a generally flat circular shaped inner container base  64  having a slightly concave center section  68  as viewed from the bottom. It is noted that the inner container  60  of some embodiments may not comprise a concave center section  68 . It is also contemplated that the inner container  60  of some embodiments may not be of a generally frustum configuration and/or have a base  64  that is not circular (e.g., rectangular, elliptical, etc). 
         [0026]    An inner container wall  72  may extend upwardly from the perimeter of the inner container base  64  such that the inner container wall  72  tapers from an upper portion of the inner container  60  to the inner container base  64 . Similar to the outer container  20 , the inner container  60  may have a circumferentially extending inner container neck  80 . The inner container wall  72  may transition into a shoulder  88 . The shoulder  88  may extend outwardly from the inner container wall  72 , and the inner container neck  80  may extend upwardly and transition into an outwardly extending support flange  120 . The inner container neck  80  may extend inwardly toward the support flange  120  at an angle with respect to the outer container wall  32  such that friction between the inner container neck  80  and outer container wall  32  may be minimized during nesting and denesting. According to other embodiments, the inner container wall  72  may transition directly into the support flange  120  without inner container neck  80  and shoulder  88 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , the support flange  120  of the inner container  60  is configured to correspond to the ledge  100  of the outer container  20  such that when the inner container  60  is placed in the outer container  20  (i.e., when the container assembly  10  is assembled), the support flange  120  rests upon the ledge  100 . As illustrated by the exemplary container assembly  10  in  FIG. 1A , the inner container  60  may be nested within the outer container  20  such that a first food component may be stored within the outer container  20  in an outer container product storage area  22  and a second food component may be stored within the inner container  60  in an inner container product storage area  26 . As such, the two food components may be separated during packaging, shipment and storage. Additionally, dividers may be positioned within the storage areas  22  and  26  to create additional storage compartments therein. The consumer may then remove the inner container  60  from the outer container  20  and empty the contents of the inner container  60  into the outer container  20  or vice versa. 
         [0028]    One or both containers  20  and  60  may be molded of suitable flexible plastic such as polypropylene or polyethylene, or more rigid plastic materials. One or both containers  20  and  60  may be formed of heat resistant microwavable materials to enable the food components to be heated in a microwave oven. 
         [0029]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2D , another exemplary embodiment of the container assembly  200  generally comprises a plurality of containers. Referring to  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C an exemplary outer container  220  has a generally frustum configuration with a generally flat circular shaped outer container base  224  having a slightly concave center section  228  as viewed from the bottom. A circumferential outer container wall  232  may extend upwardly from the perimeter of the outer container base  224  such that the outer container wall  232  tapers from an upper portion to the base  224 . According to some embodiments, the circumferential outer container wall  232  may transition into an outwardly extending ledge  248 . A circumferentially extending outer container neck  240  may extend upwardly from the ledge  248 . The outer container neck  240  may transition into an additional outwardly extending ledge  256  from which an additional circumferentially extending outer container neck  252  may extend. The additional outer container neck  252  may then transition into an outwardly extending circumferential outer rim  290 . Although  FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate an outer container  220  having two necks  240 ,  252 , some embodiments may comprise only one circumferential neck and ledge (e.g., neck  240  and ledge  248  or neck  252  and ledge  256 ). 
         [0030]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 D, an inner container  260  may also have a generally frustum configuration with a generally flat circular shaped inner container base  264 , having a slightly concave center section  268  as viewed from the bottom. A circumferential inner container wall  272  may extend from the perimeter of the inner container base  264  such that the inner container wall  272  tapers toward the base  264 . The circumferential inner container wall  272  of the inner container  260  may transition into an outwardly extending ledge or shoulder  288 . A circumferentially extending inner container neck  280  may extend from the shoulder  288  to an outwardly extending circumferential support flange  320 . According to some embodiment, the inner container neck  280  may extend toward the support flange  320  at an angle such that the circumferential inner container neck  280  bends slightly inward with respect to the outer container neck  240  and/or outer container neck  252 . A seal may be coupled to the support flange  320 . According to other embodiments, the inner container wall  272  may transition directly into the support flange  320 , thereby eliminating the inner container neck  280  and the shoulder  288 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 2B , the circumferential support flange  320  of the inner container  260  is configured to correspond with the circumferential ledge  248  of the outer container  220  such that when the inner container  260  is placed in the outer container  220  in an inverted position (i.e., when the container assembly  200  is assembled), the circumferential support flange  320  rests on the outwardly extending ledge  248 . The circumferential support flange  320  may also be of a diameter such that it rests on the ledge or shelf  256  formed by the additional outer container neck  252 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the outer container  220  may be sealed with a heat seal  400 , which may also comprise a pull tab  410  for removal of the seal  400  from the outer container  220 . 
         [0032]    As previously stated, the containers and their similar equivalents that have been described herein need not be cylindrical or of frustum configuration, but may be oval or polygonal in configuration. Moreover, it will be understood that the containers can range in size and depth so that when assembled, containers of different interior volume can be established. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 2A , the inner container is prevented from substantial lateral movement, however, it is generally free to move upward. 
         [0033]    In addition, any number of containers can be utilized and contain any number of sealing members, including lids between or enclosing the containers. For example, the nested containers may be heat sealed such that the inner container is sealed to the outer container and then provided with a lid. In an alternative embodiment, the nested containers may be clip sealed and then lidded with a shrink band to provide tamper evidence and ameliorate food safety concerns. In yet another alternative embodiment, the nested containers may be individually sealed depending upon the nature of the food components, and then provided with a lid. According to some embodiments, the inner and outer containers may function as an eating vessel, thus facilitating portability for both the end user who consumes the food components and intermediaries who may package or ship the item, as well as flexibility in offering the food components, such as by vending machine. Pull tabs may also be included in the container assembly to aid in the removal of the inner container or containers from the assembly. Because the two containers (or in other embodiments, more than two containers) are nested, the overall assembly is compact and uses less shelf and storage space. 
         [0034]    The foregoing description of the various embodiments and principles of the inventions has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Moreover, although many inventive aspects have been presented, such aspects need not be utilized in combination, and various combinations of inventive aspects are possible in light of the various embodiments provided above. Accordingly, the above description is intended to embrace all possible alternatives, modifications, combinations and variations that have been discussed or suggested herein, as well as others that fall within the principles, spirit, and broad scope of the various inventions as defined by the claims. 
         [0035]    It is noted that recitations herein of a component of the present invention being “configured” to embody a particular property, or function in a particular manner, are structural recitations as opposed to recitations of intended use. More specifically, the references herein to the manner in which a component is “configured” denotes an existing physical condition of the component and, as such, is to be taken as a definite recitation of the structural characteristics of the component. 
         [0036]    Having described the invention in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of the invention.